Cooking From GI to Alpha: Why I Care

While there is a lack of a clear-cut line defining the start and end of each generation, I've found that many of us identify with a certain group - some of us clinging to that designation with ferocity. My Mom barely squeaks in as a member of The Silent Generation, but trust me, she is not silent about it. Call her a Boomer, and you will regret it.

As a true Gen Xer, I love being part of the smallest and most 'whatever' group of all. I epitomize all the things - child of divorce, adaptable, resilient, sarcastic - oh, so sarcastic - and pragmatic (often to a fault). As a member of the "middle child" generation, being sandwiched between the more well-know Boomers and Millennials, I've been influenced by GI (miss you Gammy), The Silent Generation (lookin' at you Mom and Dad), to Baby Boomers, Millennials, Zs and Alphas. Being a member of my small but self-sufficient generation, I may be outnumbered, but those 'bookending generations' give me a deep well to draw from.

Each generation leaves its mark, shaping society, culture, and progress. As we celebrate our shared heritage, let’s explore cooking from GI to Alpha (And, yes, many of them are old enough to cook.)

If you care to take a deeper dive into the highlights of each generation, please look over the following high-level points. Each title provides a direct link to recipes from that era.

The Greatest Generation (GI Generation)

• Born: 1901–1927

• Key Moments: Survived the Great Depression and fought in World War II.

• Legacy: Jazz and swing music enthusiasts, embodying hard work and grit.

The Silent Generation

• Born: 1928–1945

• Characteristics: Conformist, lived through the McCarthy era.

• Influence: Shaped by post-war rebuilding and cultural shifts.

Baby Boom Generation

• Born: 1946–1964

• Iconic: Witnessed the rise of rock ‘n’ roll, civil rights movements, and space exploration.

• Impact: Defined by social change and the quest for individuality.

Generation X

• Born: 1965–1980

• Trailblazers: Introduced video games, MTV, and the personal computer.

• Adaptability: Navigated economic shifts and technological advancements.

Millennials (Generation Y)

• Born: 1981–1996

• Digital Natives: Grew up with the internet, smartphones, and globalization.

• Values: Embrace diversity, work-life balance, and social consciousness.

Generation Z

• Born: 1997–2010

• Tech Pioneers: True digital natives, influencers of social media culture.

• Resilience: Survived economic recessions and global challenges.

Generation Alpha

• Born: 2010–2024

• Emerging Innovators: Raised in a hyper-connected world.

• Potential: Poised to redefine education, work, and communication.