Essay 3.3 Narrative

Just Put the Keys Down

Crash. Thought many miles away I could feel the impact at home. On Halloween of 2006 I lost my Superman, my brother. I was over at a friend’s house that night, while my brother off to college. There is a soft knock at the door, definitely not a trick-or-treater, and my mother walks in. My eyes meet hers, my heart drops. Those three small words, those three small words repeat in my head over and over again, “Todd is dead.” I stood there, silent. My feet felt like cement, my eyes watering, and my mind racing. My world had just been turned upside down. Though standing still, I could feel my body in a whirlwind, my heart dropping faster than an atomic bomb then when I reached rock bottom…boom. I broke down, I didn’t know what else to do? I keep asking her if this is real and all she can do is stare at me, her eyes just as red as mine. What do you say after you find out that your brother was killed my a drunk driver? You don’t say anything, you just hear silence.

I cannot remember anything else from that night before my mother walked into that door with the news that could kill. My parents told me that I needed to stay home while they go off to West Virginia to deal with the funeral. I was furious. How could they not realize that I want to be able to say goodbye? To this day I still wish I could have said my final goodbye, but it is something that I can never give. I stayed with my friend for a week; it was the longest week of my life. I dreaded going to school, seeing everyone who seemed like nothing was wrong, treading along as if the world was still in order. Of course I was quiet, not speaking to anyone. I was dying inside, struggling to hold in my anger, my sadness.

Eventually my mind began to settle, the tornado of emotions withered away. Though that stormed had settled, my heart could still feel the strike of the girl who took my brother away, the girl who decided to have one too many drinks, the girl who should have never gotten in the car. My brother was the designated driver that night, being responsible and taking care of his friends, why was he the one who had to suffer the consequences of someone else’s thoughtless actions? Sadly enough he is not the only person that has been tragically taken away by people who make bad decisions. In 2008 approximately 11,773 people were killed due to “alcohol-impaired traffic crashes” (MADD). Out of those 11,773 one of them has to be someone’s brother, someone’s son, someone’s best friend lost in something that could have been avoided. To think that my brother could still be alive if that girl, Amber, would have had the common sense to put the keys down. It is as simple as that, just put the keys down. However that thought was lost.

Now in college, I fear the same outcome. Halloween is a night that will always haunt me, not because of the monsters in masks, but the monsters inside people. I fear not only for my safety, but also for the safety of others. Seeing as my brother was taken away from me his freshman year of college, it is only natural that I begin to lose myself. I thought that after so many years, I was done with the grieving and all its stages. I was wrong. The night tormented me and tore me apart. I didn’t want to leave my dorm, but I did. Every second I was near a moving vehicle I quivered in pain, I thought I was going insane, my body ached and I couldn’t move. However I was not crazy at all, this was normal. I felt as if my body was giving up, I couldn’t go on. I see everyone drinking and having a good time, while me on the other hand was worried the whole time. I was worried that my friend was going to walk out and a car come out of nowhere, hitting them. I worried that one of them would just get into a car a go, thinking that they were invincible but find out the opposite. The whole time I just wanted my brother back, hoping that I would see him walk into the door, give me a big hug and have a good time. That never happened.

When I hear accounts of people who drink and drive and I want to slap them across the face. They don’t realize the harm that it can cause; how even the family’s who lose someone they love are still a victim. Those who act as a victim due to the lose that they have received; they are considered a Bereaved Victim. Due to the sudden loss in their life they have to “play the role of the victim in the name of the deceased,” (Weed, p. 461). This shows people the pain that family and friends go through. Along with that they can share the knowledge of what harm can actually be done due to drunk driving. How else are people going to realize that actions taken by drunk drivers hurt not only the one’s in the accident, but the one’s who love them? They can’t. They have no experience or knowledge in such areas. It is up those that have been hurt by their loss to speak for those you are unable to speak for them self, those killed by drunk drivers.

There is a need for more to be done for the people who have lost loved ones. Numerous things can be done to prevent such drastic measures like taking a life away. There needs to be a zero tolerance rule all across the nation, no exceptions. The girl that crashed into my brother was underage and intoxicated. Any signs of alcohol in a person’s system that is above 0.08% BAC is an immediate misdemeanor, nothing less. Some believe that lowering the BAC level for drinking would help and I would highly agree to this, such actions would help keep our road safer from drunk drivers.

However there is another factor that some would over look due to the natural trust in our law enforcement. The police officer that got the call of the crash got to the site immediately. What shocked my family and I the most was that he did not take a Breathalyzer from the girl or retrieve and hair sample to check for any signs of intoxication? His reasoning for not doing so was that he had no reason to; he saw no evidence to show that there was anything in her system. Really, nothing at all could possibly be in her system? It was only until 2 hours later that another officer Breathalyzed her and found that she was still very intoxicated. The issue with this is that what if that second officer would have never taken that test, Amber would have gotten away is a slap on the wrist. Is that something that you want to be done if a careless person took your brother or sister away? I don’t think so. A solution to this simple yet complicated problem is to make Breathalyzers and hair sample tests a requirement to take in any accident so that justice may be served.

Another option would be sobriety checkpoints along all roads that can randomly check people at any given time. This would make drivers realize that there is a higher risk for them getting caught drinking and driving than that if there was not a checkpoint. There have been studies that prove that sobriety check points do in fact help to reduce the amount of alcohol related accidents (injury). If this were to be implemented then another young man’s life could be saved from a person who made a poor decision.

Due to the lack of concern from people with lack of information, it is up to those hurt to tell their story. Whether it be Mothers Against Drunk Driving or another activist program, anything to get the word out helps. Sadly enough, even that does not make many people listen. Sometimes it takes an actual account to happen to them or to someone they know and/or love to understand. It is a disappointment when people realize that it is already too late to do something, because it is never too late. Though you or anyone else may not have been able to save someone already effect by such accidents, you can still help to make a difference in the future. There are many options out there that you can do to help prevent a severe injury or worse, death cause by alcohol. It is never too late to try to save a life.

Works Cited

"The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training on the Grieving Process and Emotional Well-Being of Chronic Pain Patients." Journal Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings 11.4 (2008): n. pag. Web. 15 Apr 2010.

"Statistics." MADD: Activism, Victim Services, and Education. MADD, 2009. Web. 15 Apr 2010.

Weed, Frank J. "The Victim-Activist Role in the Anti-Drunk Driving Movement." Sociological Quarterly 31.3 (1990): 459-73. Web. 15 Apr 2010.

"Injury Prevention & Control Motor Vehicle Safety: Impaired Driving." Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 22 April 2010. Web. April 28 2010.

Essay 3.2 Narrative

Crash. Thought many miles away I could feel the impact at home. On Halloween of 2006 I lost my Superman, my brother. I was over at a friend’s house that night, while my brother off to college. There is a soft knock at the door, definitely not a trick-or-treater, and my mother walks in. My eyes meet hers, my heart drops. Those three small words, those three small words repeat in my head over and over again, “Todd is dead.” I stand there, silent. My feet felt like cement, my eyes watering, and my mind racing. My world had just been turned upside down. Though standing still, I could feel my body in a whirlwind, my heart dropping faster than an atomic bomb then I reach rock bottom…boom. I break down, I don’t know what else to do? I keep asking her if this is real and all she can do is stare at me, her eyes just as red as mine. What do you say after you find out that your brother was killed my a drunk driver? You don’t say anything, you just hear silence.

I cannot remember anything else from that night before my mother walked into that door with the news that could kill. My parents tell me that I need to stay home while they go off to West Virginia to deal with the funeral. I was furious. How could they not realize that I want to be able to say goodbye? To this day I still wish I could have said my final goodbye, but it is something that I can never give. I stay with my friend for a week; it was the longest week of my life. I dreaded going to school, seeing everyone who seemed like nothing was wrong, treading along as if the world was still in order. Of course I was quiet, not speaking to anyone. I was dying inside, struggling to hold in my anger, my sadness.

Eventually my mind began to settle, the tornado of emotions withered away. Though that stormed had settled, my heart could still feel the strike of the girl who took my brother away, the girl who decided to have one too many drinks, the girl who should have never gotten in the car. My brother was the designated driver that night, being responsible and taking care of his friends, why was he the one who had to suffer the consequences of someone else’s thoughtless actions? Sadly enough he is not the only person that has been tragically taken away by people who make bad decisions. Did you know that in 2008 approximately 11,773 people were killed due to “alcohol-impaired traffic crashes” (MADD). Out of those 11,773 one of them has to be someone’s brother, someone’s son, someone’s best friend lost in something that could have been avoided. To think that my brother could still be alive if that girl, Amber, would have had the common sense to put the keys down. It is as simple as that, just put the keys down. However that thought was lost.

Now in college, I fear the same outcome. Halloween is a night that will always instill fear in me, not because of the monsters in masks, but the monsters inside people. I fear not only for my safety, but also for the safety of others. Seeing as my brother was taken away from me his freshman year of college, it is only natural that I begin to lose myself. I thought that after so many years, I was done with the grieving and all its stages. I was wrong. The night haunted me and tore me apart. I didn’t want to leave my dorm, but I did. Every second I was near a moving vehicle I quivered in pain, I thought I was going insane, my body ached and I couldn’t move. However I was not crazy at all, this was normal. Apparently the intensity and depth of my emotion pain can lead to another type of pain, chronic and physical pain. Most would see this as just depression and leave it at that, but it was more ("Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings"). I felt as if my body was giving up, I couldn’t go on. I see everyone drinking and having a good time, while me on the other hand was worried the whole time. I was worried that my friend was going to walk out and a car come out of nowhere, hitting them. The whole time I just wanted my brother back, hoping that I would see him walk into the door, give me a big hug and have a good time. That never happened.

I hear accounts of people who drink and drive and I want to slap them across the face. They don’t realize the harm that it can cause; how even the family’s who lose someone they love are still a victim. Those who act as a victim due to the lose that they have received; they are considered a Bereaved Victim. Due to the sudden loss in their life they have to “play the role of the victim in the name of the deceased,” (Weed, p. 461). This shows people the pain that family and friends go through. Along with that they can share the knowledge of what harm can actually be done due to drunk driving. How else are people going to realize that actions taken by drunk drivers hurt not only the one’s in the accident, but the one’s who love them? They can’t. They have no experience or knowledge in such areas.

There is a need for more to be done for the people who have lost loved ones. Numerous things can be done to prevent such drastic measures like taking a life away. There needs to be a zero tolerance rule all across the nation, no exceptions. The girl that crashed into my brother was underage and intoxicated. Any signs of alcohol in a person’s system that is above 0.08% BAC is an immediate misdemeanor, nothing less. Some believe that lowering the BAC level for drinking would help and I would highly agree to this, such actions would help keep our road safer from drunk drivers. Another option would be sobriety checkpoints along all roads that can randomly check people at any given time. This would make drivers realize that there is a higher risk for them getting caught drinking and driving than that if there was not a checkpoint. There have been studies that prove that sobriety check points do in fact help to reduce the amount of alcohol related accidents (injury). If this were to be implemented then another young man’s life could be saved from a person who made a poor decision.

Due to the lack of concern from people with lack of information, it is up to those hurt to tell their story. Whether it be Mothers Against Drunk Driving or another activist program, anything to get the word out helps. Sadly enough, even that does not make many people listen. Sometimes it takes an actual account to happen to them or to someone they know and/or love to understand. It is a disappointment when people realize that it is already too late to do something, because it is never too late. Though you or anyone else may not have been able to save someone already effect by such accidents, you can still help to make a difference in the future. There are many options out there that you can do to help prevent a severe injury or worse, death cause by alcohol. It is never too late to try to save a life.

Bibliography

"The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training on the Grieving Process and Emotional Well-Being of Chronic Pain Patients." Journal Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings 11.4 (2008): n. pag. Web. 15 Apr 2010.

"Statistics." MADD: Activism, Victim Services, and Education. MADD, 2009. Web. 15 Apr 2010.

Weed, Frank J. "The Victim-Activist Role in the Anti-Drunk Driving Movement." Sociological Quarterly 31.3 (1990): 459-73. Web. 15 Apr 2010.

"Injury Prevention & Control Motor Vehicle Safety: Impaired Driving." Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 22 April 2010. Web. April 28 2010.

Essay 3.1 Narrative

Crash. Thought many miles away I could feel the impact at home. On Halloween of 2006 I lost my Superman, my brother. I was over at a friend’s house that night, while my brother off to college. There is a soft knock at the door, definitely not a trick-or-treater, and my mother walks in. My eyes meet hers, my heart drops. Those three small words, those three small words repeat in my head over and over again, “Todd is dead.” I stand there, silent. My feet felt like cement, my eyes watering, and my mind racing. My world had just been turned upside down. Though standing still, I could feel my body in a whirlwind, my heart dropping faster than an atomic bomb then I reach rock bottom…boom. I break down, I don’t know what else to do? I keep asking her if this is real and all she can do is stare at me, her eyes just as red as mine. What do you say after you find out that your brother was killed my a drunk driver? You don’t say anything, you just hear silence.

I cannot remember anything else from that night before my mother walked into that door with the news that could kill. My parents tell me that I need to stay home while they go off to West Virginia to deal with the funeral. I was furious. How could they not realize that I want to be able to say goodbye? To this day I still wish I could have said my final goodbye, but it is something that I can never give. I stay with my friend for a week; it was the longest week of my life. I dreaded going to school, seeing everyone who seemed like nothing was wrong, treading along as if the world was still in order. Of course I was quiet, not speaking to anyone. I was dying inside, struggling to hold in my anger, my sadness.

Eventually my mind began to settle, the tornado of emotions withered away. Though that stormed had settled, my heart could still feel the strike of the girl who took my brother away, the girl who decided to have one too many drinks, the girl who should have never gotten in the car. My brother was the designated driver that night, being responsible and taking care of his friends, why was he the one who had to suffer the consequences of someone else’s thoughtless actions? Sadly enough he is not the only person that has been tragically taken away by people who make bad decisions. Did you know that in 2008 approximately 11,773 people were killed due to “alcohol-impaired traffic crashes” (MADD). Out of those 11,773 one of them has to be someone’s brother, someone’s son, someone’s best friend lost in something that could have been avoided. To think that my brother could still be alive if that girl, Amber, would have had the common sense to put the keys down. It is as simple as that, just put the keys down. However that thought was lost.

Now in college, I fear the same outcome. Halloween is a night that will always instill fear in me, not because of the monsters in masks, but the monsters inside people. I fear not only for my safety, but also for the safety of others. Seeing as my brother was taken away from me his freshman year of college, it is only natural that I begin to lose myself. I thought that after so many years, I was done with the grieving and all its stages. I was wrong. The night haunted me and tore me apart. I didn’t want to leave my dorm, but I did. Every second I was near a moving vehicle I quivered in pain, I thought I was going insane, my body ached and I couldn’t move. However I was not crazy at all, this was normal. Apparently the intensity and depth of my emotion pain can lead to another type of pain, chronic and physical pain. Most would see this as just depression and leave it at that, but it was more ("Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings"). I felt as if my body was giving up, I couldn’t go on. I see everyone drinking and having a good time, while me on the other hand was worried the whole time. I was worried that my friend was going to walk out and a car come out of nowhere, hitting them. The whole time I just wanted my brother back, hoping that I would see him walk into the door, give me a big hug and have a good time. That never happened.

