Girl In 1980s Calvin Klein Jeans With A Big Comb in Her Back Pocket
A big comb sticking out of your back pocket is one of the great cultural icons of Generation X. Transport yourself back to the early 1980s and the local roller rink, and you’d surely witness a sea of...
View ArticleThe Girl in the Preppy, Monogrammed Sweater
Monogrammed Sweater, Preppy Glory One of my favorite outfits in high school was a light pink wool crewneck sweater and a pair of rose-colored corduroys. The sweater was monogrammed with my initials,...
View ArticleRhymes and Reasons: Gen-Xers in the of Winter 1974
For several weeks I’ve been trying to come up with the perfect story, song or poem to go along with these wonderful black and white photos of young Gen-Xers. They were taken at an elementary school...
View ArticleJennifer’s Jacket Is Falling Apart (Young Girls and their 1970s Coats)
It’s cold here in the city It always seems that way And I’ve been thinking about you almost everyday… From John Denver’s, I’m Sorry, 1975 These pictures remind me of a little-known song called...
View ArticleEducational Filmstrips of Lore
I remember with fondness the educational filmstrips of my school years. The Red Balloon and Leo Beuerman were among my favorites. I was so thrilled when the classroom lights dimmed and the librarian,...
View Article1983: Students Release Balloons with Messages
I’m gonna live my life Like every day’s the last Without a simple goodbye It all goes by so fast… The Williams Brothers, 1991 Twice during my childhood, I released balloons with messages. My classmates...
View Article1978 Easter Egg Hunt (Black and White Photos)
The following images were taken during a 1978 Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by a United Methodist Church about 14 miles south of Chattanooga. Despite the happy occasion, a quiet stillness emanates from...
View ArticleWeek’s Top Stories About Gen X (January 1-7)
Before we kick off the first Blue Plate Special of the year (the week’s top stories about Generation X), I want to share with you the Daily Photo. It’s Kirsten Major‘s Preppy Secrets Diary from 1984....
View ArticleStudy Reveals Gen X Women Are Social Media Addicts
According to a new study by Nielsen Generation X spends more time on social media than any other generation including Millennials. Xers spend nearly 7 hours per week on various networks versus...
View ArticleAging and Gen X: Study Reveals Xers Want To Live Past 90
Slackers Aging: The generation that’s been perpetually too young and old at the same time faces the stress of aging. Bruce Springsteen, Madonna Way before Nirvana There was U2 and Blondie And music...
View ArticleSo many great Gen-X articles + Salenger Tribute to Finney
There have been so many great Gen-X articles published recently, I feel compelled to bring back a relic from 2008: The Blue Plate Special. It was the corny-name for a weekly round-up of the latest news...
View ArticleGeneration X Pandemic Pantomime
The Generation X memes and articles during this dreadful pandemic are priceless, especially the video of the family pantomiming Journey’s Separate Ways. I love it so much! I hope it puts a big smile on...
View ArticleJacob Wetterling: Remains of Boy Abducted 27 Years Ago Found
Jacob Wetterling was abducted and killed 27 years ago today. It was October 22, 1989, when Jacob, along with his brother and best friend, rode their bikes down a rural Minnesota road. A masked man...
View ArticleLatchkey Generation
When happily ever after fails and we’ve been poisoned by these fairy tales The lawyers dwell on small details Since daddy had to fly— Don Henley’s End of the Innocence, 1989 Generation X: The Latchkey...
View Article10 Protest Songs from the 1980s
Discover 10 protest songs from the 1980s from 99 Luftballoons by Nena to Bastards of Young by The Replacements. The protest songs of Generation X explored war in the Falklands, violence in Northern...
View ArticleA Nameless, Unlucky Generation
I came across an infographic recently that highlighted food culture statistics for Baby Boomers and Millennials. Much to my surprise — or not — there was zero mention of Generation X. Maybe the food...
View ArticleChloe, Contributing Writer
My name is Chloe…. I am a quintessential Gen Xer. I have been blogging about Generation X for about five years. I currently live in the San Francisco Bay Area, and I mentor Generation X leaders. My...
View ArticleWhy Are Gen X Men Are Dying?
I never meant to cause you any sorrow I never meant to cause you any pain I only wanted to one time to see you laughing …in the purple rain –Prince, 1984 Why Are Gen X men dying at such an alarming...
View ArticleThe Monumental Grief of Lucky Lake
Through a dry and thirsty land, water from the Kenyon heights Pours itself out of Lake Sangra's broken heart There in the Sahara winds Jesus heard the whole world cry For the healing that would flow...
View ArticleChallenger Disaster: 30th Anniversary of an Obviously Major Malfunction
My good friend Chloe has written a tremendous piece about the impact of the Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster on Generation X – particularly mid-to-late wave Gen Xers who were kids sitting in...
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