Generation X has always held a unique position in American culture: the latchkey kids who grew up with a skeptical eye toward institutions, yet straddling the traditional values held by their Boomer predecessors. And nowhere is this generational divide more apparent than in attitudes toward policing. While Baby Boomers often show unwavering support for law enforcement, encouraged by the idealized images in TV crime dramas, Generation X has a far more nuanced and skeptical view, especially regarding the militarization of the police.
Boomers and the “Good Guy” Police: How TV Reinforced Law Enforcement Ideals
Since the mid-20th century, crime shows have defined public perceptions of law enforcement, depicting police as noble protectors on the front lines of justice. From early series like *Dragnet* to more recent shows like *Law & Order* and *NCIS*, television has repeatedly painted law enforcement as a force for good. In this TV-fueled worldview, officers are often shown as self-sacrificing individuals who will go to any length to protect society from violent criminals.
However, studies, such as one by Color of Change and the USC Annenberg Norman Lear Center, have shown that these portrayals are hardly objective. In an analysis of 353 episodes across 26 crime shows, researchers found a troubling trend: these shows often normalize police misconduct, such as illegal searches or excessive force, presenting it as justified and necessary to “get the bad guy.” This narrative aligns with the values many Boomers grew up with—clear lines between good and bad, heroes and villains—and over time, this has fostered a general acceptance of such policing practices. For Boomers, shaped by these portrayals, the ends always seem to justify the means.
The Slow Militarization of the Police: A Point of Acceptance for Boomers
In recent decades, American law enforcement has acquired a level of military-grade equipment and technology that would have been unthinkable in earlier times. From armored vehicles to tactical assault gear and high-tech surveillance, police departments increasingly resemble military units. The trend has accelerated since the 1990s, fueled in part by programs that transfer surplus military equipment to local police.
Boomers, influenced by years of TV shows that portrayed the police as “the last line of defense,” have largely supported this trend. They see it as a necessary response to an increasingly dangerous world—a perception magnified by the skewed portrayals of crime in TV dramas. A study highlighted by LAist found that viewers of crime shows are more likely to support aggressive policing tactics and hold exaggerated perceptions of crime rates. This aligns with many Boomers’ acceptance of police militarization; for them, better-equipped police mean a safer society.
However, the younger generations, including Gen X, often view this militarization with suspicion. To them, the sight of military-grade equipment on American streets feels like an overreach—a step away from community-based policing and toward a more authoritarian approach. Gen X, who came of age during a time of political scandals and social upheavals, are far more wary of an overpowered police force. They understand the risks of giving law enforcement unchecked power, something that often wasn’t questioned in the simplistic narratives on Boomer-era television.
Gen X’s Media Savvy and Skepticism: Questioning the “Hero Cop” Narrative
Generation X grew up in a different media environment, one where authority figures—including the police—weren’t unquestionable heroes. Unlike Boomers, who had limited channels with aligned perspectives, Gen X had cable TV, MTV, and a burgeoning internet culture that provided alternative viewpoints. They watched satirical news and commentary that didn’t shy away from questioning authority and celebrated counterculture, making them naturally more skeptical of traditional institutions.
For Gen X, the idea of police officers as “untouchable heroes” didn’t resonate the same way it did with Boomers. This was the generation that witnessed the Rodney King beating and subsequent riots, that saw publicized instances of police brutality first-hand, and that learned to discern between “what’s on TV” and “what’s reality.” They weren’t as easily swayed by the Hollywood portrayal of flawless, all-knowing law enforcement. Gen X is more likely to question the necessity of police militarization and advocate for reforms to policing practices, recognizing that more gear doesn’t equate to better justice.
The Divide Deepens: Media Narratives Fueling Differing Views on Policing
As the conversation around policing continues to evolve, the media’s role in shaping opinions remains significant. The Manhattan Institute reports that increased media coverage of police brutality and racial bias has influenced public sentiment, especially among liberals and younger generations. However, many Boomers continue to hold firm in their pro-policing stance, often viewing critiques as disrespect toward law enforcement. To them, the increasingly militarized appearance of police reflects progress and enhanced protection, not a cause for concern. They see these upgrades as necessary for a world they believe has become more dangerous—a belief fueled by decades of crime shows that overstate crime rates and violence.
Gen X, in contrast, is less inclined to buy into these narratives. While not as adamant as Millennials in their calls for police reform, Gen Xers have a nuanced perspective shaped by a lifetime of questioning authority. They value accountability and transparency over a show of force. To them, a militarized police force is not a symbol of security but a reminder of the dangers of unchecked power.
What Does This Mean for the Future of Policing?
As these generations age, this difference in attitudes toward policing could shape the direction of police reform in America. Boomers may continue to view police as heroes in need of support, leading them to endorse policies that strengthen police powers and equip them with even more advanced technology. Meanwhile, Gen X’s balanced view may influence the discourse, advocating for reforms that prioritize accountability, community relationships, and a scaling back of the military aesthetic that has increasingly defined American policing.
Ultimately, this divide highlights how media consumption and real-world experiences shape each generation’s values. Boomers, influenced by decades of idealized portrayals, are more likely to support the police and, by extension, the militarization of their operations. Generation X, however, serves as a reminder that not everyone buys into these narratives. With a skeptical eye, they continue to question authority and advocate for a more balanced approach to law enforcement—one that respects the need for public safety without resorting to military-grade displays of power.
Conclusion: A Generational Split with Lasting Consequences
As the American landscape of policing continues to evolve, the divide between Boomers and Gen X on this issue grows increasingly pronounced. For Boomers, shaped by a media diet of hero-driven police dramas, law enforcement remains an institution deserving of support—military-grade gear and all. For Generation X, however, a generation molded by satire, alternative perspectives, and real-world examples of police overreach, skepticism remains central.
In an age where televised portrayals still hold sway over public opinion, Generation X stands as a testament to the power of questioning narratives. As they influence the dialogue on police reform, perhaps they’ll bring more Americans to see beyond the screen, and to consider the real-world implications of the stories we choose to believe.
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