In early 2020, my sister, Lily, and I decided to launch a podcast. We’ve often discussed what it means to be part of Generation X, those born roughly between 1964 and 1980, and how our upbringing has influenced our perspectives. We embody a blend of cynicism and rebellion, yet we also find a strange comfort in the traditional values and gender norms we grew up with. As we approach our forties, we’ve started delving into the roots of these beliefs—and it became clear that our formative years were heavily shaped by television.
Thus, “Gen X: This is Why” was created. The premise is straightforward: we revisit iconic shows and movies from the ’70s and ’80s, recap them, and reflect on how they have influenced our subconscious. When deciding on our inaugural show, it was a no-brainer—our favorite was “Little House on the Prairie.”
Now, with over 100 episodes under our belt, I’ve gained invaluable insights. I’ve been prompted to reevaluate my thoughts on marriage, gender dynamics, community, and more. For instance, I discovered that our tendency to expect the worst may have been fueled by the constant calamities faced by the Ingalls family whenever Charles, the father, was away. This narrative of Charles saving his family became a recurring theme, and I was surprised at how deeply I had internalized it.
I identify as a feminist, or at least I think I do. Perhaps I came to this realization later than others, but since becoming a mother to twin daughters fifteen years ago, I’ve become increasingly aware of the gender inequalities that persist in a male-dominated world. Yet, each time Michael Landon, portraying Charles Ingalls, flashes that charming smile and tosses his thick, curly hair, I’m inexplicably drawn to him, feeling like a quintessential 1950s housewife. I giggle, blush, and find myself rooting for him as he defends his vulnerable family.
In the ’70s and ’80s, Caroline, or “Ma,” epitomized motherhood. I vividly recall her running out to greet Charles with open arms upon his return, always dressed modestly. However, upon rewatching the series, I realized how resilient Ma truly was. In early episodes, she often held the family together, stepping up during crises, like when she saved their livestock from a fire in “The Award.” Yet, many Gen Xers remember her more for the times she nearly suffered due to Charles’s absence.
What did young Amye absorb from these portrayals? What lessons were ingrained when Charles was consistently depicted as the heroic protector? Fast forward to today, and I’m reminded of my own daughter’s experience at a high school football game. After a boy pushed her, I instinctively questioned her boyfriend’s absence during the incident. In hindsight, I recognized that he acted wisely by alerting adults rather than escalating the situation. It struck me that my instinct was to look for a man to shield my daughter instead of empowering her to stand up for herself.
I’m on a journey of self-reflection and reprogramming. Acknowledging the underlying issues is the first step. I’ve realized I’ve often been drawn to toxic masculinity, and while there are various factors contributing to this, shows like “Little House” have certainly reinforced these notions for many in my generation.
Now, as I rewatch episodes, I’m not only battling the allure of Michael Landon’s charm but also scrutinizing the subtle messages embedded in the narrative. Themes like attending church, obeying authority, and avoiding debt emerge. While some of this originates from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books, much of it was infused by Executive Producer Landon as a conservative counter to the 1960s counterculture. This raises a dilemma: Can I embrace feminism while still being captivated by the hypermasculine Charles Ingalls? I suppose I’ll keep watching to find out.
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In summary, I find myself grappling with the contradiction of being a feminist who is drawn to the traditional masculinity embodied by characters like Charles Ingalls. As I navigate my feelings and challenge ingrained beliefs, I continue to explore the messages conveyed by the media of my youth.
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