The World’s Supply of Yarn is in Danger…

Summary

The web content discusses the author's reflections on generational labels, particularly the introduction of "Generation Alpha" and the author's self-coined term "Meh-llennials," while critiquing the tendency to romanticize future generations and demonize past ones.

Abstract

The article delves into the concept of generational identity, questioning the naming conventions and the permanence of these labels. The author, born in 1980, feels disconnected from both Generation X and Millennials, proposing the term "Meh-llennials" to describe those who share Millennial values but also experience a sense of disillusionment. The piece also touches on an article about "Generation Alpha," suggesting a potential shift in behaviors and interests compared to Generation Z, such as increased time spent on non-digital activities. However, the author cautions against prematurely idealizing Generation Alpha, using humor to highlight the potential unintended consequences of trends, such as a "crippling yarn shortage" from increased knitting. The author acknowledges a broader societal pattern of romanticizing the future and criticizing the past, recognizing their own role in this cycle while expressing a lack of motivation to change it.

Opinions

The author is skeptical about the term "Generation Alpha," suggesting it may not stick, much like the now-defunct "Generation Y."
They reject the label "Millennial" and do not fully identify with Generation X, leading to the creation of the term "Meh-llennials."
The author is critical of the tendency to idealize future generations, such as Generation Alpha, and is wary of the accuracy of such assessments given the youth of its members.
There is a humorous suggestion that the increased interest in handicrafts among Generation Alpha could lead to a yarn shortage.
The author admits to a personal and societal inclination to romanticize the future and criticize the past, while also noting a lack of desire to take action on this insight.

Grass is always greener for the next generation…Image by Agnieszka from Unsplash and modified by me

Let’s talk about romanticism. I’ve been publishing ARTICLES about the differences between the various generations. I came across THIS ARTICLE, that explains more about “Generation α” (hereafter referred to as Gα, pronounced “Galpha”). The cohort after Generation Z (how about “GeneraZion?”). I’m not sure how I feel about the name “Generation Alpha”. Thing is, it probably won’t stick. For instance, up until recently I considered myself a member of Generation Y. Come to find that “Generation Y” is now defunct.

I refuse to call myself a “Millennial” (ugh! I hate that term, when you see it written in one of my articles, read it with a high pitched and nasally tone; the way it’d sound when you mimic somebody who’s on your last nerve.), but I’m not a fully qualified member of Generation X. You see, I was born in the year 1980. This span of 525600 minutes is sometimes given to Generation X and sometimes to “Millennials” (ugh!).

I’ve coined a new term for people like me; we are “Meh-llennials” — these are individuals who have the “Millennial” (ugh!) notion that we need to be more socially responsible and conserve. The result is a sub-generation conditioned to care more about environmental issues and what have you, but is stifled by malaise and ennui when attempting to act on that conditioning. Anyway, in the above article. The author talks about all the ways that Gα already is and will be so much better than GeneraZion. For instance,

“Almost half (48%) of Gen Alpha kids often spend time away from devices and tech, compared with just 29% of their older siblings (Gen Z).”

And

“The activities they’re interested in are more reminiscent of their grandparents than their parents, with more Gen Alpha kids (42%) enjoying handicraft activities like knitting and crochet than Gen Z kids (32%). The research shows 98% are still playing outside, and nearly three quarters (72%) are still climbing trees.’(sic).”

I’m not so keen on Generation Z, or the “Millennials” (ugh!), but the oldest of Gα (one who is a member of this generation will hereafter be referred to as a Gαite or “galphite”) is only nine years old. We shouldn’t start lauding the Gαites until we have the benefit of hindsight.

Has the author considered the crippling yarn shortage that might result from the increase in knitting? We might reconsider the real cost of device time when the number of custom knitted scarves and sweaters sinks into the toilet.

I jest.

More seriously, we sometimes have a tendency to romanticize the future and demonize the past — much as I’ve done in my attacks on Baby Boomers. Thing is, dear readers, as a “Meh-llenial”. I’ve become painfully aware of this inclination, but don’t have the desire to do anything about; so I write about it, and might someday do something about it (but not without my custom scarf if it’s cold).