Although our society as a whole is realizing that tanning salons are not healthy for our skin, how much are our efforts going to decrease the amount of individuals who still use the tanning beds. In reality, law makers, doctors, and researchers, can provide the public with the information they need to educate themselves about the harmful rays from the tanning bed lights, but it comes down to the person’s own choice. They can ignore or get around some laws that are put in place if it meant that they were still able to keep visiting the salons in trying to achieve the perfect skin color they want. It is also difficult for the younger generation to believe the facts about skin damage and cancer because it doesn’t show up right away. Many people are also very naive and believe that something bad could or would never happen to them. When images of celebrities are constantly posted with them having the golden brown tan, a majority of the people will continue to use the tanning salons despite their knowledge about how bad it is for your skin. Our society puts so much emphasis on physical appearances that many people go to great lengths and spend tons of money in order to feel “beautiful”, even if it meant sacrificing your health. America’s popular culture influences so many Americans as well as people from other countries who want to look and do what we are doing. I think the only way for people to decrease the amount of time they spend at tanning salons would be for famous celebrities to speak out about the detrimental effects it can have on your skin and that there are other products out there that can achieve that same effect such as tanning lotions or getting a spray tan.
Sources:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/01/060117084553.htm
http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/sun_darker.html
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/NWS/content
/NWS_1_1x_Tanning_Beds_May_Increase_Skin_Cancer_Risk.asp
http://www.ncsl.org/IssuesResearch/Health/TanningRestrictionsforMinorsstatelawssummary/tabid/14394/Default.aspx
http://money.cnn.com/2010/03/24/news/economy/tanning_tax/
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_5172258
Friday, May 14, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
part 2
The Los Angeles Times did a survey that reported misconceptions that many Americans share about tanning. Their results came out to 37% mistakenly believe that indoor tanning beds are safer than outdoor sun exposure, 40% aren’t aware that burns and tans during childhood are linked to skin cancer in adults, 52% think a base tan protects the skin from further sun exposure even though it doesn’t, and 65% don’t realize that all UV rays are harmful to the skin. While so many American’s believe these misconceptions it is no wonder that skin cancer is the most common out of all the cancers and accounts for nearly half of all the skin cancers in the United States. Tanning beds are also linked to the type of skin cancer known as melanoma which is the deadliest type of skin cancer if it is not treated early.
So what exactly is our country doing to help prevent skin cancer from tanning salons?
The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization that has information about all kinds of cancers. To prevent skin cancer they are trying to educate the public about the dangers to the skin from the exposure of the sun and the harmful effects of tanning salons. They have offered prevention programs at schools, childcare centers, primary care offices, and beach and recreation areas. The ACS also advocates with lawmakers at both the state and federal levels to ensure responsible health policies are enacted and to increase funding for research and testing and treatment coverage. The society also provides support services and programs with those and their families who are dealing with cancer.
Research indicates that high risk exposure happens more commonly in teens and that blistering sunburns and overexposure during childhood greatly increase the chances of developing skin cancer later in life. For this reason law makers in some states are regulating the use of tanning beds to minors. These policies include having parental permission to anyone under the age of 18, limiting the time that can spent in the tanning bed, and providing and requiring the use of eye protection. A Denver law also doesn’t allow minor to use a tanning bed unless they have a prescription from their doctor. Doctors are only allowed to give out these prescriptions to those who have a rare skin condition or psychological disorder that could improve with tanning.
An FDA advisory meeting was held on March 2010 to seek independent, professional expertise and advice on regulatory issues related to tanning devices. These new regulations may include revising some requirements of tanning beds and strengthening the warning labels so that the tanning bed user would be more aware of the risks.
The Obama Administration has just approved that a 10% tax would be placed on those who use indoor tanning salons in an effort to help support the health care bill. The 10% tanning tax replaced the 5% Botox tax that was originally included in the bill. The tax would be put on electronic products designed for tanning that use one or more ultraviolet lamps with wavelengths between 200 and 400 nanometers. Spray tans and spray lotions are not included in this tax. A 10% tax could help increase the amount of tanning salon users which in turn will hopefully decrease the amount of skin cancers in America.
