20 Something.
April 9, 2008 by prophecygrrl
After I wrote my last post I started thinking more about my generation. I wish that I could interview 20 Somethings around the country to get a better perspective. I always wonder what our generation will be marked by. I know what we are marked by now. So far we have the largest terrorist attack on American soil and school shootings. We have celebrity breakdowns and reality T.V. On the other hand we have the Green Revolution and a better sense of technology. We are a generation divided. I suppose every generation is divided in some way.
One thing I have noticed is the perception of our generation. When I think of 20 Somethings I think of the episode of Sex and the City that centers on the difference between the 20s and the 30s. It was that episode that made me realize this show was not written for me. That’s okay I like it anyway but I digress. In that episode 20 Something “girls” were reviled. They didn’t like them because they were younger and newer and more free. Perhaps that is why I keep hearing horror stories about people my age going to internships in New York and L.A. and getting the stink eye they whole time for being the “lowly interns.” We are just newer. We are the future now and the generations before us look to us for what is to come. That’s scary. I don’t think anyone my age is ready for that pressure.
When I was twelve I desperately wanted to be part of “Gen X.” I listened to Nirvana and wore baggy jeans and wished that I had been old enough to know what was going on in 1994. Now, however, I’m glad that I’m 23 and not turning 35 with a boring job and a kid and all that. I’m glad I didn’t grow up in a time when sex was scary and I’m glad to say that I have never known anyone who died of AIDS. As much as I love “RENT” I’m so glad that that is not me. So as stressful and crazy as my life seems sometimes, I’m glad I have my life and my generation to look forward to. I think we will do something great. We just have to get over reality T.V. first.
Dan Schawbel just wrote on the generational divide at his blog.
I never thought about it like this–sure, I’ve seen the movies and heard the horror stories about my peers in the professional world, but I don’t think I’ve internalized it.
I have been fortunate enough to speak with professionals in their thirties who are looking forward to this next generation and what they have to bring to the table. At conferences, speakers talk about how exciting it is to be our age now, how “we are the future!” and other statements ending with exclamation points. It is a lot of pressure, and I think I am looking forward to it too.
(Oh! We shouldn’t get rid of all reality TV–I don’t think I can give up Top Chef and Project Runway quite yet.)
I’m sure there are many who are glad to have us come to the table and that’s great. I think I’ll be ready for the pressure when I really have to be.
and don’t worry…I couldn’t do without Workout and The Girls Next Door…shhh don’t tell!
Rent, as much as I love it, has scarred me for life!
I was dating this actor who had lived in New York, we were having a romp in my bed when he said in the most serious tone ever, “I have to tell you something…” and he followed with, “I have HIV.” I just stared at him for a moment until he started laughing hysterically and told me he was joking. I should have just kicked him out of my bed forever. Anyway, this is only relevant because I’ve dreamed of living in New York City, but I’m pretty sure I’d have to be 100% celibate while living there because of this horrible fear Rent has given me of contracting HIV and having to set my watch (or my cell phone in this day and age) for my AZT breaks.
All I learned about HIV/AIDS I learned from Rent. They should turn that into a poster…
ha ha ha I’m sorry but that is really funny. Only because it’s so true!