A Life without Twinkies, Ding Dong’s and Ho Ho’s

A declining consumer market and a bakers strike may result in the demise of ‘Hostess Brands, Inc.’ which makes cream-filled cupcakes, fruit pies, Wonder Bread, Ho Ho’s, Ding Dongs and Twinkies.

The Twinkie is not just a snack food; it is a cultural icon. Some of you may not remember when, in the early 80’s, Dan White was acquitted of the murder of SF Mayor George Moscone. The defense attorney was able to persuade 12 intelligent adults that too much sugar had made him temporarily insane—to this day, infamously known as the “Twinkie Defense.”

I cannot help but see the Twinkie as a symbol for our nutritionally-deprived culture—both physically and spiritually. Having grown accustomed to a diet of empty earthly values, metaphorically speaking, most Americans seek a sugar high instead of higher things. The brouhaha over Hostess’ collapse is sufficient evidence that our 21st century idols are as empty as white bread or as fleeting as a caffeine rush. How sad that people, like survivors on a stranded island, cling to such things. If you’re feeling depressed about the loss of Twinkies, perhaps you should reflect on the Apostle John’s words, “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21).