The Double-Edged Sword

This is an unconscious, psycho-evolutionary defense that transforms one of our most dire vulnerabilities into a jubilant component of the life process. Maybe we need the specter of death to fully embrace life.

A classic yin-yang scenario in which opposite yet complementary forces exist within each other, and cannot exist without the other.

To further elucidate the notion that food is so much a part of life because it can be a part of death, consider the intriguing example of modern society. Clearly the dangers of food gathering, tainted food, and starvation are minimal at best in current American society.

*Thus, the "dark side" of nourishment has diminished with man's progression. Yet interestingly, food is not embraced to the extent today as it was in the past.

Ages ago, when food was more scarce or difficult to obtain, families were always united for dinner. Meals were prepared from scratch on a daily basis.

Meal time was not just a micro waved burrito between work and other errands, it was a time for people to bond, communicate, socialize, and relax. It was a cornerstone to daily living.

In contrast, today's hectic, business oriented society has produced the "fast-food" mentality. For many, eating is just a pain-in-the-neck. An obligatory practice that disrupts one's schedule.

An added expense. Food selection and preparation is just another chore to be performed after a grueling day. Indeed, there are some people who would be delighted if they never had to enter a crowded supermarket again.

Or, in yet another typical example of modern culture, eating is an anxiety plagued ritual for those with various bodily concerns and/or food neuroses. People didn't count carbs at the dinner table in 1850. They counted their blessings.

Thus, is it a coincidence that the risks associated with food, and the role food plays in our lives have both declined on a parallel course?

I think not. If we were the mouse we'd never get caught inside the trap. We'd only patronize the ones with drive thrus.

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