As a parent, I often find myself exasperated when my children request to see the latest photo I’ve snapped on my phone. Instant gratification, I mutter under my breath. They’ll never experience the anticipation of dropping off a roll of film at the local pharmacy, checking the box for doubles for friends, and then waiting several days to pick up the developed photos.
For my kids, who have grown up in a world dominated by rapid technological advancements and constant engagement through social media and emojis, the thrill of passing handwritten notes in class is a foreign concept. Yet, I cherish the memories of discreetly slipping folded notes to my fifth-grade crush—my only boyfriend—but oh, those weeks were delightful.
I was born in a unique time that bridges Generation X and Generation Y, more commonly known as Millennials. This places me in a microgeneration referred to as Xennials, a term that combines elements of both groups, signifying a pivotal point for those born between the late 1970s and early 1980s.
While the origins of the term “Xennials” are debated, it made its way onto Merriam-Webster’s “Words We’re Watching” list in 2017. Some even call us the Oregon Trail Generation—who could forget the thrill of navigating the challenges of that classic game? We faced dilemmas like a broken arm or losing supplies to a wagon fire, all while trying to avoid the dreaded dysentery. We are also known as Generation Catalano, a nod to the blue-eyed angst and romantic frustrations embodied by characters in pop culture.
Xennials represent a blend of two distinct generations. While we’ve largely escaped the hardships associated with Gen X, we don’t wholly embrace the idealistic view often attributed to Millennials. Instead, we carry a sense of jadedness mixed with a bit of entitlement, all while feeling nostalgic yet curious about the future. In my opinion, Xennials hit the jackpot being born at this crossroad of time.
Millennials may not realize that we were the original selfie enthusiasts, using 35mm cameras to capture our moments. With no filters and minimal attempts at perfect angles, we snapped photos with hope and laughter, eagerly awaiting the glossy prints that chronicled our youth.
We experienced a taste of instant gratification through Polaroids, but we truly grew up with film, transitioning into the digital age and marveling at the capabilities of our smartphones.
When it comes to communication, we can recall the days of rotary dial phones and the limitations of being tethered to a wall. We enjoyed the freedom of cordless phones, only to be let down by low battery warnings. From pay phones and pagers to flip phones and the latest iPhones, we have witnessed technology evolve in real time, growing alongside it.
Our childhoods were filled with iconic films—from Rocky to Star Wars and The Princess Bride. John Hughes’ movies felt like our personal diaries brought to life on screen, capturing the essence of teenage experiences, especially for young women. While we once idolized films like The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles, we now recognize the problematic portrayals of women and minorities in those narratives, advocating for better representation for ourselves and future generations.
Being a Xennial means navigating the space between two well-defined generations—caught in a balancing act of energy, decision-making, and sometimes discomfort. Yet, this duality can also bring benefits. Unlike Gen X, we embrace technology; unlike Millennials, we appreciate it and recognize how it has enhanced our lives.
We cherish memories untainted by social media pressures, unlike the current generation. We recall the sound of a dial-up modem, the hefty phone bills that came with it, and the frustration of tying up the phone line, much to our parents’ chagrin.
From vinyl records to mixed tapes, CDs, and now streaming, Xennials have adapted through the technological shifts that have transformed how we consume music and media.
In many ways, we embody the spirit of Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” a tune I once used to spark discussions in a junior high history competition.
Xennials take pride in the slow, painstaking moments of our youth while being acutely aware of the fast-paced world ahead. We embody the blend of “Stop to smell the roses” and “Hurry up and show me what’s next.”
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Summary
Xennials, a microgeneration straddling the line between Gen X and Millennials, hold a unique perspective shaped by the transition from analog to digital. They appreciate technology while reminiscing about a simpler past, navigating life’s complexities with a mix of nostalgia and forward-thinking.