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Where the Media is Powerless

Newspaper current event by Brandon on 17 March 2005, tagged as fitnessnutrition

The media is highly touted for its influence of the American populous. But, as is sarcastically reported by the Onion, there is one facet of popular behavior that seems completely immune. Despite consistent negative publicity, the Calorie Industry stomps on unphased. While the Onion reports in jest, there is a serious side to the issue; the U.S Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health News reported that obesity is poised to cut U.S. life expectancy by two to five years over the next few decades. Ironically, the one niche of modern journalism that seems most sincere and beneficial to the American citizen doesn't seem to have any influence at all.

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The wrong solution by Brandon :: NR9

The reason the media (and everything else, for that matter) can't change the obesity trend in this country is definitely not due to lack of publicity. The problem comes from individual inablity to admit fault and change behavior, but everyone (including the media) wants to look for more interesting and controversial places to stick the blame. For example, America's kids are flipping fat. In response, everyone wants to take action against the companies with kid-targeted advertising. I think that's straight up stupid. There is only one thing that gives you healthy kids, and that's healthy parents (or at least parents who make healthy decisions). Even if every sugar cereal and soft drink started running 100% 'health conscious' advertising, America's kids would still be fat because their parents would continue filling their homes with unhealthy choices (hydrogenated oils, high fructose syrups, non-whole grains, soft drinks) and taking their families out to eat five times a week.

Posted 17 March 2005, Hide, Reply