There’s a phrase that’s been on my mind for several months. I’ve tried googling it. I’ve scoured the blogs and article databases. I feel somewhat confident (with a definite maybe) that it’s a term I’ve made up. Surely, some one reading this can point my ego in the right direction and show me that some one else deserves the credit. I’m bothered by the trend I see we are making toward a “cafeteria society”.
Here’s where I have to acknowledge my own hypocrisy. I’ve written in the past about the beefs I have with the television, movie and music industry. Why must I follow their schedules? To use an analogy, I not only want a large menu, I want to be able to have breakfast at any time of the day, or the steak sandwich, or the burger. If the media conglomerates were more like the five-star restaurants of New York city (as I imagine them) and I had to take what the chef was making that night, then I wouldn’t complain. Unfortunately, the fair that is served up as mainstream entertainment is of questionable quality.
Our cafeteria society goes beyond our entertainment choices. I’ve noticed a trend in the behaviour of people. I see more people choosing what works for them. Education has definitely changed. There is no longer just the local school to go to. There are several options such as correspondence, Internet schools, and home schooling programs. You no longer need to go to your local bank. Grocery stores and insurance companies will look after your dough and help you write cheques. You can choose ING Direct to do your banking and never step foot inside of an actual branch.
If the choice of using the ATM (drive through or walk up) is not enough, CIBC has announced it going to be open on Sundays in some cities. I’m not going to head off on a anti-Sunday-Shopping crusade here. Our vehicle can be seen in front of the Co-op most afternoons after Mass. Yet, I was a bit surprised to see the news story. What other businesses have yet to be open on Sunday? I guess I haven’t had my oil changed on a Sunday. I haven’t needed a lawyer then either. I am concerned, though. In our desire to exercise our right to choose, are we letting ourselves pick convenience over the choice of taking a break for the other important things in our lives?