Although this tax may help save many lives, many tanning salon owners and customers are outraged by this tax. Joseph Levy, vice president of the International Smart Tan Network, estimates that 9,000 jobs may be taken away as well as the closing of over 1,000 different tanning salons. He states, “the tax also targets middle-class and female business owners, with about two-thirds of tanning salons in the U.S. owned by women”.
So what exactly is our country doing to help prevent skin cancer from tanning salons?
The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization that has information about all kinds of cancers. To prevent skin cancer they are trying to educate the public about the dangers to the skin from the exposure of the sun and the harmful effects of tanning salons. They have offered prevention programs at schools, childcare centers, primary care offices, and beach and recreation areas. The ACS also advocates with lawmakers at both the state and federal levels to ensure responsible health policies are enacted and to increase funding for research and testing and treatment coverage. The society also provides support services and programs with those and their families who are dealing with cancer.
Research indicates that high risk exposure happens more commonly in teens and that blistering sunburns and overexposure during childhood greatly increase the chances of developing skin cancer later in life. For this reason law makers in some states are regulating the use of tanning beds to minors. These policies include having parental permission to anyone under the age of 18, limiting the time that can spent in the tanning bed, and providing and requiring the use of eye protection. A Denver law also doesn’t allow minor to use a tanning bed unless they have a prescription from their doctor. Doctors are only allowed to give out these prescriptions to those who have a rare skin condition or psychological disorder that could improve with tanning.
An FDA advisory meeting was held on March 2010 to seek independent, professional expertise and advice on regulatory issues related to tanning devices. These new regulations may include revising some requirements of tanning beds and strengthening the warning labels so that the tanning bed user would be more aware of the risks.
The Obama Administration has just approved that a 10% tax would be placed on those who use indoor tanning salons in an effort to help support the health care bill. The 10% tanning tax replaced the 5% Botox tax that was originally included in the bill. The tax would be put on electronic products designed for tanning that use one or more ultraviolet lamps with wavelengths between 200 and 400 nanometers. Spray tans and spray lotions are not included in this tax. A 10% tax could help increase the amount of tanning salon users which in turn will hopefully decrease the amount of skin cancers in America.
Although this tax may help save many lives, many tanning salon owners and customers are outraged by this tax. Joseph Levy, vice president of the International Smart Tan Network, estimates that 9,000 jobs may be taken away as well as the closing of over 1,000 different tanning salons. He states, “the tax also targets middle-class and female business owners, with about two-thirds of tanning salons in the U.S. owned by women”.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
part 1
Physical appearances have always been a very important aspect in America’s society. Look at the cover of any beauty magazine or advertisement and we see beautiful men and women posted on them. Our society bases first impressions on how beautiful that person is by the shared standards and beliefs of what our culture believes them to be. What America believes as being “beautiful” is flawless tanned skin, long hair, big boobs, perfect white teeth, tall, and super skinny. Many Americans will spend thousands of dollars a year buying products or services that they believe would enhance their physical appearances. Many Americans especially women spend their money on dangerous surgery procedures to change or enhance a feature of their body. Tanning beds are especially common because many believe that tan skinned looks much sexier. Tanning beds are most commonly used in the months when the individual cannot tan outside from the natural sunlight. They are extremely popular because one can achieve a golden brown tan in about 15 minutes while lying in a tanning bed and can increase the darkness of the tan by continuing to visit the tanning salon. It is not uncommon to hear stories of people who go to great lengths to achieve what they believe is beautiful even if it means harming their body or even risking their lives.
About 30 million Americans visit a tanning salon a year. Of these tanning salon users, 70% are Caucasian women between the ages of 16 and 49. Tanning beds were introduced to the United States by Friedrich Wolff in 1978. They have become very popular since the nineties. Tanning beds are machines in which the individual lies down in for about 12 to 15 minutes to develop a tan. The lights that are used in tanning beds give off mainly ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation. The international Agency for Cancer Research classified UVA as a probable human cancer-causing agent. This is why the tanning salon user is able to achieve the golden tan in such a minimal amount of time.
