The main difference between Wendy’s and the Union Square green market seems to be what customers want from their experience there. People who go to a green market want food that is fresh and organic, and that they will take home and cook themselves. This also means that they have the time to do that, something that Wendy’s customers might not necessarily have. The point of fast food is that it is just that- fast. While there were some people in Wendy’s who were sitting and enjoying their meals, for the most part everyone there seemed to be in a rush. This is very different from the green market, where everyone seemed to be taking his or her time.
Something else I noticed about Wendy’s was that they heavily advertise their salads, obviously to make their restaurant seem healthier. This reminded me of a study I once read about that suggested people considered themselves healthier if they considered ordering a salad before ultimately choosing something less healthy (Fries, burgers, etc.). This means that people think better of their choices if they are presented with healthier ones, even if they don’t end up actually choosing the healthier options. As if just considering getting a salad is an accomplishment in itself.
Fast food is successful because it gets people what they want quickly. Green markets are successful for the opposite reason – while it doesn’t take long to actually buy the food, most people would want to buy it and then cook it later, which takes some time. I think the middle ground between these two options would be a supermarket, such as Pathmark or C-Town. These places offer both fresh produce like a green market would (although it’s not organic), and prepared foods, which are quick and easy, like food at Wendy’s.
There is also the argument that Eloise brought up (http://ellof.blogspot.com/): Depending on where someone lives, they might not have the option of a green market (there is almost always the option of a fast food restaurant). No matter what kind of food people want, they should always have a choice- they shouldn’t be forced to choose one place over another.
Sophia,
ReplyDeleteYour second paragraph struck me as particularly perceptive - framing works.
Your use of Eloise's insight was also a good idea though you could have added more to it.
You seem to think that people have a right to unrestricted consumer choice. Do you imagine that right comes from G-d, or finds voice in the Constitution or UNDHR, or is implicit in our society?
I guess I would say it's just implicit in our society - all men are created equal and all that. Since people supposedly have equal rights, it seems like something as basic as food should be included in those rights.
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