01-15-2010, 09:41 AM
M>B> wrote:I already know the "lowdown". The general American culture regarding the production and consumption of food has a buttload of problems that need to be sorted out. But having Food, Inc., Supersize Me, Fastfood Nation, et al dragged out and waved around (along with the almost requisite 'Fastfood?? OMG, how CAN you??' screed) virtually every time even the most lighthearted discussion of food takes place has become a bit wearisome. Seen them/read them/etc. (And, I'll note, found some of them to be less than completely intellectually honest. Dabbling to a degree in the same form of propaganda for their own ends as the food industry does for theirs.) It's as if the perils of alcoholism and drunk driving were run up the flagpole every time someone asked, 'Chicken and fish, red or white?'.
You want the lowdown...
I'm sure the intentions are (mostly) good, but the Greasy Good Stuff Temperance League really can safely set down their megaphones occasionally. Fear not, precious few have not received or will forget the messages of 'obesity is rampant in the populace', 'factory farms and big agribusiness are rife with cruel and bad practice', yadda and yadda. If nothing else, the multi billion dollar diet industry, PETA, and assorted other interested parties will keep the banners waving.
People are aware. Struggling with answers on personal and cultural levels. But the journey to a better place, like that too long drive to Disneyland, goes no faster than it goes even with a relentless 'Are we there yet? Are we there yet?' cant as a persistent refrain from the back seat. In the meantime, in all things, both consuming and redeeming, moderation, remains as sound advice as ever. :biggrin: