In David Sedaris' book "Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls," he reflects humorously on childhood experiences related to food choices. He contrasts his upbringing with that of a friend's child, who is very selective about what he eats, only considering white foods. This contemporary view on picky eating highlights a significant difference in parenting styles.

Sedaris recalls how, in his own childhood, he was not afforded the luxury of picky eating. Instead, if he expressed a preference, his parents responded with harsh humor, suggesting he would be served unappetizing foods in response to his whims. This commentary underlines a nostalgia for a time when children were expected to eat what was provided without complaint, making light of the more extreme interpretations of parental discipline.