Has Generation X turned into a selfish generation consumed with its own affairs? Or has it come full circle in the knowledge that if "I am happy and healthy then you will be happy and healthy too." Is there a reasonable argument for the generations before us to change our 'X' to an 'I'?

Generation "I"
by Jennifer Martin

As I sit here, popping a Prozac and thinking of my next Journal topic, it dawns on me that Generation X is the generation of "I." What do I mean by this? We think of ourselves. We try to understand the self, to know the self, to better the self. However, we are not (as a whole) ego-centric. We do consider others around us, but often in reference to ourselves.

We, more than our Baby Boomer predecessors, strive to become friends with our inner self. Take a look around you there are tons of bookstores that have self-help sections; the internet is jammed with self-help sites; journaling has grown and expanded to become almost a genre in and of itself; more and more commercials are for anti-depressants; etc.

Some non-Generation Xers say "we are a generation obsessed with ourselves." I, personally, do not agree. We are simply trying to make our lives better. We strive to be happier. That, in turn, benefits those around us. If we are happy and healthy, we can help others be the same.

Let's use my life as an example: I grew up in a dysfunctional home. (Didn't we all?) I was depressed all the time, but I didn't realize there was anything to help cure me. When I got to college, I began seeing a shrink. I opened up myself and my pain to this woman, and slowly, I began to feel better. Years later my physician prescribed Prozac. The number of people who once told me, "Smile Jenn. Be happy!" significantly dropped. I WAS smiling!

Recently, I went through a major bout of depression again, after I stopped taking the Prozac for a while. I didn't want to get out of bed. I didn't want to talk to anyone. I was highly irritable. I cried for no reason. My boyfriend was worried and experiencing a high level of stress because he didn't know how to help me. Even friends who called me noticed I wasn't happy, and they grew concerned.

When I finally went back on the medication, my entire attitude and persona changed. Not only that but the people around me changed. I knew that my mood had (and has) a direct impact on their moods. Only when I am happy and healthy can I help put them into a better mood. Only then can we share laughter and pleasant moments.

So, I think the "I" society of Generation X is a good thing. Perhaps we can help make the world go 'round.

~~~~~

Jenn grew up on the island of Maui in Hawaii, but currently lives on the island of Oahu. She is an English major at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and is currently studying to become an American Sign Language interpreter at Kapiolani Community College's (KCC) Interpreter Education Program. Jenn has had a tongue-in-cheek advice column online and on a BBS (bulletin board system) and has been published in Ka Nani (a journal based at KCC). She currently works at the University of Hawaii at Manoa in the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene doing student services. For more information, feel free to visit Jenn's web page.

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