Many dermatologists and doctors believe that tanning salons are very harmful to the body’s skin and can cause the individual to develop the deadliest skin cancer more easily. There have been many regulations by the government to hopefully decrease the amount of tanning bed users because of its harmful effects.
About 30 million Americans visit a tanning salon a year. Of these tanning salon users, 70% are Caucasian women between the ages of 16 and 49. Tanning beds were introduced to the United States by Friedrich Wolff in 1978. They have become very popular since the nineties. Tanning beds are machines in which the individual lies down in for about 12 to 15 minutes to develop a tan. The lights that are used in tanning beds give off mainly ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation. The international Agency for Cancer Research classified UVA as a probable human cancer-causing agent. This is why the tanning salon user is able to achieve the golden tan in such a minimal amount of time.
Many dermatologists and doctors believe that tanning salons are very harmful to the body’s skin and can cause the individual to develop the deadliest skin cancer more easily. There have been many regulations by the government to hopefully decrease the amount of tanning bed users because of its harmful effects.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Movies
The Hollywood movie industry is known for creating tons of movies that have entertained millions of people around the world. From comedies to romance to horror films, the Hollywood industry has made them all. They have also made movies that have angered and upset people due to the racial and stereotypical characters that are portrayed in their movies. Asian Americans are part of that racial group where script writers have chosen to represent the Asian American actors as inferior to the white lead actor.
In the 1984 movie, Sixteen Candles, an Asian American actor is used in the movie as a comic relief to the play the role of Long Duk Dong known as the “donger”. Some believe that this movie was one of the most offensive Asian stereotypes seen in a Hollywood movie. He is the typical foreign Asian character who all the cool kids at school pick on. His talks with an accent and says phrases such as, “oh, sexy girlfriend” and “what’s happenin’ hot stuff?” It is obvious to the viewers that he is unlike the rest of the characters in the movie and doesn’t fit in.
Movies such as Sixteen Candles are seen as racist because of the negative stereotypes that they continue to play on. Of course the movie’s main intention is to provide humor and comedy but there are certain limitations that are humorous and those that become offensive. Many critics believe that this character embodied all the horrible stereotypes that Asian Americans deal with on a daily basis. The nickname “donger” was Asian American males’ worst nightmare during this time, as many were called this at school. The character also sent out the message to the viewers that Asian Americans were very different from the rest of the society and should be treated as outcasts because they haven’t learned to assimilate. This of course is not true as many Asian Americans have assimilated with the American culture. Also the stereotype that all Asians are dorks/nerds and don’t have a social life were also played out in the movie.
Many people use what they see in movies as a standard stereotype of a certain racial class especially if most movies portray the same characteristics. Asian American males are most of the time portrayed in movies as the villain or as dorks. Asian American women are portrayed as the “dragon lady” or the “china doll”. They are usually never the lead roll and are always inferior to the white man. It is not just Asian Americans whose negative stereotypes are portrayed in films, but almost every racial class is seen lesser to the white man. I think that script writers should focus their attention less on the negative stereotypes of a racial class because what people see in movies they may apply to real life. This is where discrimination and racial prejudice can emerge especially those who do not know any Asian Americans and believe in the stereotypes that are seen in the movie. Movies are supposed to entertain us and not to make people feel upset and offended.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=88591800
Word Count 516
In the 1984 movie, Sixteen Candles, an Asian American actor is used in the movie as a comic relief to the play the role of Long Duk Dong known as the “donger”. Some believe that this movie was one of the most offensive Asian stereotypes seen in a Hollywood movie. He is the typical foreign Asian character who all the cool kids at school pick on. His talks with an accent and says phrases such as, “oh, sexy girlfriend” and “what’s happenin’ hot stuff?” It is obvious to the viewers that he is unlike the rest of the characters in the movie and doesn’t fit in.
