Fast Food Nation 2007

An interesting article sent to me by Kim VanHoosier-Carey about chemical flavoring.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Popcorn-Safety.html

Flavoring issues and chemicals are creating an impact on the food safety of our nation years after the publication of Eric Schlosser's Fast Food Nation (2001).

The politics of food are finally colliding with the demands of the working class, and gaining national attention, as published by the New York Times yesterday (Wednesday, September 26, 2007).

An interesting follow-up to those who have read Eric Schlosser’s Fast Food Nation – an analysis of the fast food industry – which includes a specific section of chemical flavoring in today’s fast food, as well as a compelling argument for workers rights. In the second section of Fast Food Nation entitled “Meat and Potatoes”, Schlosser addresses the incompetence of the federal government’s agencies, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). He particularly mentions “discrepanc[ies] of more than 1,000 percent,” and negligence to pressure large corporations to uphold the government’s safety standards (Schlosser 180). Schlosser never hesitates to critique “pro-business Republican[s],” in Fast Food Nation, and it appears that the New York Times is unafraid to do so either (Schlosser 158). While workers who inhale diacetyl are suffering from “popcorn lung,” they are also assaulted with external pressure – the terrifying prospects of workers comp, economic security, medical bills, the cost of insurance and a hungry family to feed and care for. It seems the Democratic Party, with Representative Betty Sutton blazing the path, is seeking to make up for the laissez-faire attitude of Republicans and the Bush administration toward enforcing strict OSHA standards. “‘Workers should never have to choose between their health and feeding their families,’” a compelling argument to enforce safety standards immediately (as quoted in the New York Times).

Democratic Representative Robert Andrews of New Jersey claims, “‘OSHA has not acted, so today we will’” (as quoted in the New York Times). Regardless of Democratic incentives to promote party politics and gain the support of the working man, with the impending 2008 election, it is a breath of fresh air to take labor issues directly to the heart of American government.

Watch for bill number H.R. 2693.
For more information visit: http://thomas.loc.gov


“Restrictions on Diacetyl Exposure Sought.” New York Times. Online. Opera. 26 September 2007.

Schlosser, Eric. Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All American Meal. New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 2001.

Susan G. Komen "Race for the Cure" - I felt the IMPACT

"I Am the Cure": The tag line of the Race for the Cure 2007 campaign.


The Mall St. Vincent was alive with men and women adorned in the pink and white insignia of Susan G. Komen. Booths were scattered throughout the grass and ribboned volunteers passed out information pamphlets. Looking around I wondered about the world around me. I felt that I was witnessing a profound movement leading to a greater social destiny. Where eight-hundred women began in Dallas, thousands of people continue in Shreveport. As I walked the 5K race I felt the impact of the women who have walked before me, united for a cause that “knows no boundaries, be it age, gender, socioeconomic status or geographic location” (Susan G. Komen for the Cure).

I signed a memory card in honor of a close friend of the family and pinned it with feeling to the board. I pressed one hand to her name and another to my heart in silent remembrance. I blinked a tear away as I allowed the familiar feelings of loss to wash over me for a moment. I was overwhelmed at the force of breast cancer and its affect on the community as well as individuals as I gazed at the many names. Sisters, mothers, daughters, grandmothers and friends were written across the board, each a personal testament of suffering…and defeat.

The experience in its entirety was empowering. I felt uplifted and passionate, excited with what the race had taught me. I feel that I was passed this gift of knowledge to serve as an ambassador of the cause. This final revelation occurred to me not when crossing the finish line, but when coming to the realization that every individual participating, volunteering or simply supporting has become a link in the chain toward breast cancer awareness.

Learn More:

www.iamthecure.org

www.komen.org



 

A review of "The Host" by Joon-ho Bong from an American Perspective

In a satirical spoof about the institutions of government set in South Korea the audience follows the story of the Park family during a major biological crisis. A spoof to the core, complete with English translation a few seconds before the actors’ lips move, Joon-ho Bong focuses the attention of the audience on the idea that the government is against the people. While the film factually refers to the South Korean government, there are major implications about American government and lifestyle. Bong touches on many issues which may cause a few Americans to question their traditional interpretation of the system of government and general social institutions like health care and the police force.

While Bong’s primary focus are the agencies and role of government, he introduces many related topics. Although minor issues often appear through one –liners or in a single scene, the impression is lasting and contributes greatly to the overall theme of the work. Bong smartly incorporates the power of media in culture, “if the news says so, it must be true,” as well as other influences like the presence of the mafia, the incompetence of the police force and maybe an implication that the police acts as a pawn for government. Bong also alludes to the cell phone industry, comically mocking the unreliability of the technology. Overall, Joon-ho Bong parallels his monster movie to the reaction of the public to crisis situations, like the hype of Y2K.

While Bong effectively depicts the anti-government message, the film style is stale and overused. The use of humor and satire to poke fun at authority is far too reminiscent of American parodies like the popular movie "American Dreamz". Although Bong introduces a few insightful messages about the role of government during crisis situations and the reaction of the population, two hours is two hours too long. While many minor scenes may cause a chuckle, overall “The Host” was a crisis in and of itself.