Hortwiz eating analysis

Hortwiz started off his examination of food with a personal reference.  A student eating food in her class, and his story of when teachers used to smoke in class.  Little did I know, this was very relevant to the point she was trying to make.  She then talked about how it’s not just people, but the whole market of food has shifted towards individualistic styles of eating.  Campbell’s “Soup at Hand” was his example.  "Despite its emphasis on portability and one-handed con- sumption, Soup at Hand shares some attributes with that amazing 1954 invention, the Swanson tv dinner."(Hortwiz 44)  Then she talked about TV dinners and how astronauts typically eat alone.  She discussed how especially American astronauts eat alone, and American people in general.  Hortwiz started off with a reference he could relate to, then talking about one that the reader could relate to.  This made me agree with the point he was trying to make more.  After she related to the reader he gave more examples and evidence to back up his claims.  She then gave strange or obscure examples, to show the extent of his claim; that society has shifted towards more individualistic lifestyles and habits of eating.

I agree with the point Hortwiz makes.  During my examination of the Tavern called Crimson and Gold, I noticed how there were a ton of televisions.  Even though people go to this place to eat and drink together, some people must still feel the need to watch a television show, or more likely, a sports game.  I understand that they would be watching this game together, and most likely rooting for the same team, giving them more in common.  But I think this goes to further prove what Hortwiz argues.  Society has become more individualistic and disconnected.  Watching TV while sharing a meal with someone else, really only draws away from conversation, eye contact, and the whole idea of eating together.  Together but separate is the mentality that many Americans seem to have now a days when it comes to sharing a meal.