In defense of gluttony

Gluttony gets a bad rap.

A French proverb describes the glutton as “one who digs his grave with his teeth.”

The good book itself admonishes readers in Proverbs 23: “Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.”

If that weren’t enough, the whole seven deadly sins thing didn’t help either.

Yet with Thanksgiving only three days hence, Americans across the country are reminded of how much they love to eat. We might be the most obese country in the world, but once a year we tell ourselves it’s okay to splurge.   

But why should this opportunity come only once a year? If we enjoy it so much, why not invent more reasons for gorging ourselves?

After all, Americans love gluttony. Whether we’re supersizing a combo meal or devoting an entire day to the art of stuffing ourselves, this trait has enmeshed itself in the social fabric. It’s as American as ... I don’t know, apple pie?

It seems we are a nation in denial – and if not denial, certainly rebellion.

We’ve endured the doom and gloom of nutritionists’ warnings. American obesity rates are skyrocketing – we know. Childhood obesity is at an all time high – we know.

Overeating can lead to devastating health problems – we know.

Perhaps Thanksgiving affords us the chance to scoff at such reports and taunt the dieticians. “So what?” our bulging cheeks seem to ask. So what if I come back for four helpings of green bean casserole? So what if I collapse on the sofa in a tryptophan-induced slumber, only to awaken for a third slice of pie?

Of course, by the time the new year rolls around we’ll all have repented for our nutritional transgressions during the past month and vowed to do better next time. But have we, as Americans, ever been lauded for our dietary fidelity?

This is our time to shine, America. If overeating were a sport, Thanksgiving would be its Super Bowl. Let’s do what we do best.

No other country can boast of such a unique set of traditions: food, football, floats – traditions that glorify extravagance and mock restraint. Isn’t it fitting for the richest country in the world? Of course we can glut ourselves on Thanksgiving! Overeating is no longer our privilege; it’s become our right. Maybe we’re entitled – along with life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness – to gluttony, to a celebration of exorbitance. In fact, perhaps it’s our American duty.

And yet, what a bizarre way of giving thanks – bloating our faces. Aren’t we more appreciative of those things which we must go without? After all, a child becomes spoiled not because he lacks something but because he has too much. We take for granted that to which we are often exposed and appreciate most sincerely those items we enjoy in moderation. Excess cheapens.

But this is an improper, perhaps un-American consideration this time of year – or any time of year, for that matter. So here’s to America, here’s to Thanksgiving, and here’s to gluttony!