Generations are often defined by the history taking place around them, so the actual dates are not precise.
- The Lost Generation were people born in the 1880's who went on to fight in the War to End All Wars, which wasn't. The lucky ones who survived went on to croak during the Great Depression.
- The Greatest Generation (1918 - 1930), aka the GI Generation, were born after WWI, came of age in the Depression, went on to fight in World War II, then helped the US emerge from the rubble. Seven presidents were of this generation; 'great' is highly subjective. Term was coined by Tom Brokaw; members of this generation are now more likely to be featured by another Today show fixture, brought to you by Smucker's.
- The Silent Generation (1925 - 1940) were children during WWII, and were called "withdrawn, cautious, unimaginative, indifferent, unadventurous and silent." Last chance to remain relevant blown when McCain picked Palin as a running mate.
- Baby Boomers (1943 - 1954) were born in the post-adrenaline boredom after WWII, went on to Woodstock and Viet Nam, and decided to make future generations pay for the letdown.
- Generation Jones (1954 - 1965), so named because they were left 'jonesing' after being brought up in the optimistic 60's and then coming of age in the crappy 70's. Known for getting fired up during the Reagan presidential campaign. Serves them right.
- Generation X (1965 - 1981), a bunch of sullen whiners who came of age when the Berlin Wall fell and MTV ruled the planet. Now they write sarcastic blogs and watch American Idol.
- The only thing worse than being named 'Generation X' as a marketing term is to be lumped into Generation Y (1980 - 2001), which is an afterthought of a pejorative term. Also known as Millennials or the Net Generation, came of age during the dot com busts and apparently didn't learn much from it.
- Whoops, there is one thing worse. Generation Z (1995 - present?) , also called the Second Silent Generation. Might be defined by their highly social nature, but maybe they're just antisocial. Highly sought after by the zombies that will rise up after the swine flu pandemic.
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