Originally posted by: Vic
Originally posted by: Descartes
I think everyone sees what you're arguing, but I personally think it's silly. Where exactly are you going where consumers are "falling all over that marketing to feel smugly good about themselves?" Seriously, I have many friends that shop at one of the more popular Whole Foods in ATL, including myself, and I've never encountered any of this. Yes, many people there are affluent, but never have I encountered one instance of snobbery. In fact, everyone there are some of the kindest and most helpful people I've known. All the workers are helpful and kind as well.
I'd just like to know more about where exactly you're having these experiences.
How much extra are they paying for organic produce as opposed to non-organic and
why are they paying that premium?
I actually gave this a lot of thought. I think I'm better understanding your position, and thinking of it from that angle I can see why you'd say what you do. I also think this is the case with anything.
I'm going to come up with a silly analogy, but hopefully it makes sense and I think it demonstrates the same point. Forgive me in advance.
Some people attempt to align themselves with recognizable brands in order to enhance their self-perception or others' perception of them. Fair? Some people buy a Rolex because it's a Rolex, some people buy BMWs because it's a BMW; however, some people buy a Rolex because it's a reasonably good mechanical watch of interest that carries with it a certain artisinal history and quality and will last a lifetime; similarly, some people buy BMWs not because it's a BMW but because there aren't many cars that in that price range with superior handling characteristics.
Contrived, I know. Is that not more to your point though? Some people align themselves with boutique stores, organics, etc. because they feel it heightens their self-worth. I can't disagree with that. In fact, I know people like that. This is the necessary consequence of having a
good product; you're always going to have superficial people that align themselves with your product for their own purpose. It's like people that buy Crystal or Dom because it's Crystal or Dom but can't tell the difference between either. They're still exceptional products, and there are people that appreciate them independent of their snob qualities.
I'm sure you, from a position of affluence, don't see this as snobbery, but to those who struggle to get by, it definitely is.
What is it about denial that destroys all sense of perspective?
I'm personally not in denial because I buy what I buy for personal reasons. I could give you the long history, but I'm guessing it's not that interesting. Suffice it to say that I moved to organics after a search for quality, not because I wanted to hang around the cool kids.
Nope, not at all; in fact, most of your comments are very civil and free of insult. This isn't the norm on ATOT, and I'm sometimes guilty of a random "morons" comment here and there, but I try to stay away from calling any one person a moron.
Then think about what you're saying. You pay $3 bucks a pound for tomatoes just because you can and you think everyone else should be forced to do the same because it's "sustainable" and you don't think that's snobbery?
I've honestly never thought about it that way. I recommend the $3 tomatoes because they are exceptional, and I absolutely love tomatoes. I don't recommend it to feel special, and I certainly hope people wouldn't think me a snob for doing so. I care about quality, and I support people that put forth the extra effort to make a product that is better than average.
Anyway, sorry for the long post. I'm beginning to see your angle though... I think.
...so I should drive out to the country, which could be hours of driving, to get organic food?
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