In Rogers and Hammerstein’s 1959 musical, The Sound of Music, a song by Mary Martin playing Maria emerged that combined whimsy and desire into a string of thoughts seemingly unrelated except for their quirkiness. A recording of Julie Andrews singing “My Favorite Things” from the subsequent film version in 1965, continued its popularity. As a progression of thoughts emerges including raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens…, the final refrain addresses the reason for the plethora of Non Sequiturs:
When the dog bites, when the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad
In a discussion of a ban of flavored vaping and tobacco products, citizens and councilmembers in Fremont brought up the prevalence of such flavors as Cotton Candy, Gummi Bear, Slushie and many more. It appears that as attractants, especially to young users, these are some of their favorite things. Growing up in a fast-paced world that presents serious challenges for future generations is not easy or predictable. The confluence of economic, political, environmental trials and tribulations is daunting. Responses run the gamut from either rising to the challenge, ignoring it or avoiding through “alternative facts” or an alternate reality. Evasion is a path taken too often; the tools provided by a marketplace ruled by profit.
Even strong proponents of a free market society must make the difficult decision to control an industry that has prospered economically but is bankrupt in social responsibility. Where there is a clear and present danger to health and safety, especially to children and adolescents, it is the responsibility of all of us through education and collective action (government) to understand the risks and, if necessary, restrict or ban such items. In this case, there are too many unknowns and, just as with dangerous substances that pose potential lethal consequences, it is time for a cautionary approach.
My Favorite Things morphed into John Coltrane’s jazz classic, Christmas versions by Herb Alert and the Tijuana Brass, Lorrie Morgan’s country version and Ariana Grande’s 2019 “Seven Rings” as a pop/R&B single. The tobacco industry has also persisted and its theme has endured as well. Some changes signal reflection and adaptation serving different markets. In the case of flavored tobacco and inhalation products that cater to adolescents and young children, the flashing bright red “stop” sign is not an illusion.
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad