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?