Movies such as Sixteen Candles are seen as racist because of the negative stereotypes that they continue to play on. Of course the movie’s main intention is to provide humor and comedy but there are certain limitations that are humorous and those that become offensive. Many critics believe that this character embodied all the horrible stereotypes that Asian Americans deal with on a daily basis. The nickname “donger” was Asian American males’ worst nightmare during this time, as many were called this at school. The character also sent out the message to the viewers that Asian Americans were very different from the rest of the society and should be treated as outcasts because they haven’t learned to assimilate. This of course is not true as many Asian Americans have assimilated with the American culture. Also the stereotype that all Asians are dorks/nerds and don’t have a social life were also played out in the movie.
Many people use what they see in movies as a standard stereotype of a certain racial class especially if most movies portray the same characteristics. Asian American males are most of the time portrayed in movies as the villain or as dorks. Asian American women are portrayed as the “dragon lady” or the “china doll”. They are usually never the lead roll and are always inferior to the white man. It is not just Asian Americans whose negative stereotypes are portrayed in films, but almost every racial class is seen lesser to the white man. I think that script writers should focus their attention less on the negative stereotypes of a racial class because what people see in movies they may apply to real life. This is where discrimination and racial prejudice can emerge especially those who do not know any Asian Americans and believe in the stereotypes that are seen in the movie. Movies are supposed to entertain us and not to make people feel upset and offended.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=88591800
Word Count 516
Monday, April 5, 2010
Tag: Cosmetic Surgery
It is amazing how much both men and women today spend on their beauty regimes. These can include things like makeup, diet and exercise, skin care, cosmetic surgery, and many more. For some of us it is not that unusual when we hear someone spending hundreds of dollars a month on their beauty routines and for others it seems ridiculous. For these people these routines are part of their everyday lives and are must haves.
The first sociological image that I chose was titled, “The Beauty Industry: Spending and Routines.” The Economist reports that $160 billion dollars are spent yearly worldwide on such products and services. There were six women who were interviewed about their spending habits on such products and services. The ages of the women ranged from 25 to 36 year olds living in New York. Claudine, the 29 year old PR owner, spends the least amount of money on her physical appearance at about $80 a month. She believes that the less she buys the better she will look. Suzanne, the 36 year old hedge fund executive, spent the most out of all six of the women by spending $1720 a month on her beauty regiments. These images just show how our society is so obsessed with physical appearances. Some people believe that without the makeup or whatever else they do, wouldn’t make them the person who they are. Also many people feel much more confident with themselves when they cover their face with makeup. Our society today is based a lot on looks and we can see this just by turning on the television or looking at the cover of a magazine.
The second sociological image that I chose was titled, “Tattoo Makeup on Your Face for That Natural Look.” The image was an ad advertising permanent makeup. The title is kind of ironic because tattooing something on your face would not make you look more natural but just the opposite. The article also suggests that if companies use words such as “permanent makeup” instead of makeup tattooing that people will feel more comfortable in purchasing the service because it sounds less terrifying. The image shows how women and men again are spending money on their outer appearance in order to feel or to boost their self-confidence.
The third sociological image that I chose was titled, “Eyelid Gluing for a Western Look.” This is similar to one of our discussion posts that we had before about the surgeon who were doing surgeries on the eyelid to make the eyes look more “western”. Instead of getting the surgery this video shows how anyone could fake a double eyelid. By purchasing the glue or tape Asians could now have the double eyelid. As I watching the youtube video I was quite scared because it looked like it really hurt when the girl kept pushing her eyelid in. Once again we see people spending money on products to change or enhance their physical appearance.
With these three images it is obvious that the younger generations seem more superficial then the older ones. I know many girls who won’t step out of the house unless they have their full face makeup on. Everyone wants that flawless face or the perfect hair and we are willing to spend whatever it costs to achieve it. Both men and women are guilty for this act even though the images were only of women. Also it seems more common in high school that if you are not wearing the latest brands of clothing you are cast as an outcast from the “popular” kids. Nowadays our society are consumers even with the economic hardships that we are facing, we are still finding ways to purchase the products and services that benefit our physical appearances.