I hear accounts of people who drink and drive and I want to slap them across the face. They don’t realize the harm that it can cause; how even the family’s who lose someone they love are still a victim. Those who act as a victim due to the lose that they have received; they are considered a Bereaved Victim. Due to the sudden loss in their life they have to “play the role of the victim in the name of the deceased,” (Weed, p. 461). This shows people the pain that family and friends go through. Along with that they can share the knowledge of what harm can actually be done due to drunk driving. How else are people going to realize that actions taken by drunk drivers hurt not only the one’s in the accident, but the one’s who love them? They can’t. They have no experience or knowledge in such areas.

Due to the lack of concern from people with lack of information, it is up to those hurt to tell their story. Whether it be Mothers Against Drunk Driving or another activist program, anything to get the word out helps. Sadly enough, even that does not make many people listen. Sometimes it takes an actual account to happen to them or to someone they know and/or love to understand. It is a disappointment when people realize that it is already too late to do something, because it is never too late. Though you or anyone else may not have been able to save someone already effect by such accidents, you can still help to make a difference in the future. It is never too late to try to save a life.

Works Cited

"The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training on the Grieving Process and Emotional Well-Being of Chronic Pain Patients." Journal Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings 11.4 (2008): n. pag. Web. 15 Apr 2010.

"Statistics." MADD: Activism, Victim Services, and Education. MADD, 2009. Web. 15 Apr 2010.

Weed, Frank J. "The Victim-Activist Role in the Anti-Drunk Driving Movement." Sociological Quarterly 31.3 (1990): 459-73. Web. 15 Apr 2010.

Reflection 2.3

In writing this I would say that I had a slighty harder time mainly because I had to acknowledge the other side. I'm personally more of a firm stance kind of person, and can see the other point of veiw, but have a difficult time expressing that. The research I would have to say was fairly easy due to that this is a bigger issue than what most people would expect and it is easy to find federal documents that is open for the public to see. I did enjoy writing this since this has a lot to do with what I hope to pursue as a career, maybe not this exact issue, but in general I have an interest in nutrition and exercise. I believe that the group conference was a HUGE help because I can not only get my group's feedback but the whole class which gives me multiple point of veiws that maybe my group may have not seen. Hopefully my next paper will be better due that I can tell a story, my story which only I can write and hopefully the audience will be able to capture the emotions that will be put in it.

Essay 2.3

Over thirty years ago, one of the main concerns of the nation was the lack of nutrition and starvation of children across America. Today, rather than the scarcity of food, we are focusing on too much food and caloric intake. Obesity is a growing epidemic that is sweeping the nation. One of my classes, GKIN 100, we discovered that by the year 2030, all American adults will be overweight (Corbin, p. 274). There are solutions that can help most American adults, but most do not realize that there is more that can be done by simply speaking up along with help. I believe that the Federal Government needs to take action and steps towards regulation what type of food/beverages are sold and advertised, with more particular attention towards children, who poses a greater advantage. However some industries fear that federal control would threaten profits. Bringing in regulation to theses industries has enormous opportunities for a healthier lifestyle but it is a big gamble.

Several people have spoken alarm over this issue. Douglas J. Besharov, a professor at the University of Maryland, made a testimony before the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry on April 3, 2003 expressing concern over the weight and obesity in recent America. He stated that in previous years, while a civil rights worker in the 1960’s, he had first hand account of the lack of nutrition and starvation that was occurring day to day. Only after the media paid attention to such issues is when action took place such as federal feeding and welfare programs for people who cannot afford to pay for food. Now he is appalled to see accounts of the complete opposite (Besharov). To myself, and most likely many others, this is awful. People worry about their weight constantly these days. I can’t go a day without worrying about what I eat or if I get enough exercise, trying to manage a healthy weight and lifestyle. On a personal account, an old sports coach of mine was also a fitness trainer, and she would tell us stories of how people do not know how to properly manage nutritional intake. The question is, does the federal government need to intervene for this type of measure, and how will it affect these companies? My answer to this question would be yes but that may not always be the best course of action.

In extreme cases of overweight and obesity, the federal government, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration under the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, is a good solution due to they have greater power than that of those who just shake their fingers, they can talk the talk but not walk the walk. However, companies fear government regulation and see it as a threat tot heir profit and possibly their jobs. Such action can cause serious damage if not done properly. Thus companies need to find ways of gearing their products in a better light that can still maintain their “fun” status.

Food companies spent approximately $1.6 billion in 2006 gearing products such as sugary cereals, fast food and sodas towards children (Clifford, par. 2). Policymakers, public and health professionals are now concerned about certain practices of these companies and how they gear their products. Threatened by federal regulation, companies are starting to do what some call self-policy in order to stay afloat. Several companies have made modifications to the products that they sell, particularly to children. The most common tactic is to stop marketing certain products that are aimed towards children and teenagers. Cereal is one of the biggest products that have trouble adapting to these expectations (Clifford, par. 12). Kellogg’s, along with other participating companies, are not permitted to advertise their product in elementary schools, with some exceptions such as charitable fundraising activities (Sharama, par. 16). This is good, especially when it comes to adapting to new products and how the advertise their new healthier standards, but is this good enough? No, it is not, we first need to find out what and if the new products are in fact healthier.

