Summary Of The Bestest Generation By Rich Cohen

“The Bestest Generation” was published in Vanity Fair’s September 2017 issue. Through the course of the article the author, Rich Cohen, argued that Generation X is the greatest generation and even a source of hope for the future of society.

The majority of the article compared Generation X to the baby boomers and, to a lesser extent, to millennials. These generation are larger, and louder, then Generation X, claimed Cohen, yet he believed that Generation X is the one that is crucial to maintaining American tradition as we know it. He emphasis that Generation X is “Cynical, wised up, [and] sane.”

The article is more of an essay than a traditional news story, and it is not entirely fact based as it is spun around Cohen’s beliefs. However, the article fits the, admittedly looser, mold of a magazine article. It is evident that Cohen conducted thorough research on Generation X in order to write this piece as it is over flowing with pop-culture references and historical facts, cleverly used to back up his point. Some of the richest details he writes make up section the era in which both Generation X and the Baby Boomer’s grew up, including how their parents childhood effected their parenting style.

Another way in which the article reject the form of a traditional news story is by using personal pronouns.

Cohen, who is himself a member of the self-proclaimed “Bestest Generation,” speaks in first person often through out the article. At one point he includes a list of influential figures born that are part of Generation X, then follows it up with a list of his personal favourites. This writing choice is not typical, but it is suited for a magazine article as it creates a fun and readable

voice.

The article was suited for Vanity Fair as the publication is known for it’s coverage of pop culture and politics, in this article Cohen uses both of these to frame the era in which Generation X grew up, and further to show how it is the best generation. Vanity fair also frequently features essays.

Another thing Vanity Fair is known for it’s social commentary. If this article serves any purpose, it is that of social commentary. Cohen looks at our world today and analyzes both the good and the bad things happening. Then he looks at how the characteristics of different generations could affect the world in the future.

“The Bestest Generation” is a social commentary essay that uses historical facts and pop culture to further Cohen’s argument that Generation X is the best, and most important, generation. His unique style and subject matter make it a perfectly suited for a magazine, and specifically Vanity Fair.