What is it with Gen X?

If they ever were involved at all, the members of Gen X have become spectators to the events of our society.

The consequence is that some of these groups are fading away. One of those that approached me has now effectively disbanded itself at a state level. Some of them continue to exist in name only, failing to hold AGMs, but hoping that by keeping the organisation on life-support someone younger will revive them.

So what is it with Gen X?  Why have they chosen to be bystanders?  Did the baby-boomers do something in the rearing of this generation to create this?  Perhaps it was in the social activism of the baby-boomers. They were out there changing the world, and as the battles were fought and the problems addressed, their children came to know that there was no need for them to be involved.

But another explanation is the economic system of which they were a part. The advertising industry gave out a message that they could and should have it all. The advent of competition policy saw another message which is that there is always another offer in the bag, so don’t commit to the first thing that comes along. It looks like Gen X is still waiting, looking for the next big offer to sweep them off their feet.

With the upcoming triple-whammy of climate change, peak oil and population growth, and the social dislocation likely to result, who will be applying the pressure on politicians to take on the necessary responsibilities and action?

The good news is that the first of Generation Y are just beginning to become politically involved. However, this to be on an issue by issue basis, rather than supporting group infrastructure and shared history to maintain rolling campaigns.

So will Gen X take action, and urgently?  Most likely, by the time Gen X realises there is a problem to be solved, many of the groups that had the knowledge and resources to assist them will have folded.

The cost to society will be inestimable when so many of these groups no longer exist.