Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and Porn

As I finished up what was probably my fifth Krispy Kreme doughnut of the day last Thursday, it occurred to me how much warm (7 seconds in the microwave) Krispy Kreme doughnuts are like pornography. Yeah, I know I’m weird.

The most obvious parallel to me is that they are both addictive. The more doughnuts I eat, the more I want. . Whether I’ve eaten one or four, it’s rare that I feel satisfied. The momentary good feeling from consuming one just makes me selfish for more. It reminds me of my buddy who was looking at internet porn up to ten times a day. Despite the sexual release that came with the first viewing of the day, he wasn’t satisfied by it. In fact, he really wasn’t satisfied by the tenth viewing either. The bottom line is that scratching the itch doesn’t make it go away. In fact, it often just makes it itch more. I guess that’s the tolerance effect of addiction (or sin as the case may be). I wish I could eat a doughnut and think “man that was good. I won’t need another dessert for at least week.” Unfortunately I’m not wired that way.

The funny thing about Krispy Kremes is that sometimes eating five or six leads to both good and bad feelings (although the knowledge of the bad feelings is rarely enough to help me refrain:). I feel overly full and gross afterwards (although sometimes I don’t, and the consumption is just like a drop in the bucket). I know that some people who view internet porn have the same conflicted feeling.

I do not know the scientific expressions to describe how KKs make me feel, but when I eat one I feel differently—happy chemicals course through my body; it’s much more than just a good taste. I imagine looking at pornographic images has the same effect on some people (remember the Grey’s Anatomy episode when the patient watched porn to relieve pain?). Hormones or chemicals or something are released upon viewing the images.

Another way these two are similar is shame. Both gluttony and porn can result in feelings of shame. It’s a feeling of hating what you’re doing—yet not hating it quite enough to stop or actually being unable to stop on your own—even if it means you end up losing your job (because you were caught downloading porn at work).

So now you know what’s bouncing around in my head these days. Oh, when I shared my thoughts with Carter, he suggested I listen to a sermon entitled “The Gospel According to Krispy Kreme” and draw some different parallels....which reminds me that I’m either enslaved to sin (which can be so addictive like KKs and porn) or enslaved to God (which breaks that cycle of shame, pleasure, etc.).

p.s. I’m thankful for a fantastic weekend with my family. Jumping on the trampoline with my nieces and Carter, visiting with my Aunt Rene, games with my sister and Billy Bob, spending time with my mom and dad, and an awesome drive back Sunday morning with sunshine and great music and prayer made for a lovely time.

11 comments:

Aaron said...

I was waiting to read the distinction you were making when we first talked about this. Even though I was certain where you were going, it was just too funny not to have you share it with everyone.

I was recently talking to someone at work about porn and his admission that he has a huge collection of it. That was just the point. He doesn't have a huge collection because he enjoys it. He has a huge collection because it never satisfies.

Clearlykels said...

So, I read the whole post and it was very interesting, but the only thing that I could think about was how much I really wanted a Krispy Kreme doughnut and trying to remember the last time I had one. Yum!

ella said...

I don't see anything wrong with eating 5 KK a day as long as you work out. I get a bit ill after 2 myself, but they are pretty darn good.

Anonymous said...

Your right. I have tried both and they are highly addictive.By the grace of God I was able to move past the porn. I'm still struggling with the KK though! One thing at a time.

Anonymous said...

I think the parallel you drew was really interesting...unfortunately I also reallllllllly want a Krispy Kreme now.

cdp said...

I know the KK feeling. I understand it on a very deep level, sistafriend.

Have you ever used them to make a bullseye? I don't know if you were a Girl Scout, but the bullseye was always a big fave on our camping trips.

Place a KK on foil. Put one jumbo marshmallow in the center. Sprinkle with M&M's (now that the mini M&Ms are available, I think they'd work better.) Wrap foil around the KK, and warm over a campfire. I'm thinking this would also work in the oven for a few minutes, and I'm also thinking you should try one. Then come back and talk to me about ADDICTED. Too good.

And I've been known to nearly drive off the road upon the sight of a lit "hot doughnuts NOW" sign. Le tasty.

ps, trampoline jumping is awesome. Hope your week is going as well as your weekend did, and I'm so glad to you hear you and Carter had a nice time together.

Ally said...

cdp: I'm almost afraid to try this. It sounds ridiculous. Ridiculously good and sweet and gooey. Thanks for sharing.

Ruby: understandable!

Pete: We'll need God's help for sure with this one:)

Ella: I guess eating 5 KKs in an hour doesn't seem right to me....

Clearlykels: I should have posted a photo too--then you'd really be craving one.

Aaron: Excellent point. Thanks for sharing that.

Kimberly said...

There is a great book by Gerald May called "Addiction and Grace" which helps all of us understand our own addictions...it definitely helped me stop judging other people's addictions once I realized I had MANY of my own.

Ronman said...

This has to be one of the best blog post I've ever read. I've never put these two things together before but all I could say is WOW! I could taste one of those glazed hot kks right now. I still miss the old KK building on Thompson lane. Nastalgic.

Ronman

Lib said...

Ally-

I think that watching Pride and Prejudice is like porn for women in some weird way. Jane Austen in general is like porn for women.

anyhow, just saw you left me a comment, so i thought i'd come see your blog. dude...Anna Begins...totally listen to it on repeat. What is it about that song? it touches something in the soul. also, love your quote from East of Eden...one of my all time favorite books!

thanks for commenting on my blog! how did you find it?

lybb7@hotmail.com
ciao for now
lib

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