says Barry Schwartz, who is obviously not a woman. According to Schwartz, the dizzying array of consumer choices available today have turned formerly simple tasks like buying jeans into “a complex decision in which I was forced to invest time, energy, and no small amount of self-doubt, anxiety, and dread.”
This reminds me of a BBC new story I heard a year or so ago. The reporter repeatedly questioned some shopkeeper, determined to get him to say he had too many brands of bottled water and admit that consumers stood stunned in the aisles, unable to choose. He would not be cowed and pointed out that all the waters sold well and if he removed some, he would be removing someone's favorite. I thought it was just some weird European socialist thing, but apparently, it's a whole school of thought.
Virginia Postrel explains and defends consumer choice. As someone who drinks caffeine-free pop, wears petite jeans and buys gluten-free bread (when she can find it), I say bring on the choices. (Via Instapundit)
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