Pineapples and Potatoes
Pineapples generally cost more than potatoes. Discuss.
What an excellent economics question. Or is it a philosophy question? Is one more valuable than the other? Who decides the value? Or are we more interested in the price?
Perhaps the question could be used to test one’s thinking. Or to test one’s ability to make an argument. Someone else might use the opportunity to tell a fascinating story.
There is a great deal below the surface of the statement. For example, the word “cost”. Is that the cost of growing, or is that the price paid by a consumer?
Is it cheaper to grow potatoes? One could investigate the input cost of producing potatoes based on the output weight.
What climatic conditions are required for the two competitors in the duel to establish their value?
Their climatic requirements will impact their proximity to markets. One might have more complicated logistical requirements than the other. That would require us to consider their packaging needs based on their fragility and shelf life.
What is the calorie difference between pineapples and potatoes per kilogram? One could make an argument based on nutritional value.
The Economics 101 approach would be to explore their supply and demand curves. Is there more supply of potatoes because they are easier to grow? Or is it that they are cheaper to produce and cost less to the consumer that there is more demand for them. What comes first, demand or supply?
Many suggest potatoes are a staple, while pineapples are a luxury. The one is dull and dirty; it is a tuber that grows in the ground. The other is tropical and bright and is associated with Pina Colada cocktails and beautiful beachside locations.
By now, I hope that you have wondered why the hell is Pineapples and Potatoes even a subject matter worth exploring. There is so much established knowledge and understanding about these different agricultural products. We could write essays about either of them filled with information that few would question, and many would pay little attention to.
The subject of Pineapples and Potatoes will probably not get any viral social media attention. Once upon a time, the same would have been said about these subjects:
Men and women being different, your vaccination status and who you voted for. These subjects are like landmines, designed to distract us from the real problems in our society. Perhaps pineapples and potatoes are the next landmine subject. The question to ask is what is in the other hand? What are “they” trying to distract us from?
Justin Spencer-Young
