I always wondered if Gen X had less of a problem with the speed of progress, and more of a problem with how they were taught to identify themselves. Not “taught” in an active sense, necessarily, but in a more deeply rooted sense. And that’s just it - they weren’t given strong roots.

Talking to my mom, it seems like that era was defined by a strange kind of escapism. Not from anything terrible, mind you - but from the burden of having to define oneself and commit to that process in a finite way. People of that era seemed to be running from the very principle of active personhood in general.

So much had been called into question - truths, assumptions, social systems - and the dust was still in the air after all those transformations. Gen X was stuck in the dust laden air and had to find their way. Maybe they still are.

But that escapism coping method came at a cost, and I think Gen X has always felt untethered. It’s just that the feeling has grown more pronounced in a world that changes at warp speed. It’s one thing to travel that fast when you have firm footing. It’s another thing to travel fast when you aren’t sure what you can grab onto for support.

I hope to watch this film today, and I really enjoyed your insight and the talented way you write it out!