It was an enlightening experience to extensively explore Wendy’s and the Union Square Greenmarket. When observing the similarities and differences between the two, I had already expected to note that Wendy’s was cheap, and that buying food there was similar to being on a conveyer belt in a factory. The employees were very mechanical and efficient, and the consumers were part of an assembly line. I also noted that the majority of the employees appeared to be Black or Hispanic. Most of the people there were in casual attire. Wendy’s was strategically located next to several other fast food establishments. The Greenmarket was bustling, but the men and women selling their produce were calmer and generally friendlier. The social atmosphere of the Greenmarket was much more pleasant, despite the crowd and bright sun. I had conversations with the people at the vendors without feeling like I was rudely interrupting them. I also found the Greenmarket to be more diverse. Shoppers were dressed in business and casual wear.
I think that fast food is successful for a variety of reasons. First of all, it is inexpensive. One can buy an entrée, side, and drink without spending more than 5 or 6 dollars. This cannot be said of non-fast food restaurants. It is successful because it is convenient; one can eat their meal less than 2 minutes after ordering it. It is also predictable. People can visualize their options before ordering, and if they order it again and again it will taste and look the same every time. Seeking a cheap, savory, quick, and filling meal at a fast food establishment is the epitome of easy. Wendy’s, McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and other fast food restaurants are able to give their customers such remarkable service because their food is low quality, and they do not spend money or time making their food more healthy or eco-friendly. They do spend money advertising, which brings them even more sales and overall success.
The various people I met today approached food in extremely different ways. I was surprised and amused by a man at Wendy’s who, when asked why he chose to eat there sarcastically responded with, “It’s healthy and quality.” He was well aware of the unhealthy nature of the food he was consuming, but chose to eat there anyway. Similarly, a woman with a baby was defensive when approached. We requested permission to ask her a few questions about her decision to eat at Wendy’s, and she said, “I don’t want to hear about how they prepare the food or what is in it.” She probably knew that the food preparation at Wendy’s is disgusting, even wrong. She too, chose to eat there regardless. I don’t know about either of the patron’s backgrounds or lifestyles to know why they approached food so carelessly. They may have viewed food as sacred, but were unable to afford or spend time searching for healthier options. Perhaps they did not care about the consequences of eating badly because there were even worse or more draining things occurring in their lives.
The people I encountered at the Greenmarket seemed very zealous and educated regarding food. They happily supplied specific answers to all the questions we asked about their products. They thought it important that they serve their customers by giving them variety, health, and fair prices. They wished to leave a small carbon footprint, and serve animals by giving them a happy life before slaughter. One woman brought wild, foraged mushrooms to sell. There were many different kinds. When asked if food was sacred, she said, “Yes, food is definitely sacred. But not if it’s from McDonald’s or something.” I think the customers at the two food commerce locations are essentially separated by the size of their wallets, and their choice to be aware of what they put inside them. The saying, “Ignorance is bliss” seemed totally contradicted by the happy, peaceful people at the Greenmarket vs. the impatient and unhappy people at Wendy’s.
Of the two locations, I visit the Greenmarket or similar means of food commerce more often; this is only in the past few years, however. Over the course of my whole life, my time and money spent eating fast food greatly outweighs the time and money spent eating organic, homegrown, foraged, eco-friendly, or gourmet food. Over recent years, I have become more aware of the health and global risks involved with eating fast food; and have acted accordingly. I have also come to enjoy fruits and vegetables more, which leads me to visit the Greenmarket when in search of a snack. I think that I should try to explore options at the Greenmarket more often, and hopefully substitute some of the foods I normally consume. I feel dissatisfied about my many visits to fast food restaurants, and my lack of past interest in the Greenmarket. However, admitting that my past is dissatisfying is the first step toward progressing to a more ideal diet.
No comments:
Post a Comment