Gen X: Age Range, Definition, and Why Everyone's Obsessed

Gen X: Radicalized, Jobless, and Invisible in Plain Sight

The narrative around generational divides has been dominated by the Boomer vs. Millennial, and now Millennial vs. Gen Z, dynamic. But a quieter, perhaps more unsettling trend is emerging: the radicalization and marginalization of Gen X. The data, anecdotal and statistical, paints a picture of a generation caught in a mid-life crisis amplified by the digital age and a rapidly changing job market.

The Sauna of Conspiracy

Gaby Hinsliff's piece in The Guardian highlights a disturbing phenomenon: the normalization of extreme views in everyday conversations. What used to be confined to the darker corners of the internet is now spilling into Aldi checkout lines and school-gate chats. Hinsliff aptly terms it "sauna politics," where conspiracy theories and extremist rhetoric are casually exchanged as if discussing the weather. It’s not just the content of these conversations, but the calmness with which they’re delivered, as if political assassination is just another topic for polite discussion.

This isn't just about a few isolated incidents. Hinsliff cites the UK Health Secretary's concern that racism is becoming "socially acceptable" again. This erosion of social inhibitions, fueled by the echo chambers of online discourse, is a worrying trend. The key point here is who is driving this shift. While teenagers and the elderly are often scapegoated, Hinsliff points to Gen X as a significant force behind the populist insurgency. YouGov data indicates a "staggeringly fast turnaround" in political allegiance among British fiftysomethings, with a significant portion now supporting Reform UK. In the US, Gen X is even dubbed the "Trumpiest generation."

Why Gen X? Hinsliff suggests it's a combination of factors: the anxieties of midlife (job security, marital stability, relevance in a changing world) and the feeling of being left behind. Gen Xers, who once saw themselves as moderate peacekeepers, are now grappling with the realization that their views may be "out of date." This sense of displacement, coupled with the anonymity and echo chambers of the internet, can create a breeding ground for radicalization. As explored in Meet gen X: middle-aged, enraged and radicalised by internet bile | Gaby Hinsliff, this radicalization is fueled by a combination of midlife anxieties and the echo chambers of the internet.

But here's the part that I find genuinely puzzling: why is there so little focus on understanding this phenomenon? Hinsliff notes the scarcity of research into how middle-aged minds are being shaped by the "great unregulated free-speech experiment." The Smidge project, a three-year study on disinformation among 45- to 65-year-olds, is a rare exception. My analysis suggests that this lack of curiosity stems from a broader societal tendency to overlook Gen X. They're not the Boomers with their perceived economic dominance, nor the Millennials with their digital native status, nor Gen Z with their woke sensibilities. They're the forgotten middle child of generations. But what if this neglect is precisely what makes them vulnerable?

Graying Out of the Workforce

The second article, an as-told-to story from Business Insider, sheds light on another aspect of Gen X's struggle: ageism in the job market. Elizabeth Davis, a 59-year-old communications professional, describes her frustrating experience of being laid off and struggling to find new employment. Despite her extensive experience, she faces constant rejection, with recruiters even suggesting she dye her gray hair.

Davis's story is a stark reminder that the digital age, while often associated with youth and innovation, can also exacerbate age-related biases. The perception that older workers are "technology-ignorant" is a common stereotype, even though, as Davis points out, anyone can learn new skills. What struck me most was the recruiter’s blatant question: "Have you thought about coloring your hair?" The subtext is clear: your experience is valuable, but your appearance is a liability. Gen X Worries Gray Hair Affects Job Search, but Won't Dye It, highlighting the pressures faced by older workers to conform to youthful ideals.

Davis's dilemma highlights a broader issue: the pressure to conform to youthful ideals in a culture that increasingly values novelty over experience. She's forced to choose between "being my authentic self and compromising my integrity." And this is the part of the report that I find genuinely puzzling. Why is experience so devalued? Why is gray hair seen as a sign of obsolescence rather than wisdom?

The number of applications Davis has submitted is staggering -- upwards of 500. And she's not alone. Anecdotal evidence (online forums, social media) suggests that many Gen Xers are facing similar challenges. The question, then, is not just about individual experiences but about a systemic problem. Is the job market actively discriminating against older workers, even those with valuable skills and experience?

The "Scientific American" article she references suggests that older workers have a cognitive advantage, able to "cut through the noise" and distinguish between real and manufactured crises. This is a valuable asset in any organization, yet it's often overlooked in favor of younger, "more innovative" candidates. It's as if companies are prioritizing the potential of youth over the proven track record of experience.

Invisible No More

The data points to a troubling reality: Gen X is facing a perfect storm of midlife anxieties, digital radicalization, and ageism in the job market. They're becoming increasingly invisible, both in the cultural narrative and the workforce. But ignoring this generation is a mistake. Their experiences, their skills, and their frustrations are a valuable resource that society can't afford to waste.