http://contexts.org/socimages/2009/05/15/the-beauty-industry-spending-and-routines/
http://contexts.org/socimages/2009/11/12/tattoo-makeup-on-your-face-for-that-natural-look/
http://contexts.org/socimages/2009/07/16/eyelid-gluing-for-a-western-look/
Words 632
The first sociological image that I chose was titled, “The Beauty Industry: Spending and Routines.” The Economist reports that $160 billion dollars are spent yearly worldwide on such products and services. There were six women who were interviewed about their spending habits on such products and services. The ages of the women ranged from 25 to 36 year olds living in New York. Claudine, the 29 year old PR owner, spends the least amount of money on her physical appearance at about $80 a month. She believes that the less she buys the better she will look. Suzanne, the 36 year old hedge fund executive, spent the most out of all six of the women by spending $1720 a month on her beauty regiments. These images just show how our society is so obsessed with physical appearances. Some people believe that without the makeup or whatever else they do, wouldn’t make them the person who they are. Also many people feel much more confident with themselves when they cover their face with makeup. Our society today is based a lot on looks and we can see this just by turning on the television or looking at the cover of a magazine.
The second sociological image that I chose was titled, “Tattoo Makeup on Your Face for That Natural Look.” The image was an ad advertising permanent makeup. The title is kind of ironic because tattooing something on your face would not make you look more natural but just the opposite. The article also suggests that if companies use words such as “permanent makeup” instead of makeup tattooing that people will feel more comfortable in purchasing the service because it sounds less terrifying. The image shows how women and men again are spending money on their outer appearance in order to feel or to boost their self-confidence.
The third sociological image that I chose was titled, “Eyelid Gluing for a Western Look.” This is similar to one of our discussion posts that we had before about the surgeon who were doing surgeries on the eyelid to make the eyes look more “western”. Instead of getting the surgery this video shows how anyone could fake a double eyelid. By purchasing the glue or tape Asians could now have the double eyelid. As I watching the youtube video I was quite scared because it looked like it really hurt when the girl kept pushing her eyelid in. Once again we see people spending money on products to change or enhance their physical appearance.
With these three images it is obvious that the younger generations seem more superficial then the older ones. I know many girls who won’t step out of the house unless they have their full face makeup on. Everyone wants that flawless face or the perfect hair and we are willing to spend whatever it costs to achieve it. Both men and women are guilty for this act even though the images were only of women. Also it seems more common in high school that if you are not wearing the latest brands of clothing you are cast as an outcast from the “popular” kids. Nowadays our society are consumers even with the economic hardships that we are facing, we are still finding ways to purchase the products and services that benefit our physical appearances.
http://contexts.org/socimages/2009/05/15/the-beauty-industry-spending-and-routines/
http://contexts.org/socimages/2009/11/12/tattoo-makeup-on-your-face-for-that-natural-look/
http://contexts.org/socimages/2009/07/16/eyelid-gluing-for-a-western-look/
Words 632
Monday, March 1, 2010
Gender Inequality
In the United States we see less instances and news of gender inequality than there is in other countries. U.S. citizens whether you are male or female have the right to vote, attend school to achieve a higher education, and to find career jobs. We have seen however cases where gender inequality took place in the work force. I do believe we as country are trying to rise against the stereotypes of men being the only ones who are the bosses and the ones making the most money. Nowadays it is common to see women in the top executive positions making just as much money as their other male coworkers. In contrast, women in other parts of the world do not have the equal opportunities as the men do.
The article “Rights: Women More Educated, Not More Equal” uses the countries Brazil, Philippines, South Africa, and Chile as their prime examples where gender inequality is much more common. The article states that girls in these countries have outnumbered and outperformed boys in school, yet still are facing inequality in employment, politics, and social relations. In Brazil 60 percent of those who graduate from college are women but are still underrepresented in the Brazilian Congress as well as earning thirty percent less than men for doing the same exact work. In the Philippines, South Africa, and Chile women represent the vast majority of those who have a higher education and are still not making the same amount of money as men.
