Letter: Banana bonanza warms the heart
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: I think that your editorial misses the point about "Bananaman" Phil Calcott ("A bargain? No, it's a banana", 15 January). This isn't an initiative to be assessed by standard economic parameters.
Seven years ago I was driving with friends through New York City and got terribly lost, heading out of Manhattan by mistake across the tolled Newark Bridge. Attempts to turn the car round, or requests for help from other drivers, met with standard New York aggression and expletives, and our car was soon a collective nervous wreck.
As we came to the toll booth, without the correct change, I prepared for another round of robust New York "conversation". Instead, I was politely informed that "the lady ahead has paid your fare" and waved through with a smile. The gesture and spirit behind it immediately changed the atmosphere of our car (and a queue of others behind) and touched all of us.
The giving away of huge quantities of bananas, while making a small profit courtesy of Tesco, should not be assessed using life-cycle analysis techniques, as your editorial implies. Phil Calcott's gesture was much more about unconditional giving in a world dominated by "everything having its price" and an increasing fear of social interaction with strangers.
Also, what value do you place on fun?
STEWART T BOYLE
Rotherfield, East Sussex
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments