I had a few extra class minutes yesterday and so I asked my adorable Torts class for personal advice. I know, I know, it is supposed to work the other way: they should be consulting with me about their important decisions. But I respect their opinion and wisdom and so I found myself turning to them with the following query:
If there are some forty apartments in my building and only one has children and these children live there for only half the week, what is the likelihood that I will need candy for Halloween and if I do need it, what kind should I get (notable fact to remember: any leftovers will come with me to class the next day)?
The students were more than happy to help. I heard Snickers. I heard Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. I heard Skittles. I noted to myself that a trip to Walgreen’s was in order.
But then I read Oscar’s post on Halloween candy and pangs of guilt and remorse swept over me. I was feeding America with mass-produced poisonous chemical-filled trash, to be purchased at a chain that did not need my business. And suddenly I remembered that a kind friend gave me the gift of a membership to Mifflin Street Co-op this week-end.
Obviously I could not, COULD NOT buy poisonous chemical-filled trash for my beloved adorable Torts students (to say nothing of the kids in the apartment building).
I’m breaking it to you gently, guys: forget gooey chewy candy bars and colorful nuggets of sugar bliss. We’re going with fair trade. We’re going with what is right. We’re going with… oh, let me keep the hope alive. …I'll tell you after the noon hour (the time of the class).
15 hours ago
As a scientist, I advise people to exercise caution around would-be experts who intone "It's full of chemicals". Everything is a chemical! And an expert would know that and make a more credible argument.
ReplyDeleteAlso note the alarm about "candy packaged in sizes that have gotten ever-smaller over the years".
Well, if the dreadful candy is *full of chemicals*, wouldn't the dimunition of portion size be a good thing?
I agree that less high fructose corn syrup would be great (write your elected representatives about sugar subsidies), but what's up with the angst about preservatives and emulsifiers?
I'm a sucker for a Milky Way. And sweet-salty combination of a Reese's thrills me.
ReplyDeleteI haven't had either for years. Why? Because they're all terribly unsatisfying: you can't just have one and be done with it. You always want another.
So given the fact that I myself keep away from them, I shouldn't inflict them on others.
As to the chemical thing -- I agree to a point. I'm less concerned about the chemical content of a candy bar than the way produce, meats, fish and dairy products have been treated. Though I'm no purist. I just can't get worked up over the fact that a banana that I'm eating is not organic.
So, what treat did you settle on?
ReplyDeleteOhhh, nothing that exciting: Fair Trade chocolate bars and Organic fruit strips. You know yourself that students will eat anything, but I figure I may as well support the healthier sectors of the candy-making industry.
ReplyDelete