A new report in the Journal of Social Psychological and Personality Science notes a recent study suggesting that exposure to organic food can “reduce pro-social behavior” and “harshen moral judgments.”
Folks of the sustainable sort like me are offended by the very suggestion. We like to think we are naturally benevolent and cruelty-free toward all living things.
(Well, except for farmers who use chemicals, anyone who praises GMO crops, foie gras eaters, and parents who allow their kids to ingest Lucky Charms.)
Having lived in Boulder since the dawn of natural foods, I know this self-congratulatory species and their withering stares at my grocery selections.
At least some of the time, I’m one of those snobs. I’m aghast at people’s unwillingness to cook tastier, healthier food from scratch for their families.
I’m not surprised by the study. That harsh moral judgment is part of almost every religion. Interesting, isn’t it, that all major faiths have dietary restrictions of some sort?
Sustainable living requires faith and staying on the path. As the path becomes more restricted — reduced calories and fat, all-organic, gluten-free, raw and vegan, the prejudice against non-believers naturally increases. The food is even marketed using moral terms such as “honest,” “real,” “pure” and “smart.” It is defined primarily by what it doesn’t contain, i.e., cage-free, hormone-free, and pesticide-free. You live outside the culinary norm and have to defend your culinary choices. You shop and dine with your fundamentalist tribe. You wouldn’t want your daughter to wed a carnivore.
People of the organic/vegan/fair trade persuasion can also be evangelical and/or obnoxious. The devotees feel driven by faith to bring loved ones toward the happier, healthier light.
The rest of you are forewarned: The Green Meanies are coming and they’re going to make you eat kale.
COLORADO FOOD NEWS
According to National Restaurant Association projections, Colorado restaurants will add about 10,800 jobs this summer for a total of 197,100 positions in the state. … For no apparent reason, Golden’s MillerCoors is introducing a malt beverage infused with coconut water called Coco Breve. … The annual Dining Out For Life benefit at hundreds of metro-area eateries on April 26 raised more than $330,000 for Denver’s Project Angel Heart.
EATERY UPDATE
Tacos Selene recently opened at 15343 E. 6th Ave. in Aurora. … Chef Jenna Johansen, Denver’s contestant on “Around the World in 80 Plates,” has made the cut three weeks in a row. … Denver-based Chipotle opened its first Paris outpost featuring burritos with “riz complet, haricots noir ou haricots pintos cuisines avec bacon, viande, salsa et fromage ou creme aigre.”
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
“On the subject of spinach: divide into little piles. Rearrange again into new piles. After five of six maneuvers, sit back and say you are full.”
– Delia Ephron, from “How To Eat Like A Child”
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