Sign of the Times: What Black and White Gen X Learned from Our Parents

In this episode, I take a hard look at what we mean when we say something was just a “sign of the times.” For generations, that phrase has been used to excuse racism, discrimination, and hate — as if time alone could justify injustice.

As a member of Black Generation X, I reflect on growing up surrounded by family members who lived through segregation, the Klan, and systemic racism — yet often stayed silent about it. But there’s another side to this story: many White Gen Xers were raised by people who benefitted from or defended those same systems, sometimes passing down their biases and beliefs to their children.

This isn’t about blame — it’s about truth. Because if “Jim Crow had kids,” then Generation X inherited the responsibility to confront what our parents taught us, challenge what they couldn’t see, and choose what we carry forward.

Let’s talk about what it really means to break the cycle and stop using “sign of the times” as a free pass for prejudice.

Call to Action

💬 What did your parents or grandparents teach you — directly or indirectly — about race and difference? 🎧 Listen, reflect, and share your thoughts using #SignOfTheTimes and #GenXVoices. 📢 Don’t forget to follow for more real conversations about culture, legacy, and truth.

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