Generation X is a sandwich generation and is becoming the elder population now in many families. Generation X goes from 1965-1980. It is the generation of latch key kids. The generation of the beginning of computer technology usage. The generation that grew up listening to the best music ever made by great artists and bands. The generation that learned family values, hard work, family, faith and friends are the basis of a good life. The generation that saw their parents work hard for what they had. A generation that got their tail beat with a belt if they messed up at school. A generation that did not talk back to adults, teachers and parents. A generation that got to play outside in the summer , winter, fall and spring. We went outside in the heat or freezing cold.
We learned how to camp, make a fire, change tires, pay bills, type, cook, clean and learned from our older siblings and cousins that life was not fair. We played in the creeks, ponds, woods and shot each other with BB guns and pellet guns. We played tackle football with out uncles and cousins and regardless of age you got tackled and hit hard. If it was not broken or bleeding we played sports and stayed in the game. We got cut if we were not good enough to make the local little league team in sports. Our parents made us finish what we started and taught us that loyalty is above our personal feelings. We learned that feeling sorry for ourselves just made things worse in the long run.
We witnessed the fall of the Berlin Wall. We witnessed the blowing up of the space shuttle. We made it through the Cuban Missle Crisis, Cold War with Russia, Aids Pandemic, Covid and other world issues. We witnessed or fought in multiple wars overseas. We slid down 125 degree metal slides in the middle of July. We got tossed off of playground equipment rotating around 100 MPH (seemed like). We rode bikes all day for miles when out of school. We saw the best toys come to life such as GI Joes, Star Wars, Barbie, Tonka Toys, Weebles, Hot Wheels, and great board games. We went outside and did not come in until the light came on. We drank from the water hose (no bottled cold water) available. We ate bananas, bologna, and ham/cheese sandwiches for lunch. We ate whatever mom put on the table and did not bitch about it.
We all ate peanuts and stuff that half the population is allergic to nowadays. We rode in the back of a car full of kids and groceries with no seatbelts and both parents smoking. We got hit upside the head or thumped at church if we were acting up or not paying attention. We got paddled at school and then again took a belt when we got home. Our parents did not go after the teacher and take our side. If the school called home we were going to get a whooping. We plowed gardens, mowed the lawn, took out the trash, cut wood, used chain saws. We were expert tree climbers and could always find a nice deep creek to swing on a rope and fall into.
Our parents were supportive and always there. They took care of us but held us accountable for our decisions. You get arrested, you stayed overnight or a few days to get the idea that our parents wouldn’t put up with your bull shit behavior. We had bullies, jocks, geeks, nerds, emo’s, and every other kind of classification in school. We stuck to our own and didn’t give a crap about color or race. We earned it or didn’t get it.
This is a lot and I could go on and on. So here is a recap as to why we tend to stay out of politics, religion, LGBTQ, He/She, racism and all the other crap that has engulfed the younger generation. If we did not like an idea, moral, value or something that seemed against our thought process. We simply stayed away from it. We had straight, Bi, Gay and every kind of person back in the day. Difference is we didn’t care who they loved or how they dressed. Because those that chose to be different did not cram their lifestyles down our throats. We grew as a nation of different beliefs, values and morals but could still agree to disagree and get along. We don’t like to fight, but if you want to we will bust your ass in a heart beat. We will remain out of things until pushed to get involved. We really DGAF about your emotions, feelings, needs, wants or desires.
We vote and if we win good. If we lose well then we wait until it cycles four years and hope for change. We do not blow things up, tear up cities, live off the government, make babies with five different guys and expect someone else to take care of us. We went to college and borrowed money and paid it back, because we borrowed it. I pray some young people read this and see that being Gen X was awesome and a once in a lifetime chance. I pray our young people learn to seek God, family, friends and make a better life by working hard and earning life. Nothing is free or should be other than love. Quit feeling sorry for yourself and asking others to bow down to your special feelings and suck it up butter cup.
We DGAF so do not FAFO with Gen X folks. We may be older, but we know how to survive, take care of ourselves and family. We can get it done by hard work and being hard headed. We learned the hard way and expect you young folks to do the same. When it gets tough, we make it through the sickness, disease and hard times. Learn from a Gen X and see how that changes your attitude on life.
Coach B
Generation X Blogspot 
Leave a comment