Other forms of self-regulating in fact is to modify the products to a healthier measure. Each company has their own set of standards for “better” food, but what exactly doe that mean, “better”? The companies themselves define this; there is no universal definition for better food (Clifford, par. 7). So we as consumers have no idea if what we are eating/drinking really is any “better” than their previous prototypes. However the writers of the article, “The Food Industry and Self-Regulation: Standards to Promote Success and to Avoid Public Health Failures”, have found 8 standards that companies should and do follow in order for self-regulation to be successful. These standards include: standards created by a combination of scientists and representatives of leading nongovernmental organizations, everyone have equal power and authority, predefined benchmarks to ensure the success of self-regulation, mandatory reporting to ensure progress, procedures for outside parties to have the ability to make objections if anything seems to not meet requirement, evaluation of benchmarks by credible outside sources, periodical assessments, and lastly oversight by an appropriate global authoritarian or health body (Sharma, par. 10). These guidelines can help to create smaller portion sizes and caloric intake without diminishing nutritional needs, all of which can help children and adults as well. Generally these rules are stricter for children in grades K-8 (Sharma, par. 13). So when asking, what is the benchmark for these guidelines, people can be reassured that professionals and those with expertise in this field will carefully decide and monitor the food that is distributed to children.

The solution has come to that regulation will come from outside, and professional sources that have no bias. They may be deemed credible by the federal government, but not controlled by them. Though full federal government regulation will not be the solution and self-regulation will not always be 100% successful, I do believe that people can compromise to such measures of having credible outside sources, such as World Health Organization monitor such actions (Sharma, par. 11). This would be considered a look but don’t touch situation, so that all parties are satisfied with the actions being carried out. The companies are given the benefit of the doubt and given the chance to better their products for a healthier standard given to them.

Bibliography

Besharov, Douglas J. (2003, April). “ Growing Overweight and Obesity in America: The Potential Role of Federal Nutrition Programs.” Speech presented at Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, Alexandria, VA.

Clifford, Stephanie. "Tug of War in Food Marketing to Children." New York Times 30 Sep. 2008: 5. Web. 13 Mar 2010.

Fahey, Thomas D, Paul M Insel, and Walton T Roth. Fit & Well: Core Concepts and Labs in Physical Fitness and Wellness. 8th. New York: McGraw-Hill Learning Solutions, 2009. 274. Print.

Sharma, Lisa L, Stephen P Teret, and Kelly D Brownell. "The Food Industry and Self-Regulation: Standards to Promote Success and to Avoid Public Health Failures." America Jouranl of Public Health 100.2 (2010): 240-6. Web. 13 March 2010.

Setting Excerise

I can remember my room as a child the best on December 14, 1997. I know that sounds weird but that was the day that I first saw snow, for me a big deal since I had lived in tropical weather for the most part. I remember the night before I was sitting on the rough cheap carpet that builders put in, that ugly offwhite that was itchy, but I had put a blanket down. My parents walk in telling me that it is time to go to bed. I climb up to my bed that at the time I thought was the biggest bed in the world since I only took up a small portion of it. Before falling asleep I look out my two long, tall, skinny windows and hope that I see the white powder the next morning. To my surprise I wake up and my walls were whiter than ever before. I look to those super-model type windows and see snow. I never thought that day would come. I was happier than a fat kid with chocolate.

Reflection 2.2

For this essay I had to get a little more extensive. I realized that I didn't have enough information in my paper for the reader to fully understand. The one thing that I especially had trouble in was to be able to find more common ground with the opposing side and empathize with them. I guess that my mind set is still on the argument essay which makes it more difficult to switch over to a different type of writing. Suprsingly enough there is a lot of information about my topic of federal regulation in the food industry. It is seen as a growing issue which makes this a little easier for me to write about. Even though this essay is a little more difficult than I expected I really do enjoy writing it since it is something that I truly feel strong about and would like to see something done about this growing epidemic that is sweeping across America as a whole.

Essay 2.2

Over thirty years ago, one of the main concerns of the nation was the lack of nutrition and starvation of children across America. Today, rather than the scarcity of food, we are focusing on too much food and calories. Obesity is a growing epidemic that is sweeping the nation. In one of my classes GKIN 100 our instructor found a statistic that stated that by the year 2030 all American adults will be overweight. There is not much that can be done for adults since they have their diet set, but there is something that can be done about the children, our future. I believe that the government needs to take action and steps towards regulating what type of food/beverages are sold and advertised in schools. However some industries fear that federal control would threaten the company, possibly hurting their marketing. Bringing in regulation to these industries has enormous opportunities for a healthier lifestyle but is a big gamble.

Douglas J. Besharov, a professor at the University of Maryland, made a testimony before the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry on April 3, 2003 about the concern over overweight and obesity in America. He stated that in previous years while a civil rights worker in the 1960’s he had first hand account of the lack of nutrition and starvation that occurred. Only after the media paid attention to such issues is when action took place such as federal feeding and welfare programs for people who cannot afford to pay for food. Now he sees accounts of the complete opposite. Children’s stomachs’ are not swollen from hunger but from too much food. The question is, does the federal government need to intervene for this measure, and how will it affect these companies? My answer to this question would be yes. In extreme cases the federal government, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration under the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, is a good solution due to that they have greater power that those who just shake their fingers and say that what some companies are doing is bad. However, companies fear government regulation and see it as a threat to their profit and possibly their jobs. Such action can cause serious damage to the company in profits.

Approximately $1.7 billion was spent on gearing products such as sugary cereals, fast food and sodas towards children. Policymakers, public and health professionals are now concerned about certain practices of these companies. Threatened by federal regulation, companies are starting to do what some call self-policy in order to stay afloat. Several companies have taken measures to make modifications to the products they sell, particularly to children. The most common tactic was to stop marketing certain products that are aimed towards children and teenagers. Cereal is one of the biggest products that have trouble adapting to theses expectations (Clifford par.12). Kellogg’s, along with other participating companies are not permitted to advertise their product in elementary schools, with some exceptions such as charitable fundraising activities (Sharma par. 16). This is good, especially when it comes to adapting to new products geared to health standards, but is it good enough?

Other forms of self-regulating is to modify the products to a healthier measure. Each company has their own set of standards for “better” food, but what exactly does that mean? The companies themselves define this; there is no universal definition for “better” food (Clifford par 7). However the writers of the article, The Food Industry and Self-Regulation: Standards to Promote Success and to Avoid Public Health Failures, have found 8 standards that companies should and do follow in order for self-regulation to be successful. These guidelines help to create smaller portion sizes and calorie intake without diminishing nutritional needs; all of which that are to be distributed in schools. These rules are generally stricter for schools that foster children from grades K-8. The main concern though, is what is the benchmark for these guidelines? Every company will be different in setting their standards, if there are even any standards set. So how can policymakers and these companies find a solution?

Before anyone can put a plan into action, first there is something that needs to be defined, the benchmark. What is the cut off? Each product is going to have something different but how can policymakers ensure that these standards are efficient and will be met? Though full government regulation will not be the solution and self-regulation is not always successful, I do believe that the government can carefully monitor these products, a look but don’t touch scenario. We have to give these industries and company the benefit of the doubt if they are indeed trying to better their food for a healthier and better standard. However the companies should make their criteria and check in with the FDA to make sure it is acceptable, if not then go back to the drawing board and try again. Once that is covered, all the federal government does is watch, if anything is out of line that is when they need to intervene. We should try to avoid this as much as possible so that the government does not control everything.

Essay 2.1 Reflection

For this essay, I felt a little rushed. This was not due to the actual due date, but for some reason I flew through this just trying to get my thoughts out. My research was a little different this time, mainly due to that this is a different topic and I have to get used to a new topic. But over all my actual interest in this paper is higher, since my major does deal with nutrition and exercise. Also, this is a way for me to sort of vent about my pet peeve, which is when people complain about their weight. We all do it, but for those that don't know how they became overweight or obese this hits close to home for me. I cannot stand when people overweight complain and do nothing about their weight, thinking that it will magically disappear. Another is when people go onto television shows to get help. Back to what I was saying. This is something that I am more passionate about and hope to greatly improve for my second draft.

Essay 2.1

Over thirty years ago, one of the main concerns of the nation was the lack of nutrition and starvation of children across America. Today, rather than the scarcity of food, we are focusing on too much food and calories. Obesity is a growing epidemic that is sweeping the nation. In one of my classes GKIN 100 our instructor found a statistic that stated that by the year 2030 all American adults will be overweight. There is not much that can be done for adults since they have their diet set, but there is something that can be done about the children, our future. I believe that the government needs to take action and steps towards regulating what type of food/beverages are sold and advertised in schools. However some industries fear that federal control would threaten the company.

Douglas J. Besharov, a professor at the University of Maryland, made a testimony before the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry on April 3, 2003 about the concern over overweight and obesity in America. He stated that in previous years while a civil rights worker in the 1960’s he had first hand account of the lack of nutrition and starvation that occurred. Only after the media payed attention to such issues is when action took place such as federal feeding and welfare programs for people who cannot afford to pay for food. Now he sees accounts of the complete opposite. Children’s stomachs’ are not swollen from hunger but from too much food. The question is, does the federal government need to intervene for this measure? My answer to this question would be yes. In extreme cases the federal government, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration under the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, is a good solution due to that they have greater power that those who just shake their fingers and say that what some companies are doing is bad. Companies fear government regulation and see it as a threat to their profit.

Approximately $1.7 billion was spent on gearing products such as sugary cereals, fast food and sodas towards children. Policymakers, public and health professionals are now concerned about certain practices of these companies. Threatened by federal regulation, companies are starting to do what some call self-policy. Several companies have taken measures to make modifications to the products they sell, particularly to children. The most common tactic was to stop marketing certain products that are geared towards children and teenagers. Cereal is one of the biggest products that have trouble adapting to theses expectations (Clifford par.12). Kellogg’s, along with other participating companies are not permitted to advertise their product in elementary schools, with some exceptions such as charitable fundraising activities (Sharma par. 16).

