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I Was a 9/11 Teen
The nation’s biggest terrorist attack shaped my life
Apparently, the cohort behind my debt-addled millennial generation surpasses us in many ways. Sometimes called Gen Z, this group of kids is known for their social media savvy, workaholism, and conservatism — compared to us lazy, socialist millennials, I guess.
They’re often called the 9/11 generation because they came of age in the era when the U.S. was battling the Taliban and rolling out questionable legislation to ward off terrorists. Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Zers were the little ones growing up as American went to war.
But I was just 15 when the planes hit the Twin Towers, and I’m a millennial by every measure. This was a formative experience for me. Like many Americans, I witnessed the rare solidarity that emerged in our collective grief. It wasn't long, though, before I learned that our “freedom” was ill-bought — and that I would be perpetually divided against my neighbors.
“Support Our Troops”
Everywhere I went, I saw yellow ribbon stickers on people’s vehicles. Something bugged me about them, especially when they were dry-rotting off the car and worryingly placed next to Jesus fish and Mary Kay stickers. Looking back, I realize the self-serving purpose of this car decor. It had little to do with…
