Having a beer with Chomsky

I’m thinking an IPA might be in order, but then again, is that a manufactured desire? I mean, hoppiness is not everyone’s thing. I could see a down-to-earth, authentic working man’s quencher, but adjuncts are out; what would the MIT AAUP say about undercutting solidarity and the gig economy even if it’s just a play on words?

Don’t even talk to me about a Bud or a Miller or a Coors. Talk about your world-corporate syndicate products. Are they even allowed in here? Heavens no, and thank goodness. There’s a place for a nip of capitalism run amok, but this is not it.

Maybe a wheat beer. A hefeweizen could hit the spot. But that might be deceptive, what with the apricot flavor actually from yeast, not fruit, plus they’re kind of spendy and showy. I’m no snob. I know what I like. But I don’t want to be elitish. Something on the malty side could work, but what would ordering induced sweetness say about me?

Belgians? No. I don’t want to put on airs.

The answer might be a regional like a Yuengling or Olympia or a Genny. Now, those are good, honest, proletariat beers, hanging on from a different time and reflective of a New Deal social contract. Truth be told, though, they’re underwhelming and I could come across as self-conscious and forced-ironic, and he’d see right through me.

So I’ll have a Sam Adams: Established but anti-corporate, middle-of-the-road, and I can defend it as what everyone else is having. And hey, in Cambridge, it’s semi- sorta local. It arrives unopened and I have to ask for an opener; it’s a little uncomfortable. I’m nervous and pour it too fast and the head is just out of control.

Prof. Chomsky reads the menu, looks at the taps, squints and gets a Do Good Ale from his hometown. He leaves a good tip.

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Inspired by the fall film series at Utica College.