Unleash Your Inner GenX Power: Part 2 - The Generational Shadows

Welcome to Part 2 of the series, Unleash Your Inner GenX Power!

Last week I introduced you to the concept of “shadows” and gave you a 10-000-foot overview of shadow work. (If you haven’t read Part 1 of this series, I invite you to do that before reading this week’s post). This week, we’re going to explore some specific generational experiences that may have created shadows for GenX’ers.

Given our unique cultural influences, GenX’ers may have a more complex relationship with our shadow selves than other generations. GenX’ers formative years were shaped by some pretty significant events of the 70’s, 80’s, and early 90’s. Here are a few examples, along with how these events may have created shadows for GenX’ers.

The Influence of Pop Culture: GenXers grew up with a wide range of pop culture influences, from punk rock to hip hop to grunge. These movements often celebrated authenticity, rebellion, and individuality, which many in society deemed to be “unacceptable.” So, although many GenX’ers embrace our rebellious sides, there can be certain aspects of ourselves that others might see as bad or wrong, or that we believe are bad or wrong based on what cultural messages have conditioned us to believe. Consequently, we learn to relegate those aspects into the dark basements of ourselves.

The Impact of Economic Uncertainty: GenXers also experienced economic uncertainty, with many of us coming of age during recessions, downsizing, and corporate restructuring. This may have led us to develop coping mechanisms or defense mechanisms that we now recognize as shadow aspects.

The Legacy of the “Forgotten Generation”: GenXers often find themselves sandwiched between the Baby Boomers and the Millennials. As a result, we may feel caught between two competing worldviews and value systems. I mean, we are referred to as the “Forgotten Generation” after all. This can create a sense of disconnection or ambivalence that creates shadows within us.

The Role of Technology: As the first generation to grow up with widespread access to technology, GenX’ers may have a unique relationship with our shadow selves in the digital realm. We may find ourselves drawn to social media or other online spaces where we can explore aspects of ourselves that we might not feel comfortable expressing in "real life."

The Legacy of the Cold War: One of the most prominent ways that the Cold War created shadows for GenX'ers was through the threat of nuclear war. Many GenX'ers grew up in a world where the possibility of a nuclear exchange between the United States and the Soviet Union was a very real and present danger. This created deep shadows of anxiety and uncertainty, and many people lived with the fear that a nuclear war could break out at any moment.

The Cold War also had a profound impact on the culture of GenX’ers. The heightened tensions and mistrust between the United States and the Soviet Union had an impact on popular culture, influencing everything from movies and TV shows to music and fashion. The Cold War also fueled a sense of cynicism and disillusionment among many GenX'ers, who grew up with a shadowy sense that the world was a dangerous and unpredictable place.

The Impact of Being Independent Latch-Key Kids: In my opinion and experience, there are numerous shadows that may have been created for GenX’ers who grew up spending a lot of time home alone while our parents were at work. Here are a few examples:

• Self-reliance at the expense of connection: Latch-key kids often learn to rely on themselves from a young age, which can lead to a sense of independence and self-sufficiency. However, this can also lead to a reluctance to rely on others or ask for help, which can create difficulties in forming close relationships or feeling connected to others.

• Difficulty with vulnerability: Because latch-key kids often have to be self-sufficient and take care of themselves, they may struggle with vulnerability and asking for help when they need it. This can lead to a sense of isolation and a fear of being seen as weak or dependent.

• Lack of boundaries: Without parental supervision, latch-key kids may have had to set their own boundaries and rules for themselves. Although this can lead to a sense of independence and self-reliance, it can also lead to a lack of healthy boundaries and difficulty saying "no" to others.

• Fear of abandonment: Latch-key kids may have felt abandoned or neglected by their parents, even if their parents had to work and couldn't be home all the time. This can lead to a fear of abandonment in relationships and a tendency to cling to others out of fear of being left alone.

• Difficulty with authority: In the words of John Cougar Mellencamp, “I fight authority, authority always wins.” Because latch-key kids often had to make their own rules and decisions, they may struggle with authority figures or following rules that they don't agree with. This can lead to conflict in the workplace or in other areas of life where following rules and authority is necessary.

So . . . raise your hand if any of examples those land for you?

Let me pause for a moment and say that these examples are not meant, by any stretch, to suggest that GenX’ers are riddled with one problem after the next. Not at all. As we know, GenX’ers have many incredible strengths, such as our creativity, independence, ingenuity, flexibility, humor, laid back style, etc. This list of examples is provided simply to spark your curiosity about how you may have shadows that were created by significant events that occurred during your formative years.

Next week, we’ll explore the potential benefits of doing shadow work for GenX’ers.

In the meantime, I invite you over the next week to reflect or journal on this question: what events did you experience or what messaging did you receive growing up that may have created some shadows for you?

Jump into the conversation: share your reflections, questions, or insights below.