Prompts for Prologue and Part One: Chapters 1-3
(answer one of the two prompts)
1. How has our reliance on processed foods changed our food culture, and thus, American culture? Give a few examples from the book or an outside source to highlight your ideas!
2. At the secret meeting of the food CEOs there are two sides to the obesity crisis represented by Michael Mudd and Stephen Sanger. What are the two sides? Which side do you agree with? Why?
1.) Our reliance on processed foods has changed and shaped our food culture and American culture as a whole over the past decades. Now people want everything instantly whether it be with the information we receive, the entertainment we receive, and the food we receive. Everything is at the tips of our fingers. Thus, wouldn’t it be easier for us to plop a frozen meal in the microwave and wait 1 minute for it to be ready, as opposed to waiting to cook the meal then eat it. Like on page 47 of the book “Salt Sugar Fat” by Michael Moss it is stated “In those days [1950’s] there was no such thing as instant pudding. The mix came in a box, but it took hours to prepare… You had to stay there over a stove, stirring this hot bubbling stuff to keep it from sticking… Knocking an hour or two off that ordeal would give a competitor a decisive advantage. ..” This NEED for instant everything consumed brings up the idea that “We can savor the food faster than having to wait for it”. Having everything frozen not only changes the taste of food thus causing a need for the companies to over flavor their product; but the processed food isn’t good for us either. If all of our food is microwaved then the small doses of radiation can be harming us with every spoonful of food. Also, there is concern about non frozen processed foods, that are just the collection of chemicals and artificial flavorings. These flavorings give the person who eats the food signals to continue eating, which thus causes obesity in the country. Not only due to these signals, but because the food being processed is so rich in flavor it is almost irresistible.
Along the lines of instant food brings up the concept of fast food. “…more than 30% of children eat fast food on any given day.” (http://stemposse.blogs.brynmawr.edu/) Fast food as we know is extremely harmful for the human body, there are so many saturated fats, salts, sugars, and the fillers added to the processed meats to give the illusion that it tastes like real food.
2.) Speaking of the obesity crisis the two points of views brought up in the meeting were those of Michael Mudd, and Stephen Sanger. Both of these CEO’s had different vistas on the rising matter. Mr. Mudd he started his presentation with state there was a problem that the public health committee and the industries themselves have to take control over.He stated “‘…we feel sure that the one thing we shouldn’t do is nothing.'” (xvi) Mudd was blunt with his views that obesity is in fact a problem and it is the result of the food we eat. When Mudd was asked what the main concerns of obesity were he responded with “‘Ubiquity of inexpensive, good-tasting, super-sized, energy-dense foods” (xviii)
Sanger however had a different way of viewing the concern for obesity. He believes that the consumer buys what they like, what they think tastes good. He stated “‘Don’t talk to me about nutrition,…Talk to me about taste, and if this stuff tastes better, don’t run around trying to sell stuff that doesn’t taste good'”. (xx) He believes that obesity is not in fact a “‘national epidemic'” (xvii) but frankly a matter that will fade out like the huge concern of the “trans fats panic.” (xx) He does not feel it is necessary to “jeopardize” the taste of their food and their recipes which would decrease the consumption of their products.
What Mudd did that I liked was that he knew who he was talking to, mostly wealthy business owners who probably have personal trainers that help them watch their weight. Thus it is stated ” Mudd then brought them back to the reality as experienced by their middle-class costumers, who were spending their gym time working a second job to make ends meet…” (xvii) Although this is not the case for all those people who buy their food products, there are numerous amounts of families who aren’t rich, and shop at the local supermarket and buy the unhealthy products. I am personally with Mudd, I feel as if obesity is in fact a problem that needs to be solved. Especially child obesity, the quality of food children and young kids are being exposed to is harmful. The GMO’s, fats, preservatives are harming our bodies. For me the food found on the shelves of grocery stores such as Oreo cookies should be eaten from time to time as a treat, but they should not be consumed as a daily food.