Other forms of self-regulating is to modify the products to a healthier measure. Each company has their own set of standards for “better” food, but what exactly does that mean? The companies themselves define this; there is no universal definition for “better” food (Clifford par 7). However the writers of the article, The Food Industry and Self-Regulation: Standards to Promote Success and to Avoid Public Health Failures, have found 8 standards those companies should follow in order for self-regulation to be successful. These guidelines help to create smaller portion sizes and calorie intake without diminishing nutritional needs; all of which that are to be distributed in schools, and tighter rules for grades K-8. The main concern though, is what is the benchmark for these guidelines? Every company will be different in setting their standards, if there are even any standards set. So how can policymakers and these companies find a solution?

Before anyone can put a plan into action, first there is something that needs to be defined, the benchmark. What is the cut off? Each product is going to have something different but how can policymakers ensure that these standards are efficient and will be met? Though full government regulation will not be the solution, I do believe that the government can carefully monitor these products, a look but don’t touch scenario. First off, the companies should make their criteria and check in with the FDA to make sure it is acceptable, if not then go back to the drawing board and try again. Once that is covered, all the federal government does is watch, if anything is out of line that is when they need to intervene.

Pre-Writing Essay 2

Continuing from the previous pre-writing post, trying to figure out the opposing side is difficult. The main concern would most likely be cost or possibly a person's choice/freedom. Since implementing such ideas would make some people wonder whether or not this is a good idea, the fact is that everyone can come to an agreement that there is an unhealthy lifestyle in America. Obesity is growing and people are becoming immobile. There are simple things that can help to decreasing the chances of obesity or being overweight. If you are a parent and your child plays video games all the time or watches television, give them something to do outside, play sports!

Reflection 1.3

For this last part of my essay I had to do more of my own thinking. It was a little difficult to find my "voice" in the paper that opposed some of the things that the editorial was spectulating. Overall I wouldn't say that this paper was enjoyable to write, but more of something that was important and needed to be stated. It is a little harder for me to tell an audience was I think or feel in writting as opposed to what I used to concentrate more in, art. Images help express what I believe, think or feel. Maybe in my next essay I can use the idea that was stated in class which is to have a picture with the essay to better clarify what my central idea is. The feedback from my group could be better. I didn't get enough critques to better my paper, the most that was stated was for my introduction to be clearer.

Pre-writing (Rogerian)

What is something that I can find common ground on that concerns me to the point of trying to find a solution, tough question. Since my major that I am going into is Kinesiology, a major part of my life is health, eating the right foods and getting enough exercise, both of which can be difficult at this day and age. However both nutrition and daily exercise is attainable, but to what extent? I guess my question or concern is more for children who begin their eating habits and exercise habits based on parents, friends, or school. Grown adults now are not going to change very easily, and most change due to something more traumatic such as weight gain. America is one of the fattest countries in the world due to unhealthy food and lack of exercise, so how should this issue be handled? Should the government intervene? Is this considered a national crisis or epidemic, many seem to treat is as such. What is there to do? There is only so much that food companies can do, some are trying to switch over to healthier forms of making their product. For example, the baked potato chips are starting to become more popular, needless to say that it is still unhealthy, but it is a step towards healthier foods. Should others follow by example, yes. Though an immediate change would be best, that is highly unlikely to happen, but a gradual change is the best solution for everyone. Implementing more exercise time in classes and healthier foods in schools, making sure that children begin healthy habits. Possibly have students in health classes begin nutrition and exercise logs earlier than high school or college, but maybe late elementary or early middle school. The problem with that though, for girls it may cause them to become too self-conscious and lead to other problems. So how can everyone come to a common ground on this without causing too much damage?

Essay 1.3 (rebuttal)

You go to James Madison University, correct? Have you ever wondered why there is a significantly larger population of females than males? In the L.A. Times Editorial section you will find that there is a post bringing light to the gender gap in colleges and universities all across America. Many wonder as to why this is, and see this as a growing issue. Females are now being admitted at a higher rate, which is an accomplishment in itself, but the males are being admitted with a slight boost to keep diversity, yet the numbers of males remain lower. In the editorial the author brings in certain speculations as to why this is such. Some hypothesize that males need special attention based on how they take in information. Race and ethnicity have even been included into factoring into this rising problem. However these factors may excuse a small percentage of males, it does not excuse all males from lagging behind.

Some may ask the question, “What is happening with the education of males in this country?” In USA Today, Mary Beth Marklein speculates that the, “female majority may be higher education’s new normal.” In the editorial the author (also states) that at the University of California’s UCLA campus, more women apply than men. In order to maintain equality in the admissions process, the university admits an equal percentage of each gender from those who apply. As a result, a wider gender gap has been created. Being a student that attended a university that has these issues, it makes the college experience different. Some students, such as myself, work better with diversity.

