As a parent, I often find myself bemused when my children request to see the latest photo I snapped on my smartphone. Instant gratification, I mutter under my breath. They will never experience the anticipation of dropping off a roll of film at the local pharmacy, selecting the option for doubles for friends, and then waiting days for those cherished images to be ready for pickup.
Raised in a digital world filled with rapid technological advancements, my children are unfamiliar with the thrill of passing handwritten notes in class rather than sending texts. Yet, I have fond memories of sneaking folded messages to my fifth-grade crush (my only boyfriend, but those fleeting weeks were unforgettable).
I was born during a unique transitional period that bridges Generation X and Generation Y, more commonly referred to as Millennials. This places me in a microgeneration known as Xennials—a term that combines aspects of both groups and represents a significant era for those born in the late 1970s to early 1980s. The origin of the term “Xennials” is still debated, but it gained recognition in 2017 when it appeared on Merriam-Webster’s “Words We’re Watching” list. This generation is also informally referred to as the Oregon Trail Generation, evoking memories of navigating the challenges of the classic educational game. Who could forget the excitement of trying to survive with Mary’s broken arm or dealing with a wagon fire?
Xennials embody a blend of two generations. We’ve avoided much of the cynicism associated with Generation X, yet we don’t fully connect with the idealistic optimism of Millennials. We possess a certain jadedness mixed with a hint of entitlement. We are nostalgic while simultaneously marveling at what the future has in store. In my view, Xennials have drawn the lucky straw by being born at this intersection of time.
Millennials might not realize that we were the original selfie aficionados. We held our 35mm cameras out in front of us, squished our faces together, and crossed our fingers for a decent shot. There were no filters or endless attempts to find the perfect angle. We took photos with hope and laughter, and when they developed, our glossy 4×6 prints were the epitome of our youth.
While we did experience some aspects of instant gratification with Polaroids, we thrived in the world of film. As technology advanced, we grew alongside it, adapting to digital cameras and now marveling at the photographic capabilities of our smartphones.
Xennials have witnessed the evolution of communication, remembering the days of rotary phones and feeling the weight of being tethered to a wall. We relished the freedom of cordless phones, only to be disappointed by low battery warnings. From payphones to pagers and bag phones to flip phones and the latest iPhones, we have navigated the technological landscape in real-time, with our lives evolving as technology did.
Our formative years were shaped by iconic films like Rocky, Star Wars, and The Princess Bride. John Hughes’ movies resonated deeply with us, portraying teenage life in a way that felt relatable, especially for young women. As we’ve matured, we’ve come to recognize the problematic aspects of those films, advocating for more inclusive representations for ourselves and future generations.
Being a Xennial means existing between two distinct generational identities—caught in the rhythmic dance between action and contemplation. This position can be uncomfortable, yet it offers unique advantages as well. Unlike Generation X, we embrace technology, and unlike Millennials, we appreciate the transformative power it has brought to our lives.
We have cherished memories that exist outside the realm of social media, free from the pressures of likes and online validation. We grew up without broadcasting our lives online. Yet, as we reconnect with high school friends through platforms like Facebook and Instagram, we reminisce about the sound of a dial-up modem and the hefty phone bills that accompanied it.
From records (and even 8-tracks) to mixed tapes, CDs, and MP3 players, we have navigated the clunky evolution of audio technology to the smooth experience of streaming and Wi-Fi.
I feel like we embody the essence of Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” a song I once used in a junior high history competition. Xennials take pride in the slow yet joyful moments of our youth, while remaining aware of the speed and conveniences the future holds. We are a blend of “Stop to smell the roses” and “Hurry up and show me what’s next.”
In summary, while Xennials may not fit neatly into the definitions of Generation X or Millennials, we find our identity in the unique intersection of these two cultures. Our experiences shape a generation that appreciates both the slow and fast paces of life, fostering a blend of nostalgia and forward-thinking.
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