The Flying Machine

So, first: can you believe Shaq is currently the oldest player in the NBA?

Secondly, from The Awl:

The most unmistakable of these signs, for me, has been that I’ve finally come to understand, after years of seeing things indignantly from the other side, just how hard it is to take seriously people who are younger than you. A few years ago, when Jay McInerney wrote in the Times Book Review about a friend of his who insists that authors in their twenties have nothing to say, I harumphed. This felt to me, at twenty-three, abuzz with the conviction that I would soon have a home in the literary firmament, like being ushered toward the kids’ table. What transparent jealousy on the part of this unnamed friend! What narrow-minded nonsense!

And yet. I open the Book Review now and see a new novel by a twenty-three-year-old and I think: eh. I read on Pitchfork that a band of twenty-year-olds from New Jersey has made an important debut album and I think: no they haven’t.

Most of the time, in most professional situations, I'm the kid. I'm younger than most of my peers, and because of my job title (Executive Director) folks tend to slap 5 years on me (which works to my professional benefit) - but I'm still clearly younger. Pretty much always.

But lately, I've caught myself raising an eyebrow at the newest contingent of under-25's in the food world - you? how'd you get that plum writing gig at X or X blog? Why are you speaking at X conference? You don't know what a food hub really is!. Except... that was me. Just a few years ago. How am I now the veteran with a jaundiced eye, cynical from talking to so many people with such half-assed business ideas, the grueling pace of grant cycles?

Part of the problem is the new kids never want to acknowledge the work of those who came before. Y'all, this is a big one. You want to be taken seriously by the big kids in the room? Do your homework. Praise the groundwork they laid. Admit your job would be way harder without it. THEN tell me all about your brilliant new idea. I'm stoked to hear about it.