Some claim that the reasons that women are seen less in the workforce has to do with raising and taking care of the children. In these countries child care is not offered for all families which means that the women have to stay at home and take care of them. In Brazil child care is only for half the day making it much harder for women to work at a full time job. Another reason for this the author claims is that even though women are getting their educations, the society as a whole and their attitudes and viewpoint about women and equality need to change. This starts with educating the public about gender inequality as well as stopping the stereotypes that devalue women and believe that they are only capable of having low income paying jobs.
There also have been cases for example in Mexico where they strived to create a gender balance in the work place and in post graduate training and tried to eliminate the gender stereotypes. In 2000 this fight for gender equality all changed when the National Action Party under Vicente Fox and now under the leader Felipe Calderon resorted back to the old stereotypes and ways of women being inferior.
Gender inequality is a very big issue that we need to stop. It discriminates women from having the same equal opportunity as their male counterparts not only in the workplace but also in life itself. The stereotypes stop women from achieving any high standards no matter if they have a college degree or not. In my opinion everyone deserves to live an equal life where there are equal opportunities for everyone, male or female. Gender inequality reminds me of slavery that took place in our country where we didn’t allow slaves to have the same rights as the white man. It is obvious that in different parts of the world gender inequality is more severe than in others. The only way to stop this is to educate people of the wrong of gender inequality. In our class we have read about all different stereotypes and discrimination and I think this topic ties in very nicely with it. Gender inequality is a global issue that needs to be destroyed once and for all.
Word Count 630
The article “Rights: Women More Educated, Not More Equal” uses the countries Brazil, Philippines, South Africa, and Chile as their prime examples where gender inequality is much more common. The article states that girls in these countries have outnumbered and outperformed boys in school, yet still are facing inequality in employment, politics, and social relations. In Brazil 60 percent of those who graduate from college are women but are still underrepresented in the Brazilian Congress as well as earning thirty percent less than men for doing the same exact work. In the Philippines, South Africa, and Chile women represent the vast majority of those who have a higher education and are still not making the same amount of money as men.
Some claim that the reasons that women are seen less in the workforce has to do with raising and taking care of the children. In these countries child care is not offered for all families which means that the women have to stay at home and take care of them. In Brazil child care is only for half the day making it much harder for women to work at a full time job. Another reason for this the author claims is that even though women are getting their educations, the society as a whole and their attitudes and viewpoint about women and equality need to change. This starts with educating the public about gender inequality as well as stopping the stereotypes that devalue women and believe that they are only capable of having low income paying jobs.
There also have been cases for example in Mexico where they strived to create a gender balance in the work place and in post graduate training and tried to eliminate the gender stereotypes. In 2000 this fight for gender equality all changed when the National Action Party under Vicente Fox and now under the leader Felipe Calderon resorted back to the old stereotypes and ways of women being inferior.
Gender inequality is a very big issue that we need to stop. It discriminates women from having the same equal opportunity as their male counterparts not only in the workplace but also in life itself. The stereotypes stop women from achieving any high standards no matter if they have a college degree or not. In my opinion everyone deserves to live an equal life where there are equal opportunities for everyone, male or female. Gender inequality reminds me of slavery that took place in our country where we didn’t allow slaves to have the same rights as the white man. It is obvious that in different parts of the world gender inequality is more severe than in others. The only way to stop this is to educate people of the wrong of gender inequality. In our class we have read about all different stereotypes and discrimination and I think this topic ties in very nicely with it. Gender inequality is a global issue that needs to be destroyed once and for all.
Word Count 630
Monday, February 8, 2010
Domestic Issue Paper
Childhood obesity is a very serious but preventable disease that is becoming increasingly popular with our children in America. Merriam Webster’s dictionary defines obesity as a condition that is characterized by excessive accumulation and storage of fat in the body. Studies have shown that 15% of the children in the U.S. are obese. Obesity can lead to serious health problems including diabetes, heart disease, asthma, as well as emotional and mental health problems. To reduce and eliminate childhood obesity we, as parents and school teachers, need to increase our children’s physical activities as well as teach them healthy eating habits.