I absolutely agree with your statement about how our reliance on processed foods has affect our relationship with food and how that actually affects our culture as a whole. Not only do we want our food to be ready instantly, but we want other aspects of our lives to occur instantly as well, such as the information and entertainment we receive. Furthermore, I also agree with Mudd’s stance on the obesity issue and believe more efforts need to be made to address child obesity.
Yes Kat! I totally agree. These food industries continue to add additives to their food to bring out unnatural flavors and we continue to eat those foods because our taste buds love food that gives us rich sweet/salty flavors. Society has changes the way we view and cook food, and it is hard to break from the norm. I’m glad that you brought up the point that food is an instant “NEED”. And it is! Americans really love food and the food companies know this. I feel that processed foods nowadays are like a drug-nicotine- for example. It is very hard to break away from foods that we find so delicious. For example, once we had that salty savory taste of foods, such as chips, it is hard to eat a couple; in which you end up eating the whole bag in one sitting.
1.
Over the years, processed food has become such a huge part of our daily lives and has gone on to shape American culture. The foods that come prepackaged on the grocery store shelves are are from being natural and this has caused us to crave new things. We expect food to taste a certain way and have a certain level of sugar, when we taste natural food we are not accustomed to their bitterness. For example, children are becoming addicted to sugar at a younger and younger age. A typical six year old girl was tested to see what her sugar preference was and she enjoyed pudding with “24 percent sugar” and this isn’t unusual because many kids prefer sugar levels as “high as 36 percent,” (Moss 15). The food industry knows this and has created food that is more appealing to younger audiences because it is easier for them to become hooked. Even walking through the grocery store, the sugary cereal has boxes that are brightly colored and have cartoon characters. These same brands also air their commercials on children’s networks because they know that the children will respond. Food isn’t just food anymore. The branding and advertisements of our favorite products have become engraved in the American culture. The Super Bowl has commercials from companies such as Doritos and Pepsi, that are just as memorable as the highlights of the game. Food and branding has managed to infiltrate itself into almost every aspect of daily life. It has even been found that “sugar is inherently loved by newborn babies,” (Moss 18). These younger generations have no chance to break free from the sugar culture because they are addicted from such as young age. These major companies are “teaching children what foods should taste like,” and this increases the craze around processed and prepackaged food (Moss 14). These foods contain the amount of sugar that the public is now expecting. People are so used to seeing advertisements for food, that it has just become second nature. It’s just as common to see a pop tarts commercial as it is to see a popular cartoon. We have grown immune to this constant propaganda and it has been woven in with the rest of American culture.
2.
In the secret meeting between the various CEOs, two distinct sides began to form and they can be represented by Michael Mudd and Stephen Sanger. Michael Mudd is vice president of Kraft that has a wide array of products that span from oreo cookies to hot dogs. Mudd has worked his way up through the ranks and has become a leaders in his company and one of the memorable speakers from the night. Mudd’s products are far from healthy and are laden with salt, sugar, and fat. Mudd gives a detailed and passionate presentation on the health crisis that his own and other brands are causing. Mudd explained the diseases such as “diabetes, heart disease, hypertension” that processed foods are causing (Moss xvi). Mudd further explained how the unhealthy food that himself and other corporations are producing are greatly affecting the middle and lower class. He compared unhealthy products to cigarettes to emphasize the point he was trying to make. He also proposed changes that need to be made that would help the general public avoid the already impending obesity epidemic. Mudd suggests that “to diminish cravings” companies should “pull back on their use of salt, sugar, and fat” and even create “industry-wide limits” (Moss xix). Mudd believed that in order to make change, they would have to conquer the already popular products that people spend their money on. Exercise came into the conversation and Mudd believes that corporations should promote exercise and healthy living to their consumers. Mudd’s presentation showed he believed that the corporations that are contributing to the obesity problem, should work to become part of the solution. Stephen Sanger is a CEO of General Mills and he has a very different outlook on this problem. He believed that the “concerns about the health implications of packaged food waxed and waned” and eventually scientists will find something else to worry about (Moss xx). He stated that the consumers purchase the products that taste good and they corporations should focus on creating more products that the people will buy. I agree with Mudd’s view because he is able to take a step back from his position of vice president and look at the health crisis that’s occurring in America. Sanger seemed to be focused on profit and he doesn’t care about the health and well being of the people that are buying his products. The numbers don’t lie and the rising number of obesity related diseases should be enough to alarm these CEOs. I think Mudd is taking a rational approach by looking how to make products that are on the shelves better for the people that are buying them. He is able to put the health of America ahead of private profit. Corporations need to take a step back and realize that money isn’t worth all of the problems that they are causing.
