Generation X, the cohort born roughly between the early 1960s and the early 1980s, was instrumental in shaping many cultural norms and behaviors we see today.
But while they were busy paving the way for the more socially-conscious and connected world we live in, some of their actions would likely be considered outdated, inappropriate, or even offensive in today’s environment. What was once commonplace has become the subject of scrutiny in the age of digital activism, identity politics, and social justice movements.
Let’s take a look at 8 distinct behaviors, actions, and attitudes that Gen X embraced, which, in today’s “cancel culture” environment, might not pass the test.
Littering Without a Second Thought
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Back in the day, Gen X didn’t think twice about tossing trash out of the car window or leaving litter behind at parks and beaches. Environmental concerns weren’t at the forefront of public consciousness, and “cleanup campaigns” didn’t dominate social media.
In stark contrast, today’s generation is leading the charge against plastic pollution, advocating for sustainable practices, and demanding accountability from companies and individuals alike.
Laughing at Everything
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Humor has always been a way for people to cope with difficult subjects, but in Gen X’s era, making light of sensitive topics like disability, race, and mental illness was just par for the course.
What would have been a laugh-out-loud moment back then would now likely spark outrage, with many arguing that such jokes were hurtful and harmful. The rise of social media and the fight for inclusivity mean jokes like these no longer fly.
Unsupervised Play
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One hallmark of Gen X’s childhood was the freedom to roam. From playing outside all day without adult supervision to making friends at the local park, the idea of roaming freely without a GPS or constant check-ins from parents was a sign of independence.
Today, this would likely raise concerns about child safety, and child protective services would be immediately involved in such an unsupervised situation.
Using “Gay” as an Insult
Gen X was notorious for throwing around the phrase “That’s so gay” as a casual insult, often using it to describe anything they didn’t like or think was out of the ordinary.
In today’s world, this language is considered not only offensive but also outright disrespectful, as we strive for inclusivity and acceptance of all sexual orientations and identities.
Obsessing Over Celebrity Weight
Magazines like Seventeen and Cosmopolitan were rife with body-shaming headlines, scrutinizing celebrities for their weight fluctuations and appearance.
Gen X’s media landscape perpetuated unrealistic beauty standards, and the “fat or fab” mentality reigned supreme.
Now, Gen Z is leading the charge in the body positivity movement, promoting healthy, diverse, and inclusive representations of beauty.
Pranking with Zero Regret
In the pre-smartphone era, prank calling was a rite of passage. From ordering random pizzas to pretending to be a company representative, Gen X had no qualms about disrupting people’s lives for fun.
Today, however, prank calling is seen as harassment and a violation of privacy, with the rise of internet culture ensuring that those responsible are quickly identified and “canceled.”
Boys Will Be Boys
For Gen X, the phrase “boys will be boys” was often used to justify troublesome or even violent behavior. From fighting to harassment, this saying allowed many to dismiss inappropriate actions as “natural” male behavior.
Gen Z, however, holds everyone to a higher standard, insisting on accountability, respect, and equality across the board.
Watching Problematic Shows
Gen X grew up watching shows filled with sexist, racist, and fatphobic humor, such as Married with Children and The Simpsons. Back then, these shows were considered funny, and their problematic content was largely ignored.
Today, however, these same shows would likely be called out for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and offensive humor.
