Chewing Gum Nation

Too many chewing gums to choose from and too little time. Wrigley's has nearly 40 choices of chewing gum. Can you believe that?? And that is just one company! I'm almost paralyzed with indecision whenever I try to choose a pack of gum at the local CVS!

I never considered myself a follower or particularly susceptible to consumer marketing. But my new gum "habit" has me rethinking that. I never used to be a gum chewer. It started innocently enough. First it was just a piece of gum every now and then when a friend offered me one. Then I would buy a pack whenever I was in the checkout line at the supermarket. Now I have gum everywhere--in my office desk, my purse, my gymbag, the glove compartment of my car....

There has been a virtual explosion of chewing gum flavors. I think it has to do with the fact that the U.S. has become a country obsessed with white teeth and fresh breathe. Also with smoking banned in so many public places and companies even refusing to hire smokers, more and more people are choosing to pop a piece of gum in their mouth rather than light up.

We are becoming a gum-chewing nation.

...now I'm craving a piece of gum. Excuse me while I enjoy a mouthful of Dentyne Ice Arctic Chill...

photo by angstidentprone