What is the first thing that comes to mind in the morning? After a workout? Even after class? For most people, the answer is very simple: food. In our culture today, with our advances in technology and the understanding of the human body, we would be very capable of creating a pill that could provide sufficient energy and nutrients to fuel our bodies. Thinking rationally though, would that work? When I say this, I am speaking for our entire society, but I believe that we use eating as a time to be sociable and discuss matters with family and friends.
Would society even be able to embrace a culture without food and meals? Sure, it would condense the time that busy people spend eating or the waste produced, but it would never work. We, as a whole, love the smell, sight, and most importantly, the taste of the food. To rid ourselves of food as a whole would also take away business, and with the economy as it is, we can not afford that.
Locally, there are many fast food eateries and a few restaurants that critics would consider “fine-dining.” Even though this may be the case, many people still believe that being able to sit down and enjoy even a not-so-healthy meal while conversing with their friends is the joy of going to a restaurant. DCHS freshman Hunter Mote stated, “Yeah, I may be slowly killing myself, but at least I’m doing it (eating McDonald’s) with my friends.”  It shows that people have the desire to be social and to be with friends. Food is a truly great gateway to do so.

If one can enjoy the experience at a drive-thru window, then one can only imagine how pleasureable it would be to sit down at The Stone House and discuss the day’s happenings over a gourmet meal. “Even though I could simply go home and pop open a can of ravioli with the family, I think that formally having dinner with my family is the best way to communicate and keep a healthy relationship between us,” said Paul Clouser, father of two. With what society believes acceptable to be a family, meals are almost a necessity to link the bridge between parents and children. Studies have shown that while eating, children are more likely to tell their parents the truth than when asked on a normal occasion.

With the way the world’s technology is advancing, will there be a time when people no longer will need face-to-face communication? If this happens, then is eating together going to disappear accordingly? While these questions seem to be far-fetched as of now, I do not believe that they are too far away in the near future.

So, before human interaction no longer exists, go enjoy a meal!