Ask Candid Candace: Store delivery apps (yes or no?) and dealing with controversial speakers

Dear Candid Candace: Any thoughts on the recent trend of getting groceries and other store items delivered right to our door? I tend to think it is better to get out, be around people and to be able to see and select the items that you want. But I know the growing trend is to just to order things online and have them delivered. I also notice that the young adults today, more and more, are having Door Dash or Uber Eats delivered right to their door, instead of actually cooking dinner. Just curious. Your thoughts on this growing trend? Signed: More Fun To Be Out And About

Dear More Fun To Be Out And About: The recent trend of getting groceries and other store items delivered right to your door has advantages and disadvantages. You are in the majority of people who, like me, prefer to do their own shopping. This the same reason I don’t like to buy clothes online- I need to see them and try them on. I also don’t like the hassle of returns. That being said, there are pros and cons:

Delivery Services Pros:

1) Convenience: Delivery services offer a big convenience, saving time and effort by eliminating the need to travel to and from stores. This can be especially beneficial for busy individuals or those with mobility challenges.

2) Timesaving: Ordering groceries and other items online can free up time that would otherwise be spent navigating through crowded stores and waiting in checkout lines.

3) Accessibility: Delivery services make it easier for people who might have difficulty physically going to a store, such as the elderly or individuals with disabilities.

4) Variety: Online platforms often provide a wider range of products and brands that may not be readily available in local stores.

5) Reduced Impulse Buying: Shopping online might help some people avoid impulsive purchases that can occur when browsing in-store.

Delivery Services Cons:

1) Lack of Control: As you mentioned, there's a loss of control over selecting items, especially when it comes to produce or items that require personal inspection.

2) Reduced Social Interaction: Ordering online can contribute to a reduction in face-to-face social interactions, which some individuals value as part of their shopping experience.

3) Quality Concerns: Items may not always meet your expectations in terms of freshness or quality, leading to potential disappointment.

4) Dependency on Technology: Relying heavily on delivery services may lead to a decreased sense of self-sufficiency and independence.

Regarding the trend of young adults opting for food delivery services like DoorDash or Uber Eats instead of cooking dinner, this could be influenced by a variety of factors such as lifestyle changes, convenience, busy schedules, and a shift in priorities. I think these services became uber-popular during Covid when people were trying to avoid interaction.

Another surprising disadvantage of these delivery services is the fact that you lessen your chances for marriage! Did you know there are SOOO many married couples who met in grocery stores? As a matter of fact, there is a whole set of “secret” dating codes that singles utilize while shopping! According to “Bachelor” star Brittany Hockley, if you put a bunch of bananas in your cart with the curved side up, that means you’re single. An upside-down pineapple in your cart tells everyone you’re a swinger and, if you see someone you’re interested in, you place a peach in his/her cart. I don’t think DoorDash can provide this type of experience!

Good luck with your decision making- I think there’s definitely a place for all these services, the more options the better!

Dear Candid Candace: I am a college administrator at a small college in downstate Illinois (I love reading the Chicago Star because it keeps me up on my hometown!) and here is the dilemma I am facing. Part of my responsibility is to get speakers for the college for next year. We pride ourselves in getting a wide variety of speakers and opinions and, as part of that, have scheduled a couple of strongly conservative speakers. Many of our students are quite upset. I do believe in letting all sides speak, and feel it is part of our education process to let all be heard.I guess my question is this: How far does this philosophy of free speech go? Do we allow a speaker who speaks down on a certain religion to come speak? One who promotes hate speech toward a particular race? Or one who tells us that the gay lifestyle is evil…etc.Candace, I know this is a tough one, but where do you draw the line between allowing speakers of all opinions, versus those that are simply inappropriate-or do you not even draw a line and just let anyone speak under the rule of free speech? Signed: Treading On Dangerous Waters

Dear Treading On Dangerous Waters: It’s very commendable that you are asking these questions and taking complexities like this seriously. Your commitment to providing a platform for a wide range of perspectives, while fostering a safe and respectful atmosphere is crucial to growth. In life, we don’t hear just what we want to hear so offering your students a variety of opinions to consider will be advantageous to them as they travel through life. We don’t live in a bubble even though some people wish it were so. However, while the principle of free speech is a cornerstone of democratic societies, it's important to recognize that no right is absolute and unrestricted. Even in the realm of free speech, there are limits defined by laws and ethical considerations. Here are a few factors to consider:

1) Harm and Incitement: A common threshold for drawing the line is when speech incites violence, hatred, discrimination, or poses a direct threat to individuals or groups. Speech that puts marginalized communities at risk or promotes harm crosses a line that goes beyond the realm of constructive dialogue.

2) Educational Value: The purpose of inviting speakers to a college campus is to enrich students' learning experiences. Evaluate whether the content and message of the speaker contribute to critical thinking, open discussion, and intellectual growth, rather than merely promoting propaganda or prejudice.

3) Diverse Representation: While it's essential to provide a range of perspectives, consider the balance and diversity of viewpoints presented. Ensuring that all voices, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, have opportunities to be heard is crucial as well as those with a variety of political backgrounds.

As you decide how to handle controversial speakers, it might be helpful to establish clear guidelines or a review process that considers the above factors. No one should be blocked for their political beliefs, but when these cross the line into hate speech, discrimination, or marginalization of communities, then that speaker needs to go. Remember that maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment doesn't mean silencing dissenting voices, but rather creating a space where different perspectives can be shared and debated constructively.

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