When Economy Sours, Tootsie Rolls Soothe Souls

紐約時報今天這篇文章蠻有意思的。
經濟不景氣的時候，很多人都轉向糖果，疏解他們的苦悶。
The recession seems to have a sweet tooth. As unemployment has risen and 401(k)’s have shrunk, Americans, particularly adults, have been consuming growing volumes of candy, say candy makers, store owners and industry experts.

Theories vary on exactly why. For many, sugar lifts spirits dragged low by the languishing economy. For others, candy also provides a nostalgic reminder of better times. And not insignificantly, it is relatively cheap.

“People may indulge themselves a little bit more when times are tough,” “These are low-cost items that people can afford pretty easily.”
Many of her customers tell her that even though they are living on less, they’re setting aside cash for candy.
Candy companies are relatively recession-proof,
Candy has become her affordable escape.“Apples and oatmeal only go so far,” she wrote later in an e-mail message. “It’s so tempting to pick up an 88-cent pack of Skittles as a little pick-me-up. So I won’t feel so deprived.”