The New York Times article, “A Federal Effort to Push Junk Food out of Schools”, is an article explaining how the Obama administration is trying to remove soda products as well as candy and other fatty foods from our schools. The result is hopefully going to help lower the number of students who gain weight while at school. First Lady Michelle Obama is one who is very adamant that this legislation passes so that the unhealthy food is removed from the vending machines and replaced with nutritious types of food. Although both Democrats and Republicans believe that this is a good idea it is a plan that is going to be very expensive. The Obama administration intends to spend one billion dollars more to the already eighteen billion dollars for nations schools’ meal plans. The article states that even this billion dollar increase may still not be enough to cover the extra costs for nutritious meals to be provided for our children. As for the companies who provide the sugary drinks and snacks many said they would not be in favor of a federal ban but would voluntarily take sugary drinks out of the vending machines and replace them with juice or water. Faculty members at the schools who sell candy and snacks to students in an effort to help pay for the needs of extracurricular activities were not too happy about the new legislation because of the fact that there is no other money that can help with these costs.
Childhood obesity is part of our socialization here in the United States. A study confirmed that nearly two out of three Americans are overweight or obese. With our society today always seeming to be in a rush, makes our lives very difficult to strive for healthy eating habits. In the past it was more commonly seen of families eating dinner together where as today family members barely see each other let alone have time to sit down all together to eat. We also have many temptations all around us that make it very difficult for us to choose the healthier type of food. Our society is also seen as being lazy and not living the active lifestyle that we need to stay healthy. It is no wonder why our children are obese since they are following in their parents’ footsteps.
I think that with our society’s eating habits cultural diffusion is lost in an attempt for immigrants to assimilate to the American culture. Japan is known for their healthy eating habits as well as their long lives. Their diet consists of lots of rice and fish. When a family from Japan moves to America I believe that their children may refuse their eating habits and change to an American one, which consists of fast food restaurants and lots of sweets, so that they can fit in with their peers. I also think that they would enjoy a hamburger, french fries and a coke rather than some fish and rice. Then as generations live on they are more assimilated to the unhealthy eating habits that so many Americans have, which then may lead to being overweight.
Word count 628
The New York Times article, “A Federal Effort to Push Junk Food out of Schools”, is an article explaining how the Obama administration is trying to remove soda products as well as candy and other fatty foods from our schools. The result is hopefully going to help lower the number of students who gain weight while at school. First Lady Michelle Obama is one who is very adamant that this legislation passes so that the unhealthy food is removed from the vending machines and replaced with nutritious types of food. Although both Democrats and Republicans believe that this is a good idea it is a plan that is going to be very expensive. The Obama administration intends to spend one billion dollars more to the already eighteen billion dollars for nations schools’ meal plans. The article states that even this billion dollar increase may still not be enough to cover the extra costs for nutritious meals to be provided for our children. As for the companies who provide the sugary drinks and snacks many said they would not be in favor of a federal ban but would voluntarily take sugary drinks out of the vending machines and replace them with juice or water. Faculty members at the schools who sell candy and snacks to students in an effort to help pay for the needs of extracurricular activities were not too happy about the new legislation because of the fact that there is no other money that can help with these costs.
Childhood obesity is part of our socialization here in the United States. A study confirmed that nearly two out of three Americans are overweight or obese. With our society today always seeming to be in a rush, makes our lives very difficult to strive for healthy eating habits. In the past it was more commonly seen of families eating dinner together where as today family members barely see each other let alone have time to sit down all together to eat. We also have many temptations all around us that make it very difficult for us to choose the healthier type of food. Our society is also seen as being lazy and not living the active lifestyle that we need to stay healthy. It is no wonder why our children are obese since they are following in their parents’ footsteps.
I think that with our society’s eating habits cultural diffusion is lost in an attempt for immigrants to assimilate to the American culture. Japan is known for their healthy eating habits as well as their long lives. Their diet consists of lots of rice and fish. When a family from Japan moves to America I believe that their children may refuse their eating habits and change to an American one, which consists of fast food restaurants and lots of sweets, so that they can fit in with their peers. I also think that they would enjoy a hamburger, french fries and a coke rather than some fish and rice. Then as generations live on they are more assimilated to the unhealthy eating habits that so many Americans have, which then may lead to being overweight.
Word count 628
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