Article June 29, 1998 Issue

GenXers: Peter would have loved them

They're twenty-something, revved, and ready to make their mark.

By Diana Davis Butler

THE WORLD WATCHED as America's much-vaunted snowboarders considered defying Olympic traditions by refusing to wear the official team costume, in order to defend their individualism. These talented young athletes are among those who are often referred to as Generation X.

Television programs and advertisements have glorified the Generation X approach to life. The extreme attitudes, risks, and lifestyles seem to promise extreme rushes of joy. And when the challenges are mastered and no longer provide a thrill, the search for even more extreme risks begins. Life is symbolized by a mad, barely controlled dash down the mountain—with the ride often being more important than any accomplishment along the way.

Well, this group was remarkable for something else at the Olympics. When their certain "favorites" didn't win the expected medals, they didn't stomp off in a self-indulgent huff. The world got to witness some of the most gracious losers in the Winter Games. Arrogant attitudes were replaced by good sportsmanship, and even humility. Humor, courage, and joy appeared where defiance and bravado had previously overshadowed everything else.

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