Stupid NPR Interview

Yesterday on American Public Media's Marketeplace, Kai Ryssdal interviewed Barry Glassner, author of The Gospel of Food. Glassner contends that for many Americans, it's not "You are what you eat," it's "You eat what you think you are." Which I think is bullshit. Here's why:

Glassner argues that what most people are paying for in Organic food is a story. He says, [when we buy organic we are paying for] "A story about the food, a story about ourselves. That, you know, somehow if I eat something that is labeled as cage-free — in the case of eggs — that I'm saying something about myself. I'm doing something great for the world."

Well, yes, buying cage-free eggs is doing something wonderful for the world. Something wonderful for chickens and something wonderful for farmers who can get more than $.2 per egg for their work. And, no one knows that I have cage-free eggs in my fridge or that we buy organic mayonnaise. The only time it "tells something about myself" is when I'm wheeling my cart through the aisles of a natural grocery store and everyone else there is doing the same thing. It's not a topic of conversation at neighborhood cocktail parites ... "gee, Ali, this is delicious artichoke dip. Did you use organic artichokes?"

By buying organic, I'm not proving anything to anyone (although, I have to admit, I do feel a bit superior to my fellow shoppers as I cruise my silent Prius into the parking lot, with canvas shopping bags in tow).

Glassner also believes that "food has become a lot more like fashion now. What people like to say is, 'Oh, no, no, it's all about health. It's all about nutrition. It's all about being righteous.' No. It's mostly about who am I, and who am I trying to say I am? ... some of us are enjoying our food a lot more while others just torture themselves about what they buy every day."

Or MAYBE, Barry, people who eat organic are typically more conscious of what they are putting in their bodies. They are most mindful of their own personal health and the health of the world their living in. And who's to say that those of us who choose to eat healthfully and organically are not enjoying our foods?