What are People Born in the 90s Called?

People born in the 1990s are often referred to as the 90s generation or simply millennials. However, the distinction of people based on their birth decade is a divisive practice, often used to create unnecessary differences and promote division among groups.

The Nature of Generational Labels

As of December 27, 2023, many of us are young adults, born in the 1990s, and often identified as part of a specific generation. I, too, fall into this category, but the labeling process itself is sometimes criticized for its divisiveness. This article explores the labels given to the 90s generation and the impact of these generational designations.

The 90s Generation and Its Labels

Grouping people into arbitrary categories based on when they were born is often seen as a way to create distinctions and promote division. The people in power love to create and highlight these differences, thereby distracting individuals from shared commonalities. What we should focus on are the issues that unite us, rather than the things that divide us.

The "Not!" Generation

The 90s generation is characterized by a unique cultural phenomenon known as the “Not!” generation. This term was popularized by a common trope where young adults would sarcastically agree with someone's statement, then use the word "Not!" as a punchline to mock their ideals or predictions.

Example: '10 a cup designer coffee is always gonna be cool.' 'You should know your ability to predict the future is on par or better than 1-900-Call Miss Cleo… Not!' This phrase was often used to discredit someone’s nostalgic or past-centric views on current trends or future predictions, highlighting the irony and contradiction in such claims.

Why the "Not!" Generation Matters

The "Not!" generation reflects the skepticism and skepticism towards traditional views and predictions in the 90s. It signifies a more demanding and critical attitude towards collective nostalgia and cultural norms. The use of "Not!" became a way to challenge and ridicule one's overly optimistic or retro views, leading to a more thoughtful and analytical approach to life and the future.

Conclusion

The term "people born in the 90s" encapsulates a unique generation that embraced a significant era of cultural and technological change. While labels such as "90s generation" and "millennials" can be useful for broader categorization, they should not be used to perpetuate division and misunderstanding. Instead, we should focus on the commonalities and shared experiences that define us as a generation.

Through stories and cultural tropes like the "Not!" phrase, we can better understand the mindset and values of the 90s generation, fostering a more unified and inclusive perspective.