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Does Eating Organic Food Turn People Into Jerks?

SodaHead Living 2012/05/22 18:00:00
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Admit it, you've definitely noticed. The people who eat organic foods, shop at farmers markets and carry their own reusable shopping bags may be healthier and doing their part for the Earth, but they're also a little bit ... obnoxious. And a new study proves it's not just a stereotype.

organic food

Study author Kendall Eskine, assistant professor of the department of psychological sciences at Loyola University in New Orleans, conducted a series of experiments and found that organic food eaters were much more judgmental of other people's moral transgressions. They were also less likely to help out a needy stranger than non-organic food eaters.

"There's something about being exposed to organic food that made them feel better about themselves," says Eskine, according to The "Today" show. "And that made them kind of jerks a little bit, I guess." Why? "People may feel like they've done their good deed. That they have permission, or license, to act unethically later on." We think it's great to eat as healthy (and as greenly) as possible. But it's no excuse for turning up your nose at Ding Dong lovers!
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  • organic4health 2012/07/09 17:33:48
    No
    organic4health
    I began eating organic due to a health issue that is strongly linked to environmental factors. Just choosing this way way of life seemed to infuriate others around me--in my family, at work, etc. Somehow, they "felt" I was judging them when I was choosing a way of life for myself. I sat, quietly, eating a salad at work and a co-worker said, "I'll bet your thinking how unhealthy this food is!" She was eating fast food, and I was thinking no such thing. Where is the judgment coming from? The organic eater, or the person or people feeling threatened by the organic eating? Perhaps she was judging herself. I endured questions like, "How long are you going to be on that 'diet' anyway?" I had the same co-worker do a little mocking "dance" with a candy bar saying, "Hmm, should I eat it? Oh no, it's not organic!" I have stayed cancer-free without drugs due to my diet for nearly 8 years. I also lost weight and look many years younger than my age which makes others feel insecure in their choices, I guess. Personally, I have come a long way spiritually since choosing organics and find myself to be much less judgmental. I more readily see the perspective of the other person, accepting where they are in their own life's journey, and I respect their choices. I simply bless others ...
    I began eating organic due to a health issue that is strongly linked to environmental factors. Just choosing this way way of life seemed to infuriate others around me--in my family, at work, etc. Somehow, they "felt" I was judging them when I was choosing a way of life for myself. I sat, quietly, eating a salad at work and a co-worker said, "I'll bet your thinking how unhealthy this food is!" She was eating fast food, and I was thinking no such thing. Where is the judgment coming from? The organic eater, or the person or people feeling threatened by the organic eating? Perhaps she was judging herself. I endured questions like, "How long are you going to be on that 'diet' anyway?" I had the same co-worker do a little mocking "dance" with a candy bar saying, "Hmm, should I eat it? Oh no, it's not organic!" I have stayed cancer-free without drugs due to my diet for nearly 8 years. I also lost weight and look many years younger than my age which makes others feel insecure in their choices, I guess. Personally, I have come a long way spiritually since choosing organics and find myself to be much less judgmental. I more readily see the perspective of the other person, accepting where they are in their own life's journey, and I respect their choices. I simply bless others despite their hurtful responses because they are enduring some kind of pain they are trying to work through. If I had believed in studies, I would have taken a drug that had cancer as possible side effects when its job was to prevent recurrence of cancer. Studies are often slanted and present the message the researcher wants to present. This one falls in that category, too.
    (more)
  • KATLYN 2012/06/14 21:19:09
    No
    KATLYN
    i know a bunch of jerks that eat junk too
  • Tiah 2012/06/11 13:53:19
  • P. Sturm 2012/06/07 03:04:58
    No
    P. Sturm
    No. Being a pious, arrogant, know-it-all prick about eating organic food does, though.
  • dragonfliez 2012/05/28 23:02:58
    No
    dragonfliez
    This is such a dumb question I'm almost embarrassed to dignify it with a vote.
  • T 2012/05/28 16:46:44
    No
    T
    Being a jerk makes you a jerk. Not any one thing. (Unless it's riding a Harley through South Park)
  • dragonf... T 2012/05/28 23:04:18
    dragonfliez
    Exactly. plus, Jerks are less likely to eat organic food!
  • Tasinahri 2012/05/26 19:45:52
    No
    Tasinahri
    People can be jerks regardless of what they eat.
  • Rachel Searvogel 2012/05/25 05:07:40
    No
    Rachel Searvogel
    +2
    And another study proves... I am so sick of this sentence. Unless this has been done time and time again, and without any bias, I don't trust the results of it. Not to mention the fact that "obnoxious" is such an ambiguous word and can be interpreted many different ways.
  • Raphy 2012/05/25 04:39:42
    No
    Raphy
    Hope not. If people are obnoxious that eat organic food....well......they are jerks. Learn some humility.
  • Piperpc 2012/05/25 01:48:40
    No
    Piperpc
    I've never noticed that, at all. I've noticed that some people do resent others, who care about the environment, or don't just go along with the flow.
  • opaleyes 2012/05/25 01:39:58
    No
    opaleyes
    +1
    No. My family eats organically, shops at farmers markets, and are concerned for the environment, and we don't feel the need to broadcast it.
  • Donald Eric Kesler 2012/05/24 20:20:36
    No
    Donald Eric Kesler
    +4
    I selected no. While the study shows a correlation between the consumption of organic food and obnoxious behavior, it fails to demonstrate causation.
  • AngelaDuke 2012/05/24 19:54:07
    No
    AngelaDuke
    I eat organic just because its healthier and i feel more secure with what I'm putting into my body. Like almost everything else it varies from person to person. That's like saying having a big flat screen tv or a nice car makes everyone a jerk. For some thats true but others its not
  • Ole SGT Joe 2012/05/24 17:46:07
    No
    Ole SGT Joe
    Absolutely not a jerk. More than likely, easily fooled.
  • Leona Hill 2012/05/24 17:25:19
    No
    Leona Hill
    +3
    If a person who eats organic is a jerk it is because that person was a jerk to begin with. Some people do different things to gain attention, and you can tell who those are, but I think most people who eat organic are just trying to be healthy.
  • Chris D 2012/05/24 16:49:57
    No
    Chris D
    +2
    its the Prius drivers...
    self righteous prius driver
  • meneope 2012/05/24 16:28:22
    Yes
    meneope
    +1
    lol my female friends seem to think so!
    Ps. I think I make them feel uncomfortable with their diets lol
  • Nan 2012/05/24 16:26:51
    No
    Nan
    +2
    No, most likely it's because it's the people who can really afford to buy organic foods and products and are well off to begin with..your everyday Joe can't really afford those things.
  • AngelaDuke Nan 2012/05/24 19:55:49
    AngelaDuke
    +2
    I buy mine on food stamps thank you very much
  • meneope AngelaDuke 2012/05/25 16:30:42
  • Aksana 2012/05/24 15:29:36
    No
    Aksana
    nay
  • Tom 2012/05/24 15:27:37
    No
    Tom
    The organic food is simply another way for them to display their already established obnoxious personality:)
  • Lana Riley-Brown 2012/05/24 15:25:54
    No
    Lana Riley-Brown
    +3
    I find that those that eat organic are kinder and helpful people that are involved in causes from breast cancer to saving animals. I grew up on the non organic crap but once I had a bite of organic food I would never go back. I am 65 and have eaten organic for almost 30 years and I haven't even had a cold. Yes I pay more for organic food but look at all the money I saved in doctor bills !
  • Constan... Lana Ri... 2012/05/25 05:55:04
    Constant Commenter
    I don't know if we can generalize about certain types being "kinder and more helpful".. I'm very kind and helpful. I think that if you are that way, you are, no matter if you are doing these things or not.

