Hearing Concerning Takeout Container Eating
Transcript of a proceeding convened after a second household member was reported to have acquired the habit.
CHAIR: This proceeding is called to address the matter of takeout container eating as it pertains to current household practice. The record will note that the behavior was first observed approximately fourteen months ago.
WITNESS: I was avoiding creating a dish.
CHAIR: Understood. The record also notes that the behavior has since been observed in two additional household members.
WITNESS: They started on their own.
CHAIR: This is consistent with the findings. A first instance of takeout container eating was treated as a personal preference. A second person began adapting to it, which made the preference look like shared procedure. The proceeding is not contesting the origin. It is documenting the spread.
WITNESS: The food gets cold if you transfer it.
CHAIR: The record will accept that. The ritual was intended to simplify eating. The proceeding finds that it now adds a decision before the food can simply be eaten. The decision is: which container is acceptable to eat from directly, and under what conditions.
WITNESS: Usually if there's a lid you can use the lid as a plate.
CHAIR: This is an extension of the original accommodation. The accommodation has become teachable. Newcomers learn it without anyone calling it a rule.
WITNESS: I haven't taught anyone.
CHAIR: The record will note that teaching is not required. The behavior is observed and adopted. A newcomer can now violate the rule without ever having been told the rule exists. The violation is identifiable because the rule, though unstated, is recognized by all parties present.
WITNESS: (pause) The lid thing is actually useful.
CHAIR: The proceeding agrees. This is also consistent with the findings. No correction is being proposed. The proceeding is recording, not remedying.