Boston fits a number of different descriptions, many of which are certainly more applicable then others. As a city we’ve been called drunk, hardworking, pedestrian-friendly, a hot summer travel destination, stylish and not so much. Whether you agree with all these sentiments or call bullshit on any one you see fit, there’s one label Boston has yet to be stamped with: honest, or dishonest.
On Tuesday, the aptly named healthy beverage company Honest Tea will be putting the integrity of Bostonians to the test. At a to-be-revealed-later location, Honest Tea brass will be conducting a social experiment to fill out its National Honesty Index – an examination of statistics and characteristics that correlate with honesty.
Now, I’m not the type of person to dole out spoilers or preemptive hints on fun goodies to come so I’m not going to tell you where this virtuous test will be held or how it’ll go down so don’t bother asking me.
What I will tell you is Honest Tea will be breaking asking sifting through all of the evidence and data to answer questions like How honest are Boston residents? Are men more honest than women? Does hair color or the weather play a role in someone’s honesty?
Now, don’t feel like you’re being singled out, Boston. Honest Tea is filling out National Honesty Index by playing the same trick conducting the same experiment in all 50 states and Washington D.C.
If history is any indication, Boston stands a good chance of being amongst the most trustworthy cities. A similar study conducted by Honest Tea back in 2012 proved that 96 percent of people observed who unknowingly participated in the test payed for a $1 beverage at an unmanned kiosk as opposed to taking the drink and bailing.
Some fun facts about Boston’s honesty from the study:
- Women in Boston paid 96% of the time, while Boston men were 93% honest.
- Brunettes in Boston were 96% honest. Blondes were 91% honest.
- Boston redheads were 100% honest.
- Bald men were 88% honest.
- Boston baseball fans were more honest than fans in the Bronx. Go Sox!
In 2013, however, a single person could’ve given all of Boston a bad name. A man rocking a proceeded to steal 13 beverages throughout the entire day.
Honest Tea plans on publishing their findings on August 19 so be sure to stay on remain on your best behavior until then. After that no blood, no foul.