Hi Sam! I’m glad we both agree with Mudd on the controversial issue of obesity. I admire his ability to put the people before the money he makes, as you mentioned. The way the food companies target children in their advertising is, in a way, cruel, since the children are basically unaware of how unhealthy their favorite foods are. I feel like in order for the CEOs like Sanger to see the problems their causing, parents should make a strong effort to enforce clean eating onto their kids and decrease the amount of processed food that they buy.
Yes Sam, Yes! Food companies such as General Mills and Kellogg have manipulated the way we view cereal. They have added way to much sugar than is needed in the average diet. I cannot even look at cereal the same way anymore! And yes Sam, those TV ads has become part of us. We see these ads on TV, and unconsciously our minds are brainwashed into thinking that their products are the best and we can really benefit from it. But NO we do not!!! We just get fat and they just get richer; the new social stratification from the views conflict theorists should be, “The rich get richer, and the poor gets fatter.”
America is a country that is diverse with so many cultures. When people come to America the main thing they bring with them is their family’s food recipes that would remind them of home. Typically, these foods are healthy and eating them in moderate amounts wouldn’t cause them to gain as much weight. However, food industries have changed the way people view food and turned it into a lab project. They are finding ways to create foods that would drive the American people crazy for more. In order to do so, industries have used the “bliss point” to figure out how much sugar is needed in foods. According to the book, Salt Sugar Fat, by Michael Ross states, “The bliss point is the precise amount of sweetness-no more, no less- that makes food and drink enjoyable.” (pg.10) The fact that they have figured out how much sweetness should be added to foods is unbearable. It’s unbelievable that they even hired scientist to help them with their experimenting with food. There are people dying in the world and they are too busy worrying about how much sugar is the right amount of sugar! It is scary to see that people care more about sugary foods than they are about diseases that are actually killing thousands of people a day.
The food industries want to make us “happy” and they are doing so through processed foods that appeals to everyone’s different tastes. Most of the foods that people call “junk food” are the chips, soda, ice cream, and anything else that you find satisfying for an hour or so, until you get hungry again, then start looking for another unhealthy thing to eat to satisfy you for another hour. The main reason why we eat and eat and eat is that society, generally the food industries, have pushed through our minds that foods that taste good are going to make you and happy and can be more accessible to you. The book introduces the point that people like food that is convenient for them; “Convenience is the great additive which must be designed, built in, combined, blended, interwoven, injected, inserted, or otherwise added or incorporated in products or services if they are to satisfy today’s demanding public.” (pg. 60) This quote shows that these industries are finding ways to create products to get more people to buy them; and people are buying them! They are blinded by how dangerously bad the processed food really is and is getting sucked in by the nice bagging and affordable prices. Also, having food that is convenient for “a quick pick up” or something thing that can be made in five minutes, allows for the average family to not have to worry about cooking a meal. During the day the parents are working and the children are at school and at the end of the day everyone is exhausted and too lazy to make their own food; so by getting fast food, for example, that is one less thing they have to worry about.