As the author in the L.A. Times article mentioned, there are different types of learning styles for both male and females. This author mentioned that males are more likely to learn by using senses; visual or working with their hands, and that schools should accommodate to these needs. Interesting enough, I see more art students, hands on and visual type students; here at James Madison University that there is more female verses male. The question is, “do colleges need to change all the time for every single type of student?” The answer would be no. Linda Sax, a scholar in gender issues, writes in Her College Experience Is Not His that both male and females have to overcome their own challenges in order to obtain a good college education. Some of those challenges can range from what the editorial speculates such as Attention Deficit Disorder or simply to a busy schedule. Sax continues to say that women put a greater emphasis on the value of education, devoting more time to school work than men do, and achieve higher in academics, creating a larger gap. But why do females put a greater emphasis on education than males? One reason that comes to mind is parents. Just from personal experience, one can see that parents treat their children different generally based on gender. While females have stricter rules, males sometimes are given more slack. However Sax and the author of the editorial both agree, “…colleges need to consider strategies for encouraging greater academic engagement among male students” (Sax 16). Is this really the best solution? Valeria E. Lee and David T. Burkam, authors of Inequality at the Starting Line, may disagree and believe that this issue begins at a much earlier stage.

In Lee and Burkam’s book, they state that the inequalities of children’s mental aptitude begin at the ‘starting gate’. The ‘starting gate’ refers to the notion that not all children start off as equals going into Kindergarten. The main factor that is observed in measuring the “inequality” of students is the socioeconomic status (SES) of the child and family. The National Center for Education Statistics defines SES as a measure of an individual or family’s relative economic and social ranking (The Condition of Education). From there, schooling can magnify those inequalities due to low resources and funding. Along with schooling, family and social backgrounds can influence the success or failure of a child’s potential to achieve a good education; these factors include race and ethnicity, poverty, parenting structure, and the education level of the parent(s). Today it is becoming harder to keep up with education without the proper tools. Most schooling now involves computer usage, but if a family is low on income then a computer may not be easily accessible. Good child care is can also burn a hole in your pockets, and studies show that early childhood development is key to getting a good start in school (Lee and Burkam).

With race being stated, there is another gap within races in education. Statistics from Inequality at the Starting Gate shows that there are “substantial differences by race and ethnicity in children’s test scores at they begin kindergarten”. SES and race are interconnected. Lee and Burkam noted that on average, that the lowest scores are produced by 34% Black children, 29% Hispanic, and only 9% of White children. The actual race and gender of a child is not what makes the gap, but the SES of the general population of a specific race.

If a child; whether male, female, of color or white; is able to attend college, the university is not responsible for holding their hand and walking them through four years of education. Going to school is about learning to adapt and grow. For the author in the editorial to suggest that universities need to find ways to aid in males to succeed in college is not a better approach. James Madison University has been 100 years of tradition and many have graduated and moved on to succeed in life, do you think that the school is not already doing enough? There are numerous amounts of resources if someone is struggling to keep up such as learning centers for communication, science and math, writing and much more. There is no reason that males should lag behind and try to skew the blame to the school.

There is more to academic success rate than simply the gender or race of a child. Yes, males and females minds are wired differently, affecting how they work, but there is more to it than genetics. There are always going to be challenges that each gender must overcome. The family life based on socioeconomic status and even race need to be factored into this equation in order to gain a “deeper understanding of the nuances and implications of the gender gap in college” (Sax). For years colleges have done what they can for their students, but it takes two to tango. Students also have to learn to adapt to the new college life and learning; it is part of the whole experience of growing up, overcoming obstacle to reach your goal.

Works Cited

"College's Gender Gap: Women Now Out Number Men in Both Applying to Schools and Earning Degrees." L.A. Times 15 Jan 2010, Web.

"The Condition of Education." IES:National Center for EducationStatistics. IES, Web. 5 Feb 2010.

Lee, Valerie E, and David T Burkam. Inequality at the Starting Gate: Social Background Differences in Achievement as Children Begin School. Economic Policy Institute, 2002. Summary. Web.

Marklein, Mary Beth. "College Gender Gap is Stable." USA Today01 Jan 2010: n. pag. Web. 6 Feb 2010.

Sax, Linda. "Her College Experience Is Not His." Chronicle of Higher Education 55.5 (2008): 32-33. Web. 6 Feb 2010.

Rebuttal Exercise

Dear Dr. Walter Williams

Can you find a similarity between Nazis and Anti-smokers? Yes you can. As the writer of “Nazi Tactics”, you believe this to be true. In 2002 you write in Ideas on Liberty that in today’s society and government that there is intolerance against smokers, making a wild comparison that the government who is try to ban smoking are acting as the Nazis did during the Holocaust. You claim that almost 40 million American smoke cigarettes, and my question is, how many have quit (par. 4). As stated by you, “there has been widely successful vilification of cigarette smokers and tobacco manufacturers,” and all this is due to the health effects and health-care costs (par. 5). Don’t you think that there is a legitimate reason as to why these officials are making these claims? Officials are not trying to rid of people or making them seem like villains, but trying to gear towards a healthier lifestyle and only ridding them of their bad habit. Though it may seem that officials have, “arisen one day and then decided to tyrannize no more,” this is still an issue that is at hand that is closely followed and fought over.