If you thought we had enough terms to define each generation, a new word now singles out those born between 1977 and '83. Why have this coinage? Hear it from the Xennials
Shruti Seth
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People
They had an Internet-free childhood, but they typify the smartphone-wielding professional. Doordarshan was their sole source of entertainment, but today, they use TV to stream Netflix. The 36-photograph camera roll taught them to be judicious, but that hasn't made them averse to selfies. Before they had a term for themselves, those born between 1977 and '83 either belonged to Generation X (1961-1981) or Millennials (with birth years from the mid 80s to early 2000s), which seemed too large a cohort to do justice to them. And so came along Xennials.
"Normally, when you look at a generational divide, the ideal gap is of 17 years. Also, these terms are coined by American demographers, which may not hold true for the Indian scenario," says brand coach and strategist Ambi Parmeswaran. "I prefer to classify generations in India as pre- and post-Independence, and pre- and post-liberalisation," he adds.
"The one thing that sets this age bracket apart is the shift from single to multitasking. Also, many of them have kids who are teenagers, who constantly engage with technology, and as parents, they are forced to adapt," shares ad guru KV Sridhar.
What do some of Mumbai's famous 'Xennials' think of the new classification? Read on.
'I've lived an analogue life'
Shruti Seth, actor
I always felt we were Generation X or Y, and thought it a bit sad to be recognised by an alphabet. I think we should be happy we aren't millennials! The description for us Xennials, having an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood, makes sense. It is nice to remember a time when everything wasn't meant to be captured, but lived.
I remember if I went to a party, there would be one person with a camera and we would be happy to pose. But, we didn't feel the need to share those pictures with the world. As a teen, I wore the same clothes every Friday to party. Now, I rarely repeat clothes.
My generation still labours a fear that prevents them from spending more than a certain amount on a dress. Today, I see kids picking up stuff worth thousands without batting an eyelid.
Because I've lived an analogue life and enjoyed things the way they are meant to be remembered, my memories aren't dependent on my social media feeds.
Caralisa monteiro
'We thrived on creative independence'
Caralisa monteiro, singer
Those were the days when if we wanted to hear Michael Jackson, we'd travel to that one shop in town that sold his cassettes. So, we were brought up listening to music recorded and taped by music lovers. In a way, we led recyclable lives. As kids, we created our own toys instead of being handed an iPad, and that creative independence helped us thrive. While technology has its advantages, today's kids fail to depend on their souls and search for something from within, because everything they do comes from outside. That's why so much of today's music sounds the same, too.
Gaurav Kapur
'Technology isn't our oxygen'
Gaurav Kapur, producer and cricket presenter
Don't we have enough confusing terms already? When I started my career, I never imagined that one day, I would be producing solely for the Internet. It was an interesting period to be born in because just as we were nearing the end of our teens, we saw the proliferation of mobile phones and dial-up Internet. We were somewhat set in our ways, yet open to new ideas. While we aren't at a disadvantage like those 20 years senior to us when it comes to technology, it is not our oxygen either. The timeline of our birth coincided with the country's timeline of becoming a glitzy, savvy nation, and at that age we could soak it all in. Whether it was becoming more dominant in sports, or moving away from the addictively bad cinema of the '80s and the NRI films of the '90s, we witnessed it all.
Anand Gandhi
'We understand the mind of a computer'
Anand Gandhi, filmmaker
I haven't heard of the term Xennials before. The value of it would depend on the objective. If it is being used for a specific averaging of a demographic, it makes sense. But, there will be exceptions.
Some of my closest friends are Xennials and we have seen the digital evolution. When I look at a programme, I've seen its evolution from a simple code to a complex network, so I understand what is going on. It is what I call digital psychology - we understand the mind of the computer.
From scientists to filmmakers - if they've had to figure out technology and do the computing themselves, before everything became automated, Xennials have an edge.
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