Food today isn’t how it was centuries ago. People just eat to eat without having to be hungry. They want food the is “instant, ‘ready to cook’, and ‘heat and serve” (pg. 65) and wouldn’t allow them to use much energy. America has changed from a working nation to an eating nation; and the rate we are moving in obese rates; we are pretty soon going to look like the people in the movie WALL-E (https://www.google.com/search?q=wall-e&biw=1368&bih=795&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi55dm-3NXLAhWB1R4KHb9eC_EQ_AUIBigB#tbm=isch&q=wall-e+people&imgrc=eXe4oOX5pC2BAM%3A).
I really like the reference to the people in WALL-E. That should be a big warning sign to people who eat processed foods on a daily basis with no limits. Also, the quote you used about the “demanding public” seems kind of ironic when I re-read it. People wouldn’t be so demanding if the companies weren’t selling them food that is meant to get them hooked!
Yes Jess! These food companies are brainwashing us and throwing so much information at us at once that we don’t know what is right from wrong.
Tiana, I appreciate that you mentioned America’s diversity and unique cultures. Family recipes and home cooked meals in general, are much healthier than fast food because we have more control over what we are putting into our bodies. I can say honestly, I ate healthier foods when I lived at home than when I am at college. Our reliance on processed foods not only as affected our health, but our family life as well. I am sure, many dinners are brought nowadays instead of cooked.
Yes Jessica N., I feel the same way! When I visit family outside the U.S, I am eating food that way more healthier and I feel a lot better about myself. My body is getting the right about of nutrients that are needed in the average diet and I am not adding the dangerous “toxins” into my body.
Hi Tiana,
I like how you made reference to people immigrating to America and bringing their foods and cultures along with them. It is interesting to think that although the same recipe could be used, a different product could be made as a result of different ingredients available. Processed foods have slowly taken over the food industry in America and definitely impact the recipes and results of foods originally made in a different manner!
1. By us relying on processed foods, we’ve opened a door to a type of convenience that the American family has never seen before. Now, we do not have the patience to prepare a meal for our loved ones to enjoy. It has become more common to buy pre-made meals and warm them up when they’re wanted. Moss explains on page 60, “But now there was a fourth essential element of life that could be ‘expressed in a single word – convenience – spelled out with a capital C.'” The American people seek the easiest way to do anything as a result. Shopping has an online option, dishwasher detergent has become stronger to avoid extra work, and computers have been engineered to type the words you speak. This transition hit the food industry when processed food became available for inexpensive prices at local supermarkets. The ingredients used in these processed foods caused a dramatic change in the way people look at food. On page 18, Moss admits, “To be really enticing, these products had to be loaded with sugar and fat… (Sugar and fat) seemed to have the power to excite the brain about eating.” After introducing Americans to such a great taste, along with convenience, there seems to be no way to turn them away from the junk food. Products sold to us by the “Food Giants” transformed us from a society that sat around the dinner table to enjoy a warm, home-cooked meal, into a society that watches TV while a frozen pizza cooks in the oven.
2. Mudd strongly believes that the food companies are at fault for the obesity crisis in America. He brings attention to the fact that the food the companies are selling is unhealthy and people are eating it in large quantities. Mudd suggests, on page XIX, that the companies promote exercise and create “a code to guide the nutritional aspects of food marketing, especially to children.” Sanger, on the other hand, believes that the food companies should remain as they are. Sanger’s side is that the obesity crisis would soon blow over, regardless of how the companies at the meeting react. On page XX, he explains that all people are really interested in is the taste of their food, so they will not be pleased if the food tastes bad, even if it is healthier. I agree with Mudd in this debate. I see a clear problem in people’s addiction to processed foods. I think it is an even bigger problem that most people, children specifically, don’t realize the dangers they could encounter by eating these foods. Mudd summarizes his topic well on page XVII when he states, “We can not pretend food isn’t part of the obesity problem. No credible expert will attribute the rise in obesity solely to decreased physical activity.” It is wrong for food companies to claim that they are innocent. They pack their products with the most unhealthy ingredients since they know that is what people crave. For Sanger to believe that it is okay for the companies to continue manufacturing their food this way is selfish. Mudd is looking out for the health of the American people and I support him rather than Sanger for that reason.
