在美国，西瓜太大，我太小

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by single individuals in the U.S. retail market, particularly in relation to purchasing food items like watermelons, highlighting a system that favors bulk buying and family units over individual needs [1][30]. Group 1: Market Structure and Consumer Behavior - In the U.S., supermarkets sell watermelons as whole units rather than by weight, which contrasts with practices in other countries [3][5]. - The pricing strategy for pre-cut fruit in higher-end stores reflects a premium for convenience, indicating that single consumers pay more for smaller portions [9][11]. - The retail system in the U.S. is primarily designed around family units and bulk consumption, which can marginalize single consumers [16][18]. Group 2: Implications for Single Consumers - Single individuals face a dilemma of either buying large quantities of food that may go to waste or paying higher prices for smaller portions [21][30]. - The article suggests that the market treats single consumers as a niche market, requiring them to pay more for less, which does not align with their actual consumption needs [27][28]. - There is a growing trend of single-person households, which may eventually shift consumer demand towards smaller packaging and more individual-friendly products [25][26]. Group 3: Broader Social Context - The article notes that while American society is increasingly accepting of single living, the market structures have not adapted to support this demographic effectively [17][18]. - The consumption patterns in the U.S. reflect a lifestyle geared towards family and bulk buying, which can lead to feelings of neglect for single individuals [24][30]. - The article raises the question of whether market changes could prompt a redefinition of basic living units to better accommodate the needs of single consumers [25][29].