Vol. 63 No. 4 Apr.1998
P.6
Copyright by US Catholic
Zen is in, at least in marketing, notes Chicago Tribune (Jan. 14, 1998) columnist Mary Schmich. From Calvin Klein ads promising "Zen comfort" with the help of $600 cashmere throws to Zen tea, Zen coffee, and Zen party mix at the grocery store, American marketers have discovered a new way to raise their profits, if not enlightenment. "Our loose use of the word Zen reflects both our fascination with Eastern religions and our ignorance. Imagine you visited Japan and found the locals buying Catholic comforts, Jewish coffee, and Quaker party mix."