Amanda, The slow food movement started as a reaction by Europeans to the cultural imperialism of the"fast food" phenomenon and the debasement of taste that comes from McDonaldization. It has been embraced by traditional European restaurateurs as a way of preserving the three hour lunch, hence the US movement's becoming ensconced in the digs of M. Pepin's "French Culinary Institute" in the Soho section of Manhattan.
If people learn to cook and enjoy a proper potato gratinee, or lyonaise, or a boulliabaise that takes hours to cook, then they will be less apt to gulp down Big Macs. There is a class issue here, unfortunately - there is nobody at home in two minimum wage homes to cook "slow food." Quick or fast food, a product going back to shift workers during the Industrial Revolution, will always be here for folks who need fast fueling between subsistence jobs (think toast, bacon, tea and sugar instead of slow simmered porridges and stews.) Mickey Dees is just the latest incarnation. Groups like Slow Food are trying to bring back the long dinner, free of television, that used to be the center of the lives of many people. This is hard to do , especially when there are two breadwinners, kids who need help with homework and not enough hours in the day to do everything. To depend on women to make this happen is not fair, but like most social change, will require the active acquenesence and participation of women. I personally love cooking for a long dinner party, but I need folks around who have conversation, know what the hell they're eating, and have the grace to bring a decent bottle of wine to table. Who knows, maybe folks will start dressing for dinner. ______________________________________________________ The American Community Gardening Association listserve is only one of ACGA's services to community gardeners. To learn more about the ACGA and to find out how to join, please go to http://www.communitygarden.org To post an e-mail to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe, unsubscribe or change your subscription: https://secure.mallorn.com/mailman/listinfo/community_garden