(Sorry! I typed this all up before it said answer one of two prompts)
Our reliance on processed foods has open a door to a type of convenience in our culture that is normalized more than ever. It is more convenient to go through a drive-thru or cafeteria line and order dinner than it is to go to the grocery store to shop for ingredients, prepare the food, serve the food, and clean afterwards. It is difficult to do daily, especially after a day’s work and this type of convenience transcends to other aspects of our lives as well. Like you have mentioned, online shopping is a huge part of consumers’ lives. Most people do not realize the dangers of eating too much processed foods and in no way are the food companies innocent. Consumers need to be educated and make better choices and food companies should develop healthier choices and educate their consumers. As Mudd mentioned, the one thing food companies should not do is nothing.
Our reliance on processed foods shaped the American food culture vastly. Our dependence is greatly due to the addicting factors of the processed foods, especially their high quantities of sugar, which “makes the taste of food and drink irresistible” (Moss 4). Companies know that sugar is irresistible due to their “staff cadres of scientists who specialize in the senses”(Moss 4), thus making it easier for the companies to exploit the human senses and making us crave more of their product.Our reliance on sugar has greatly increased our intake. In the scientific journal, Circulation, published by the American Heart Association stated that American were getting nearly “22 teaspoons of added sugar a day” (Moss 23). Nevertheless, our affinity for sugar can lead to a myriad of problems such as obesity, which plagues many countries particularly the United States. Many countries have felt the effects of obesity and overeating which “is now a global issue” (moss 22). Especially countries such as Mexico, who do not have enough resources to combat the problem (Moss 22). By being chained by the constant cycle of dependence, it is easier for companies, as aforementioned, to exploit the human biology. The companies make their products prices cheap and in huge quantities, so it can be easily bought and distributed. No one can argue about the price of a $3 pack of Oreos (http://www.target.com/p/oreo-original-chocolate-sandwich-cookies-14-3-oz/-/A-12959727)! Our reliance on processed foods shaped the way we make our foods as well. Instead of making something that is considered “labor intensive” such as making a meal consisting of rice, chicken, and beans, we often opt for the faster option: waste $5 on a meal in Burger King or buy a $3 pack of Oreos at Target. By reflecting on the changes in American food culture, we are able to realize how lazy and cheap we have gotten with our foods, thus paving the way for huge companies to take advantage of our bodies and our wallets.
Hi Rosie, I agree that along with the obesity epidemic there is a laziness epidemic in America today. There is a natural instinct to want be more efficient, and the food industry took advantage of that. They are making their products by cutting corners and using sugar because they know that consumers will purchase them. I like how you used the term “exploit human senses” to describe the food industry. They ignore nutrition and just focus on the profit. This can be seen in other industries besides the food industry. Gadgets such as hover boards are discouraging exercise and can also be a culprit of laziness.
Hi Rosellen, well said. I agree that the cheapness and ease of junk food has greatly shaped american food culture, but it is also important to notice the time constraints and food deserts that exist in America. It might not only be laziness but inability to access and pay for good food that is allowing huge companies to take advantage of people in America.
2.) At the secret meeting of the food CEOs there are two sides to the obesity crisis represented by Michael Mudd and Stephen Sanger. The first side brought forth by Mudd is that the food industry holds a significant part in the obesity crisis. The other side brought forth by Sanger states that the people want food that tastes good and that is what his company will continue to produce. He believes the obesity crisis isn’t as much of a crisis as scientists and doctors are trying to portray. I am indifferent as to which side I agree with. Obesity is obviously a severe issue in our society, especially among youth. However, people are choosing to prioritize taste over health. Under the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906, all foods and drugs were required to have a label of nutritional facts and components of said drugs and foods. The general public is offered this specific information, ye t they choose to neglect it. You can never help someone who doesn’t want to be helped. I feel that is primarily the argument that Sanger is trying to make and I agree partially with it. The reason why I disagree Sanger as well is because a problem can never be solved if you do not uproot the cause. If the industry doesn’t at least attempt to decrease the components that account for the malnutrition the food provides, then the public will continue to retain unhealthy components from the food.
