Embracing the slow: on the deliciousness of pedagogical conversations

Abstract

Rome 1986: a resilient group of activists assemble at the historic Piazza di Spagna and, each ‘armed’ with a bowl of penne, vent their displeasure at the opening of a McDonald’s. It was a seminal moment that triggered the birth of the Slow Food movement which by 1989, spearheaded by the charismatic Carlo Petrini (2001), was embedded as a vibrant global and grassroots programme to counter both fast food and ‘fast life’. According to The Wiley-Blackwell Encyclopaedia of Social and Political Movements (2013), Slow Food – whose symbol is a snail - has amassed supporters in 150 countries, determined to link the pleasure of good food with a commitment to their community and the environment. However, in an age of speed walking, speed reading, and speed dating, or ‘living in the fast lane’ and ‘hurrying through life’, slowing down may not come so naturally to many. Especially if we consider that ‘walking’, ‘reading’ and ‘dating’ are moments that should be imbibed and enjoyed rather than as activities to be speeded up.  [Editorial continues].