Everyday aspects of growing up as a Gen Xer, which today's Gen Z may never fully grasp
In the era before voice-activated information retrieval became commonplace, the generation known as Generation X, born roughly between 1965 and 1980, relied on a different source of knowledge - encyclopedias.
Saturdays were a special day, marked by early mornings, bowls of cereal, and hours spent watching cartoons. This was a sacred ritual, a time when the world seemed to slow down, and imagination could run wild.
The process of finding information in encyclopedias was an adventure in itself. Digging through the shelves, persistently searching for the right volume, and discerning the relevant information - these were skills that were honed during this time. The unpredictability built patience and a sense of wonder, making the discovery of new knowledge all the more satisfying.
Research from Harvard suggests that regularly challenging memory and practicing recall helps build cognitive reserve, strengthening long-term mental stamina and keeping the brain agile. This is a skill that the Gen X generation developed naturally, thanks to their encyclopedia-fueled quests for knowledge.
Communication was also different in those days. Passing handwritten notes in class was a common form of secretive, risky, and emotional communication. These notes, stitched together with patience and anticipation, were more than just messages - they were time capsules of shared experiences and feelings.
The lack of smartphones and digital address books meant that knowing every friend's phone number by heart was a common skill. Plans were made over hours of waiting by the phone, a practice that might seem archaic to Gen Z.
Waiting weeks for film to be developed was another common experience. Trips to the one-hour photo shop felt like opening a treasure chest, revealing memories frozen in time. Recording songs off the radio was also a common practice, involving waiting for the right moment and dealing with the DJ talking over the intro.
Sitting through commercials and timing bathroom breaks during Saturday morning cartoons helped train Gen X's attention spans. The anticipation built into everyday habits, such as waiting for a call or a letter, fostered a sense of patience and appreciation for the moments when communication did occur.
Looking back, it's clear that the Gen X generation's childhood was marked by a unique blend of uncertainty and anticipation. These experiences, while seemingly simple, have shaped the resilience, patience, and resourcefulness that characterize the Gen X generation today.
