The Slow Movement

1. The Slow Movement Key: AWL to Study, Low-frequency Vocabulary Slow food is one aspect of the Slow Movement. What do you think the Slow Movement is?

2. Observation of Urban Centers • obsession with speed: • speed dialing, speed dating, speed reading, speed walking, speed yoga • Consumer culture and need for material gain leads to fast-paced, superficial lifestyles. • Individuals work longer hours and scramble to fit in as many activities as possible. Are consumer culture and long work hours prevalent in your country?

3. Speed is an Addiction • Speed addiction • adrenalinerush and inevitablecrash • Kamei Hujui: Japanese trader • strong work ethic • when market collapsed, worked a 90+ hour workweek. • died of a heart attack at the age of 26. Do you think speed can be an addiction? Explain.

4. Stress from Overwork • United States • Americans clock 10 more years of work hours per lifetime than Europeans. • Canada • One in four employees works more than 50 hours per week. • Consequences • lack of exercise and sleep • substance abuse • overindulgence in convenience food • Canadian survey: 15% of workers contemplate suicide. How many hours per week do you think people should work? Explain.

5. Working Professionals • Overburdened working professionals • fill up their personal planners with too many activities. • have no time to relax, reflect, and dream. Do you fill your schedule with numerous activities? Explain.

6. In Contrast • The world’s great thinkers acknowledge the need for reflection and stillness. • Einstein contemplatedthe night sky. • Most people get creative insight when they slow down and shift thinking into an alternative mode. • Hectic modern lifestyles make this a practical impossibility. Do you take time out of the day to reflect?

7. Origins of the Slow Movement • The Slow Movement was a reaction to the glorification of speed. • In Italy, Carlo Petrini • headed a demonstration against the opening of a McDonald’s. • founded the Slow Food Movement. If McDonald’s is fast food, what do you think slow food is?

8. The Slow Food Movement • The Slow Food Movement opposes the global standardization of food. • Advocates • diversity of international cuisine • leisurely, pleasure-filled dining experiences • organic farming and sustainable food production • fresh and local ingredients Why do you think that local and organic foods are advocated for by the Slow Food Movement?

9. Scope of the Movement • Slow cities • population restricted to 50,000 • Slow travel • displaces 10-city tour package • Slow education • emphasis on pursuit of knowledge and joys of learning • Slow work • flexible hours and less rigid schedules Do you support the Slow Movement? Why or why not?