Generation X and Women Liberation - Essay Example

due: Generation X I was born in the mid 1970’s from Asia; I can proudly my generation as ‘Generation X. Several events, people, personalities, and effects structure my generation. They include working and independent women, technological development, political and institutional incompetence, and severe economic period. A comprehensive evaluation of a generational cluster involves a critical analysis at the political, social, and economic events that have molded the feelings and perception of the affected individuals. Although generation X was faced by several hurdles as well as stereotypes, the strong, appealing characteristics from the particular events, issues and people stem individuals born in generation X, making them extraordinary. Generation X is defined as the generation born in the years 1965 to 1980, immediately apparent in this generation after the baby boomers. This generation was named ‘X’ as the letter itself represents an unknown, mystery. This generation is better educated and more ethnically diverse (Rosen 4). In addition, this generation was raised at a period of increasing divorce rates, faltering economy, and two income families. From all generations, this is the only one that was pushed into early adulthood. The aspect of women liberation from traditional roles as only homemakers is broken in this generation. This is evident by several women joining the work force, leaving behind their infants. During this era women broke the traditional characteristic of being dependent to a man to being independent and self sufficient. The con of this move was the commencement of latchkey kids who had no choice, but to take care of themselves whilst their parents worked (Zustiak 32). I am a clear example of such children; both my parents worked, being the first born, I had the responsibility of taking care of my siblings. I can say that I took the role of my parents, and disciplined my siblings when they made a mistake. I lacked the emotional needs from my parents and turned out into an autonomous, self-reliant individual. The situation at home forced me to grow up faster, and also adapt parenting skills. This was a challenge, as I was struggling the balance of being a child, sibling and at the same time ‘a parent. This explains why individuals who are in this generation like I, demonstrate the values of resourceful, autonomy and contribution, attributes of the command of authority and structured work hours. I was raised at a time where there was the emergence of personal computers, television, and Atari 2600s. At this period, the economy changed from being a manufacturing one to a service type. My generation was the initial one to be raised with computers. I had first hand technology woven into my life. I grew up playing computer games and typing my assignments as a hobby. I can say that I have embraced and adapted technology in a broad manner; I feel that technology is part of me. Even with the current technology I am very conversant and comfortable using laptops, tablets, cell phones, and PDAs. Moreover, media exposure from television sets has brought about various cultures to my generation. This era embraced and accepted diversity. For instance, my parents made my siblings, and I understand that all families are different. This was a period faced with several cases of divorces and single parenthood. We were made to understand that no family can be the same as others, and we had to accept them without any question as they were individuals like us. Being older, I understood that certain experiences as a disagreement between parents can trigger a divorce. I came to accept such situations without judging. Being raised in a generation of tough economic period, I can adapt to any inflation period (i.e. the crisis that happened in 2008). I can live in any situation without any complaint as I have come to understand that any employment position can be lost. While growing up, I recall my uncle losing his hard earned position of an accountant during the 1980s. It was devastating as he was not yet of age to retire, he was just fired abruptly yet he was a hard worker dedicated to his employer. He used to burn the midnight oil most nights just working hard to please his employer and reduce the work load. Due to this experience, since I have started working, I have not been dedicated to only one employer. I have had several jobs, and I join a new job once I find better employment terms and financial situation. I can adapt to any work, provided I can go ahead in life. I admit I have never been committed to any employer. I am also eager and ambitious to learn new skills, and I always make my work life fun. This generation was faced by political and institutional incompetence. I can recall the international news discussing critically about the Iran-Contra political scandal. At this time of my life, I lost all my trust in the government, especially the American government. The scandal of President Clinton’s sex life just made me open my eyes and see the level of incompetence in politics. In addition, my generation has been faced with the crisis of unemployment and forced most of us to move in with our parents. It is truly devastating that institutions do not care about how this generation has suffered; showing their incompetence. This made me not have any attachment to any political party to date. I admit I am even skeptical to neither vote nor attend any political event. In regard to social changes, women have been seen to rise in power tremendously (Sanford 155). A great example is the Clinton-Obama nomination battle of 2008. This period marked a watershed as well as a historic event in the 2008 election cycle. I was happy to be in the United States at this period to witness this historical moment, which had a democratic nomination contest, an African American man vying for the presidential seat, and a woman vying for the presidential seat. Several exit polls at this time indicated that Clinton voters would forgo voting, and or defect to the Republican nominee John McCain; thus, damaging Obama’s winning prospects. Amazingly, Obama gained the support among diverse segments of the Democratic electorate. 2008 elections revealed multifaceted manners in which people’s electoral activities and experiences can be shaped by previous political events. Generation X-ers show that that they are diverse by voting for an African American as president (Zeleny, paragraph 1), as well as women empowerment. The 2009 campaign in America brought about a feminine effect making the whole world anticipate for the results as Clinton was Obama’s strongest democratic challenger. This effect churned all women worldwide making them even more ambitious that ever. This led to more women climbing higher ranks in the business world. Currently, there are more women who are CEOs. Sexual orientation in my generation was more accepting of homosexuality; going further to support same sex marriages. This sociological event happened when I became a sexual adult. I learnt how to accept and tolerate the gender roles and sexual behaviors at that time. I came to accept and understand homosexuals for what they were. This was mainly grounded by how I was raised- that I have to understand we are all different. Homosexuality is common as to the acceptance that homosexuals is in the present generation. However, this is different from the situation before the 1970’s and 1980’s as same sexual orientation was regarded as a sin and taboo. Such people would be persecuted and even killed (Spilsbury 8). This period saw the upholding of racism and slavery. These vile situations were disregarded by generation Xers. Divorce and separation cases are common in generation X as well as the new generation. In addition, women independence has been viewed in the mentioned generations. Differences in upbringing and characteristics can be viewed from both the new generation and generation X. The new generation celebrates diversity, are realistic, self inventive, rewrite rules, assume technology, and can multitask fast. However, generation-Xers accept diversity, are practical, self- reliant, reject rules, use technology, and can multitask. In conclusion, the circumstances presented in the years 1965 to 1980 made the generation at that time to be as it is perceived. Although both generations X and the new generation have some similarities, they are not similar. Looking at the baby boomers generation, generation X has proved to empower women in a positive manner by educating them and accepting them into the work force. I can strongly claim that generation X was the main pioneer that spearheaded the advancement and independence of women. This generation enabled and encouraged women to work and stop the mentality of men being the only bread winners. Just a wild thought- if women from this generation did not learn the concept of independence, when would they ever be independent? Serotypes tagging generation X are not entirely true, although they may be evident in some people. Most individuals claim that generation X was an ‘ignored generation’ this I am in complete unison, as this group is hard to understand. This is because this generation comprises of the most diverse and multiethnic groups. I am strongly convicted that my generation sparked the commencement of women independence, fostering a habitable developing globe. All in all, no matter the stereotype that generation-Xers are slackers, the world has been changed thanks to them. Works cited Rosen, Bernard C. Masks and Mirrors: Generation X and the Chameleon Personality. Westport, Conn. [u.a.: Praeger, 2001. Print. Sanford, Samuel. Civic Life in the Information Age. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2007. Print. Spilsbury, Louise. Same-sex Marriage. New York: Rosen Central, 2012. Print. Zeleny, Jeff. "Obama Claims Nomination; First Black Candidate to Lead a Major Party Ticket." http://www.nytimes.com/. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 June 2008. . Zustiak, Gary B. The Next Generation: Understanding and Meeting the Needs of Generation X. Joplin, Mo: College Press Pub. Co, 1996. Print. Read More