I realize as editor you have to stand behind a topic. Been there did that for 6 years. That is why I am even more upset than normal about the subtle message. The writer will state it is our responsibility but then gives a conditional statement that moves us into the victim mode. I have been a child in school.
We did not have vending machines. The school did offer breakfast and lunch items that were healthy. Only in HS did we have vending machines -- by then my mother had performed her job and educated us as to what we should not eat. Therefore I took a lunch for almost four years when the menu veered too much.
All you have to do is turn off the TV or such and the food industry will get the message. When you go to the grocery store, nobody is holding a gun to your head when you make your choices.
Again, promote positive messages. We are not victims and should be pictured as such. And we should not cop out on our responsibilities and blame it on big food industry. Remember that is the same people who make wholesome babyfood, help get veggies to market, give food to the local foodpantries, gave water during the hurricanes. Be care of who we kick. You may need that dog's protection one of these days!
COACH_NICOLE 6/15/06 9:45 A
Hey Folly-
I'm sorry you have interpreted this informative article in a negative way. However, we at SparkPeople believe that this article contains information that educates consumers about making healthy choices and motivation to create change in the world.
In the article, Mike states: "Personal choice and personal responsibility play huge roles in building a healthy lifestyle. Nobody can do it for you, but throwing up your hands, feeling powerless, and blaming other people is no answer."
He does not imply that anyone is a victim, but that food and beverage industries are powerful and do effect the choices that we make. For example, if you are a child in school and you want a snack but the only choices are junk food in a vending machine, then you don't have much of a choice when it comes to eating healthy.
As the editor of this article and most of the information on the site, I find this article to be informative and empowering. It teaches people how to think critically about the messages we see and how to make better choices.
Nicole
FOLLYDARLING 6/15/06 9:31 A
This site does not have the space to delve into the philosophical and theoretical subject of free will.
However, I am really irked at the implication that we are all victims of the food industry. Especially when this web site is trying to correctly motivate us. This is a poorly written article.
I am not a victim. I made poor nutrition and food choices. I did it, not some company in Timbuc2. Ironically they have also found that my liver is only working 2% of the time in processing fats and proteins. So, yes I am overweight. But the food industry did not do it. And I am not surely going to sit here and blame a "god" for my liver problem.
I am very new to this site. I have been very motivated by all I have read to date. But the article by Mike Kramer angered me, disgusted me, et. because it implies I am a victim. That is alot of what is wrong with our nation.
I am here at this site because I am becoming accountable for eating and tracking foods that my body can process. I addition I pray I loose weight. I like the boards and the site so far. BUT PLEASE MAKE SURE NOT TO PUBLISH ARTICLES THAT IMPLY WE ARE VICTIMS OF ANYONE. INSTEAD ARTICLES SHOULD EMPOWER US, MOTIVATE US, EDUCATE US, GIVE US VIABLE TOOLS FOR SUCCESS.
I will leave my soap box for now. Please pull the article.
