Sam+C.

Sam Ciraci Mrs. Vore AP English Language 11 October 2010

Writer’s Memo What I noticed whilst reading Friedman’s editorials is that he made use of a lot of statistics and quotes. I attempted to recreate his style by spouting out facts relating to my chosen topic, while also toying around with strong adjectives to get my point across. From what I gathered when reading Friedman’s pieces, he employs a good bit of ethos, using the details to build up his credibility. I tried to use as many statistics as appropriately possible, as well as attempted to engage in a one-sided conversation with my readers. I thought of his work as a well written report, through which he had many sources. I was able to incorporate three or four different ones in my editorial, the one I used most being from the Down to Earth company. Friedman also composed an article on obesity, but mine was completely different from his in regards to the fact that he focused how America is perceived by other countries and how far behind we are falling in standing because of our national epidemic. I focused more on informing readers of how startling our situation is, and suggesting ways to combat our unfortunate condition. This assignment was interesting for me, as the concept of mimicking another writer’s style is something that goes over my head; I have my style and it is awkward to stray from it. It was a learning experience, because I broke the piece down into its fundamental rhetorical term, ethos, and employed it to the best of my ability in this Friedman inspired article. I can only hope that I mimicked his style appropriately, for whatever other aspects of his method there might be I fear I may not have utilized. From what I read of Friedman, I believe that I did him justice in this piece, despite my hesitance to borrow his approach. Obesity in the American Culture It is a sad fact that Americans today are ailed by what is commonly known as obesity. The UNC School of Medicine reports that almost one-third of young people today are overweight. This statistic is partially attributed to the fact that many young people today are the offspring of overweight parents. A study performed by the North Carolina Children’s Hospital confirmed that “parents of overweight or obese children do not recognize their child’s weight problem”, which is a statement that is surprisingly eye-opening in its simplicity.

The question is, how did we as a country end up this way? For too long, Americans have hewed to the bigger is better philosophy, taking far more than we need. As a country, we tend to buy in bulk and live life on the go, taking advantage of the convenience that is fast food. “The average adult shouldn't have more than 65 grams of fat or 2000 calories a day. One meal from Burger King, a hamburger and French fries, has 50 grams of fat and 2000 calories” reports the Down to Earth company, a group of organic and all-natural eating vegetarians, whose home base is Hawaii, the nation's most obese state, who created the chain of groceries in order to increase awareness of the national obesity The simple truth is, America is the most obese nation in the world ;  Hawaii being the leading state where more than 20% of its children are overweight. The country’s adult population has grown in obesity by over 60% in these last twenty years, leaving 33% of grownups to deal with this preventable affliction. It does not appear that we will be changing that anytime soon. Even with informative television programs like //Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution// alerting the public to the dangers they face from overeating, the statistics have remained the same for years. Have I yet to startle you? Unfortunately there is more to consider. It may come as a surprise that obesity related death rates have soared above 300,000 deaths a year. Even more alarming? It stands second only to tobacco related deaths. Is there any hope for America to reign in this seemingly uncontrollable occurrence? The future seems bleak, as there has been no other time in history where the human race has experienced such an obesity epidemic. The Down to Earth company believes that Americans need to learn to change their diet for the better. They must learn to “[cut] out meat products, processed foods, fast-foods, high sugar and high sodium foods, while incorporating whole grains, vegetables, fruits and legumes into the diet ”. Doing so  is one of the few ways to return this country to its former health. Of course, informative programs, like //The Biggest Loser//, and exercise would also be more effective. One thing America lacks today is the motivation, the will, the drive to do what is best for themselves. Many overweight people in the United States are aware that they have a problem, but just cannot muster up the inspiration to actually do something about their circumstances. Would motivation be a factor if we had more shows like //The Biggest Loser//? It is estimated that the show grosses over 7 million viewers each episode, which is a healthy fraction of this country’s population. It stands to reason that if there were more of these types of programs , a larger amount of people would tune in. Knowledge is power in this day and age; if the right resources are provided through a form that most people have at their disposal, namely television or the internet, I am quite sure we might actually make some headway in this uphill struggle. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Another path to achievement would be through America’s youth. The media advertises fast food in such a way that kids cannot help but be attracted to the prospect of such a delicious looking treat. Down to Earth comments that “Our children are bombarded from every angle with these toxic foods making it virtually impossible for them to eat anything else". I <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">t stands to reason that if we remove one of these angles and replace it with another, removing the tempting advertisements for the fatty foods and replacing them with an attractive commercial promoting healthy foods, like the new //Eat ‘Em Like Junk Food: Baby Carrots//, our young citizens will greatly benefit.  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">It all depends on spreading information. It depends on informing the nation how crucial it is to eat right, eat healthy, or risk concocting horrid afflictions that not only affect self-esteem, but how life can be lived. Start with the children, start with the adults, start with everyone. Get the word out, because otherwise our growing nation will simply grow even bigger.