Medcalf: Gens X and Z take radically different approaches to family ties

My Aunt Eddie Marie was always nice to me. I actually can’t ever recall a moment when she disciplined my siblings or me when we visited her. It wasn’t her style. But I do remember the time we all went to the movies to see “Home Alone” and she pulled popcorn, sodas and candy from an oversized purse midway through the flick. She wasn’t going to pay those theater prices for snacks. No chance.

I used to watch the big boxing matches at my Uncle Oscar’s house on Saturday nights, and my Aunt Berda’s family – she was my day care provider – owned a convenience store. I can’t explain what it felt like to walk through the doors, grab a handful of candy, smirk at the other kids in the store and leave without paying, as if I owned the place, too.

I love that th...