    I had posted previously too that though I buy regular produce, I also have not been ill with colds.
  • sandra 2012/05/24 15:01:46
    Yes
    sandra
    +1
    It`s a" Goody Two shoes attitude" or a " Goody Goody" attitude, alot of people act like this for many reasons.
    Some people who ride bikes instead of drive cars may have the same attitude, it`s about feeling that they are doing something good and we are not. Many other reasons to .....
  • Reichstolz 2012/05/24 14:52:36
    Yes
    Reichstolz
    +1
    It is amazing how gullible the "organic" consumer is. Great marketing to the ignorant.
  • Sass 2012/05/24 14:47:42
    Yes
    Sass
    +1
    Evidently it does, judging by posts. They are the most vocal proponents of the food police.
  • Picasso's Cat 2012/05/24 14:44:27
    No
    Picasso's Cat
    +5
    No, but it might make you live longer.
    And I think that's why we do it.
    But do feel free to think we are jerks, because we will be jerks a whole lot longer than you, lol, lol!!!!!
  • wpsark_BN_0 2012/05/24 14:44:08
    No
    wpsark_BN_0
    +7
    where I'm from, organic veggies are just "good eatin" and we share our home grown veggies with our friends & family...nothing obnoxious about that...I assume this study was done on a bunch of city people though..
  • Constan... wpsark_... 2012/05/25 05:58:04
    Constant Commenter
    Well, it's nice if you can have your own garden or afford to shop organic.
  • Warren - Novus Ordo Seclorum 2012/05/24 14:28:28
  • Tom Warren ... 2012/05/24 15:30:02
    Tom
    You confusing methane production volume with exit point surface area:D
  • mikeyavelli 2012/05/24 14:24:15
    Yes
    mikeyavelli
    +1
    i will not buy anything labeled organic. other than obama, "organic" is the biggest hoax ever to hit america. genetically, an apple is an apple, regardless of its nutrient source. if you feel better paying $4 for an apple because it was grown in 100% horse manure and picked humanely at a wage reserved for executives then go ahead. you bought a feeling not an apple. and besides, organic produce looks inferior and tastes no better and contains no more nutrients than conventional foods. you fell for the manure.
  • Lana Ri... mikeyav... 2012/05/24 15:17:00
    Lana Riley-Brown
    +1
    Oh my, my poor man. It is clear that you have never had real organic food as there is such a difference between organic and the other crap. Try real organic milk and you would never drink the other crap again. Yes it costs more but I will live much longer than you ! All because you needed to be cheap and had to eat cheap. As they say, YOU ARE WHAT YOU AT !
  • mikeyav... Lana Ri... 2012/05/25 14:47:15
    mikeyavelli
    i do not drink milk.
    organic is an expensive certification that means nothing more than paying more for a product with added emotional value, not added nutritional value.
    organic food is a big hoax,
  • swp 2012/05/24 14:02:17
    No
    swp
    +1
    They just don't understand that "organic food" is marketing BS.
  • +Harmonious Love+ 2012/05/24 12:14:02
    No
    +Harmonious Love+
    +1
    Im not I don't think.... O.o
  • rknothead 2012/05/24 12:05:32
    No
    rknothead
    +2
    I agree, most are a bit obnoxious, but I do eat organic as much as possible, and shop at the farmers market, but don't carry my custom made canvas bag and I make the petition people who hang around explain and justify their petition and ask is what the consequences of their cause
  • Wanderer 2012/05/24 11:08:30
    No
    Wanderer
    +4
    I think the jerk gene was already in place the food just makes it a healthier jerk gene.
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