Hi Odi! I really like how you looked at the obesity epidemic from Sanger’s point of view. I agree that people prioritize taste over nutrition, and that they don’t always choose the healthiest options. I feel like in order for people to get out of that mentality there needs to be a change in the culture of food. People are raised to view food as always being sweet and delicious. People are not accustomed to the flavors of natural food because so much of our diet is filled with processed food. People are making the wrong choices with their diet because there is greater temptation to eat unhealthy
I am responding to the first prompt, as our reliance on processed foods has greatly influenced the culture we participate in and contribute to daily. With the story about the development of ‘instant’ pudding within the novel, the American wife (the cultural norm at the time that I definitely don’t condone) could spend more time with entertainment rather than cooking. The preparation of pudding used to be a grueling process which involved hours of labor in front of the hot stove. With the addition of a few chemicals, the process time was reduced to a fraction of what it once was. This quick and ready food revolution spread rapidly throughout the country and innovated the way American (mostly women) prepared for company or meals. The discussion of home economics teachers who fought against the use of ‘easy to make’ foods slowly lost their battle to maintain food ‘from scratch’ on the table showed the change of American culture to appreciate processed foods. Even today, we use products like instant pudding, stovetop stuffing, or microwavable oatmeal which are appreciated by those who need all the time they can get throughout their busy schedules. Our culture has changed from homemade -all day creations to fast and easy creations. I know every morning I have a bowl of cereal while I drive to school. I would not be able to have the sugary creations without the processed food companies.
My chemistry teacher was recently talking about how processed foods companies such as PepsiCo have manipulated the minds of Americans to place importance on 99 cent bags of chips. Other countries do not purchase the 99 cent bags of chips because they are not as economical as larger chip bags which can be divided and eaten over longer periods of time. The market for these smaller chip bags does not exist as much in other countries as America, which leaves companies like Pepsico selling lays chips without profit. Americans wanting fast and easy purchase these 99 cent chip bags, which shows the difference of interests between Americans and those in other countries.
At this secret meeting of the food CEOs, Michael Mudd and Stephen Sanger express their different sides on the obesity crisis. Michael Mudd is the vice president of Kraft, a company that has more than fifty-five brands that can feed the consumer an entire day from breakfast to midnight snacks. As the first one to speak, he expresses his concerns of childhood obesity and how it is growing. He mentions how it is a public health problem that industries have power in because the many companies in this secret meeting, are producing foods that contain lots of salt, sugar and fat. All he wants is for these companies to get the idea that something has to be done to at least start some change in these health problems that are increasing yearly. Mudd makes his points clearly and blunt, he even brings up the connection to cigarettes by stating retouching on a quote said by Yale professor; “As a culture, we’ve become upset by the tobacco companies advertising to children, but we sit idly by while the food companies do the very same thing” (xviii). Although it was a risky quote to restate, Mudd was trying to demonstrate the serious troll these industries were having on the country, and world, as a whole. On the other hand, Stephen Sanger, who was head of General Mills, a well known company for its cereals, points out that obesity is not much of a concern of the industries because more of the people consuming their products. He believes that what the people want are foods that taste which leads to him saying, “Talk to me about taste, and if this stuff tastes better, don’t run around trying to sell stuff that doesn’t taste good” (xx). With this in mind, we can see how Sanger’s side is the opposite of Mudd’s because Sanger is more worried about the decrease that the industries, like his own, can be affected with if they were to change the recipes to make their products “healthier”. Overall, my opinion of this issue is that both sides have reasonable points but at the end, Mudd is focusing more about the people that are being affected with these serious health conditions. It comes to my intention that even though these industries would be losing money, they would be taking the first steps to the change of the increase of obesity especially in children. But also, it seems kind of impossible to get rid of all these products that contain unhealthy substances because at this point, many products are very popular.