This week I read a post about food. It was meant to be funny, and it was, but the comments left me scratching my head. Basically a whole lot of “ain’t nobody got time for that” sentiments regarding thoughtfulness of food purchases. And I started wondering…
About the difference between true ignorance and intentional ignorance.
About the difference between genuinely not knowing and sticking fingers in ears and saying, “la la la la la la don’t tell me I don’t want to know.”
About how to have an honest conversation about our responses to hard things without judging each other.
And really, I have no idea even how to bring it up without offending someone. But I don’t know how to not talk about it either.
So while my crockpot brain simmers, I would love it if you would read this important post by Tsh of Simple Mom (click on the link or the photo below). Just to get one of the issues out there.
Read it and then come back next week and we’ll chat some more. I want to hear where you fall on the scale of “I had no idea” to “La la la don’t tell me.” To be honest I waffle between the two depending on the subject.
What do you think, can we have honest conversations about injustice, food politics, chicken and chocolate?
I hate to know this. But we need to know it. I already buy the lollipops mentioned in the post (they’re sold at Sprouts), so maybe I’ll hand them out as our Halloween treats.
We’ve been focusing on being kind at our house lately; HRH has been forgetting. This puts so much into perspective, and I’ll definitely be using this as a topic of discussion on kindness with her. Maybe chocolate will help it sink in.
We’ve been having those conversations too. I definitely think we can use them as a pathway to justice conversations (age-appropriate of course).
I agree with Allison – I’m thankful for you and others who bring these difficult realities to our attention.
Thank you, that is encouraging.
I honestly did not know this and I am glad I do so in the future I can make better choices for my family. That said I will still allow my children to trick or treat and eat their candy in moderation but also tell them this is a one time a year thing. The same as I do when we eat “non healthy” food. This is a once in a while thing and explain to them why I make the healthy choices I do.
I think I’m with you in that I waffle between the two. I know where I stand in my ideals. I also know that somehow my ideals have turned into almost crippling food guilt. Truth is, I can’t bear the weight of the world on my shoulders. I can’t even bear the weight of trying to eat the ‘perfect, healthy diet’ (if anyone could even agree on what that is). So I’m trying to live each day asking myself ‘what is just one food choice that I make today where I can show respect for myself and others’?
I bought the lollipops a few years ago as Halloween treats. Kids loved them.
Rea, you bring up a good point and sometimes that’s why I think I hide from the truth. It’s just too darn hard, and I can’t do everything right. But I think there is value in taking the next right step. Making the next right decision. And giving ourselves grace in the process.
Wow, I had no idea this problem even existed. Thank you, Alysa, for linking this article and getting the word out. Will definitely be re-thinking my chocolate purchases from now on. I’m reminded of this quote by John Wesley: “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can.” Thanks again for being honest and transparent!
Yes, I love that quote. Thank you Shannon!
Thank you for sharing this post. I had no idea that these practices existed.
Thank you Sandra.
Thank you for spreading the word on this. You may find this post interesting and helpful as you seek to approach the conversation: http://www.rageagainsttheminivan.com/2011/09/here-let-me-ruin-halloween-for-you.html
And a follow-up:
http://www.rageagainsttheminivan.com/search?q=chocolate&x=-1138&y=-670
Yes, I’ve read these thank you! I learn so much from Kristen. Thanks for sharing!
I didn’t know about this until today. It made me sick to know that as children here in the US eat way too much of this stuff, other children are suffering to provide it. Shame on the companies who take part in this practice! I’m done buying chocolate from any of the mentioned companies who use child labor, and I am going to educate my friends, family and co-workers about this issue.
Thank you Jody for not sticking your fingers in your ears!
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