The latest thing seems to be being a foodie. Eating food that we had never even heard of as children. Taking pleasure in the best restaurants and the finest wines. As the world has grown smaller, our choices have grown larger. And that is a good thing.
But as the foodie fad has grown, I've also noticed a backlash building. One where people are verbally attacked for where they ate dinner or what their menu consisted of that night. And that is decidedly NOT cool!
When someone posts that they are at McDonalds for instance...you will see replies stating "That place is disgusting!" "How can you even eat there?!" "Oh, gross!!" . Ok...so you personally don't like that restaurant. Have you stopped to think that the poster may be a single mom? That the dollar menu may be the only way she can afford a special treat for her kids?
Or let's use the example of chain restaurants...Applebee's, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Chili's, etc. I've seen the same kind of comments. When you make those remarks, did you know that the "2 for $20" deal may be the only way that couple can have a date night and stay on budget? That they would love to go to a high-end restaurant...but have made the conscious choice to be content with what they can afford? Have they actually responded in such a hateful manner to any of YOUR posts on what you like to eat?
Being kind is always attractive. Being a snob?? Not so much.
The following is a post from Ralph:
ReplyDeleteI'm considered a foodie. I hate that designation. I don't think I'm snobish about it and I enjoy a polish from the little trailer outside of Home Depot now and again and we won't discuss the donuts at my local store.
What we do is avoid national chain restaurants. This is not because I look down my nose at the food quality. I want to support our home grown restaurants. I want to support the variety and the differences. Some times it's great, others not so much. The money all stays here, supporting local wage suppliers, local wage earners who in turn support business here also.
It also supports community. Chili's is a fine restaurant but if I were to come to Austin TX. would you suggest going to Chili's to get a flavor of the town? Is the local Chili's going to be any different in any other location?
Ralph...No, I wouldn't take you to Chili's! But I'm not addressing choices made to support local, or personal food preferences. I'm addressing those that DO look down their noses...not just at the food quality but what they perceive those people to be that do go to those restaurants. As if their budget, etc. make them lesser individuals.
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