Let them eat Cereal!

The Great Cereal Solution

In the grand theater of life, it seems we’ve stumbled upon a novel solution to the widening wealth gap and affordability crisis; cereal!

Yes, you read that right. The answer to our economic woes has been hiding in our very own pantries all this time.

From the humble honey nut cereal to the extravagant frosted flakes, and the aristocratic muesli, the choices are as diverse as the income brackets in our society. Who needs a juicy hamburger or yummy lasagna after a hard day’s work when you can crunch down on some dried nuts and fruits?

In a moment of what can only be described as divine inspiration, Gary Pilnick, the CEO of Kelloggs, recently suggested that those of us who are struggling with the affordability crisis should consider cereal as a cost-effective alternative to traditional dinner.

Because nothing screams “economic solution” like replacing a balanced meal with a bowl of sugar-coated grains.

But let’s not be too harsh on poor Gary. After all, he’s just the latest member of the wealthy elite to demonstrate a complete disconnect with the average person’s daily struggles. It’s almost endearing, in a “let them eat cake” kind of way how they dismiss the struggles of everyday commoners; although I think Gary and his peers would do well to read up on what happened to one of their predecessors, Marie Antoinette, Queen of France who allegedly made a similar callous remark and lost her head over it.

Qu'ils mangent de la brioche. - Marie Antoinette

The Myth suggests that upon hearing that the citizens of France had no bread to eat, Marie, exclaimed "let them eat cake" thus cementing her position as a woman who didn't care for the common people of France. The truth suggests Marie never actually said the words; her critics spread the rumors in order to make her look insensitive and undermine her position; which eventually led to her beheading!

The American Constitution states that every individual possesses an inalienable right to Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. Similarly, Canada’s Constitution Act of 1867 underscores the principles of Peace, Order, and good government. But it seems these lofty ideals are being replaced by a new mantra: “the right to be Poor, Homeless, and the pursuit of Cereal.”

As we make our way through 2024, we find ourselves at a crossroads. Societies are more fragmented than ever, with the wealthy amassing obscene levels of wealth while the majority are forced to cut back, tighten their belts and go without. The public’s faith in the “system” is waning, and the social contract between the haves and the have-nots is eroding.

The American and French Revolutions were fueled by a loss of trust in the ruling classes, perceived as oppressive, corrupt, and indifferent to the suffering of the masses. Marie Antoinette’s infamous “let them eat cake” remark highlighted the stark contrast between the ruling class’s indulgence and the people’s struggle to afford basic necessities. Fast forward to 2024, and the wealthy have replaced the word “bread” with other essential substitutes like fuel, housing, or Gary's cereal.

Unfortunately, many modern leaders, offer little more than virtue signals, oversimplified solutions and empty platitudes.

“Take transit” if you can’t afford fuel, “rent” if you can’t afford a home, “visit a food bank” if you can’t afford food. And of course, my personal favorite, the patronizing “we’re in this together”. It is a dangerous game to play and one that threatens to undermine the very fabric of society.

Modern society exhibits a high degree of polarization and fragmentation. Rapid changes driven by globalization, digitalization, and innovation shape our landscape, creating both opportunities and threats.

Changing course won’t be easy, but it’s possible and necessary. The remedy isn’t complicated; it requires leadership, vision, and a sincere desire to govern ethically. We need to encourage dialogue and participation among diverse groups, reform public institutions and processes, and promote civic education and engagement.

So, the next time you reach for that box of cereal, remember; it’s not just a breakfast option, it’s a symbol of the economic disparity we face.

And who knows, maybe one day we’ll find a solution that doesn’t involve substituting dinner with a bowl of frosted flakes.