Our Conclusions and Analyses:

Read our opinions on the hairstyles of Generation X, and take a look at what some of our fellow Xers have to say. . .

The best way to define Generation X is not to: we're a generation that shys away from hype and trends, and we prefer individuality and eccentricity rather than conformity. Some of our older critics have said that we've failed to create a distinct youth culture. We've even been labelled dull by these same people, people who beam with pride when they speak about their past days in the youth spotlight. Nonsense! Our generation is not one that should be called dull simply because we weren't the first group of kids to wear bell bottoms, start a femenist movement, or protest a war. The uniqueness and diversity of members of Generation X-and our desire to be individuals-is a characteristic to be proud of.

One of the most interesting methods of displaying individualism is our appearance. Our appearance is a way of presenting ourselves to the world; it is a reflection of each person's uniqueness and spirit. When it comes to hairstyles, members of Generation X never fail to display the personal creativity and individual differences we are so noted for. Unlike other generations that have a certain hairstyle linked with them-the bob of the 1920's flappers, the beehive of the 1970's-Generation X has produced a plethora of different hairstyles. Says fellow Generation Xer Katy Cavanaugh, "My mom and all her friends used to sleep in rollers every night." Such is not the case nowadays, as Katy so eloquently puts it. "I can't imagine myself ever doing that!" she exclaims. Members of our generation appreciate diversity, and we would rather not look exactly like the person sitting next to us. The vast number of different hairtyles seen today are evidence of our individualistic sense as a generation. Some of us opt to put screaming colors, such as green and orange, in our hair. Some of us wear braids or tattered dredlocks. Some of us wear mohawks, and some of us prefer not to have any hair at all. Whatever the case, we Generation Xers have made a clear statement with our hair: we aren't here to be labelled or to conform to any standards; we are individuals who deserve to be recognized accordingly.

Here's what some fellow members of Generation X had to say about hair....

"I want to shave my head so I can look like a lesbian." -Abby, age 17

"Hair is who you are, and a piece of you is expressed in every strand." -Laura, age 19

"Boredom dyes its ugly head." -Brian, age 20

"I don't like to mess with it." -Ryan, age 19

"Like everything else, hairstyles go in cycles. So its just a matter of time before the Gheri Curl is back in style." -Leah, age 19

"Hair is hair. Sometimes you wear it, and sometimes you wear a hat." -Adan, age 18

"Hair is a vital part of expression of the individual." -Justin, age 18

"Be gone the blue collar hairstyle." -Chris, age 20

Some may say that the youth today is influenced by the media, which could explain why the "Rachel" haircut (from Friends) was so popular, or why people emmulate hairdos of bands like the Smashing Pumpkins. This may be true, but Erin and I look at the reasoning differently. We see hairstyles as a form of self-expression, an individual thing. This world is made up of leaders, followers, and non-participants. Not everyone has the guts to dye his or her green, not everyone wants to look "normal", not everyone cares how his or her hair looks. However, all of these people are individuals, and these choices make up a small facet of their personalities.

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