There are at least two ways to look at the title for this column. One might argue that the readers will look at the title and be intrigued so that they would want to find out what the writer is talking about so in that sense, the title does what it is designed to do: capture the readers’ interest. On the other hand, there is a negative way to look at such a title. The readers, when they see the title, are turned off because it is meaningless to them so they seek other interesting reads. Try the first option.
American exceptionalism is a term used often in the news media today. In its simplest state it purposes that America is superior to other countries in certain fields such as, for example computer science, pop music, baseball, aviation, medical research, political systems, military prowess and so on. Mine is better than yours pretty well captures the basic meaning of the word. A statement that reflects the abundance we enjoy in our country is, “America is one of the few countries in the world where two of its most important problems are where to park and how to lose weight.”
What brought this to mind was a visit to a ‘super’ store the day before Thanksgiving. The aisles were crowded and the shelves were filled to capacity. The atmosphere was festive, the season trappings were in full display and since it was a school holiday, many young people were getting a preview of what Santa might bring them for Christmas. But this was not what was most impressive (or exceptional) to me.
Another factor to be considered is that I had recently read an article about a heart rendering situation in one of the Third World countries, about the victims of religious intolerance and to add to the misery, an unstable dysfunctional government rife with corruption and if that were not enough to put you into deep depression, the drought had left many of the population on the verge of starvation. World supports had aided their plight little since the military controlled access to the country and guess who got to be first in line for imported aid? These facts weighed on my mind when there I was in the midst of an overwhelming ‘super’ abundance of goods all stored for the eager holiday shoppers. It was difficult to deal with the startling juxtaposition of memories and reality.
Excess was everywhere, electronics, clothing, appliances, hardware, books and just about any other category a consumer might desire was there. But one section was most memorable. The section housing food items was superlative in its abundance and variety. WARNING: Do not visit on an empty stomach and with a budget in mind.
My first impression was how fortunate we are in this country to be blessed with such super abundance and availability. I thought how unbelievable such a scene would be for many in the world who are literally on the edge of starvation. For those who survive on the most meager diet this would be their version of gastronomical heaven. Even to one accustomed to almost unlimited food choices, the array of edibles still brings a feeling of guilt, indeed an embarrassment of riches as the saying goes.
Most of the items are convenient choices ready for consumption.
Let me count the ways: freshly baked goods in a nearly unlimited variety, muffins, cookies, breads, cakes, pies and a wealth of specialty items, enough to overwhelm the most jaded appetite. The meat section is staggering in its variety and, again, ready for final preparation/consumption. The fruit section with it attractive displays leaves little to desire since it seemingly provides for most possible customer choices. Then there are many packaged items to supplement any meal.
I am sure there are other countries with comparable food accessibilities, but in my mind, America is still the exception by comparison.
America, America, God shed His grace on thee…from sea to shining ‘S’ sea (SC).
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Bill Lee, PO Box 129,
Hamer, SC 29547
