How stupid do manufacturers and marketing people think we are?

Enough, apparently.

On cereal box: “You asked for gluten-free rice cereal, and here it is!” Uh, rice does not contain gluten.

On a carton of eggs: “All natural!” As opposed to lab eggs?

However …

Last year, to show her appreciation for work done, my wife made breakfast for her office – around 20 women. I don’t remember what all she made – sausage, eggs and cheese casserole and several other dishes, strawberries, fruits and such. She had informed and reminded everyone of what she was doing. The Friday she had everything laid out in the office kitchen, people began reminding her of things.

“You know Melissa is vegetarian.”

“Well, then, she can have (these dishes prepared with no animal products) and the fruits and berries.”

And: “You know Jessica is vegan.”

“She can have (these dishes prepared with no animal products) and the fruits and berries.”

And: “You know Amber is on a gluten-free diet.”

“Well, then, Amber can kiss my …”

No, she did not say that, although she wanted to after several women looked at what she had spent hours cooking, and said, “No, I think I’ll just not eat.”

Those women, the reminders and the vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, all were 20-somethings, all their lives babied and protected and told how special they were. They were not free-range, cage-free and most likely never will be.