Essay 6

For my essay, I am talking about the diet of Americans, and how people should become more aware of what they eat because I have learned about some of these issues in my Food and Nutrition class. I only have the main ideas posted and gave an example of the cons of eating processed/fast food all the time and my argument is for people to try healthier eating habits...


There is no denying the majority of food Americans consume is processed. Go into any grocery store and one will find shelves full of products containing high fructose corn syrup along with other artificial sweeteners. These food items may be quick and efficient ways to curb one's hunger without putting a lot of effort into cooking, but it is not the healthiest alternative. Despite the technology that has found cures to certain diseases, we are finding that Americans are more unhealthy than previous decades. The obesity epidemic and risk of people developing Type II Diabetes because of it has become a major problem in the United States. The cause of this is due to the fast and processed foods many Americans are consuming daily. This should be the motivation for people to lead healthier lifestyles. Changing the way one eats by choosing healthy, natural foods is the first step to changing one's habits for the better.
Fast food has become a popular way to dine out, and it has shown. Fast food chains like McDonalds have spread all over the United States, increasing its number of restaurants to the point where there are multiple locations in just one town or city. The argument here is not the fact that fast food should be avoided at all times, but it has become a daily diet for many people. Eating this type of food regularly is a risk factor for becoming overweight from eating an excess of calories that mainly come from salt, fat and sugar. (will add some nutrition facts on fast food) * I will also talk about health problems that result from eating unhealthy diets *the movie "Super Size Me" will also be in part of my essay
We are in a time where we should not worry about developing heart disease, Diabetes or any other diseases linked to eating habits. Instead of increasing our chance of developing certain health problems, we should take it upon ourselves to change our tendencies and be more aware of what we are actually putting into our bodies. Being educated on nutrition will prove beneficial in the long run, and being healthy is a positive way of living. (will actually talk about benefits of certain foods like the essential nutrients and antioxidants and how they help to prevent certain diseases)

Writing off Plagiarism

Question 3: Is claiming ignorance about plagiarism enough of an excuse? Who's responsible?

At the college level, students should fully understand plagiarism and its consequences. However, plagiarism can be completely deliberate as well as accidental. In the case of the University of Virginia, I think the students really did not fully understand they were plagiarizing. Personally, I think the punishment went too far.
I think many students plagiarize without realizing it. For example, sometimes it is hard to reword a sentence that already is simple and to the point. I think if a student uses such a sentence, but only a couple times without knowing they were "stealing" words, they should not be automatically punished. Instead, if a student is found with this problem, they should be taught that if they use the same wording as their informational source,(even if it's a small idea) they need to cite it. Lots of kids do not understand this. I think it would be beneficial to teach students this to prevent this mild type of plagiarism. I think this is because most students learn not to plagiarize entire paragraphs, which is obviously deliberate plagiarsm. But when a student takes just one sentence, and only tweeks it a little, I do not think they are being deliberate. If being punished for copying one or two sentences can be so severe, I think it should be on the teachers' parts to ensure that any type of copying is plagiarism, whether it's a few words or whole paragraphs.

Masculine and Feminine Ideals

Both masculine and feminine ideals have varied over time in the United States. When once women were expected to become the ultimate home-maker and the men were visioned to work hard in order to provide for the family, times have since changed. These days, women too are envisoned to become part of the workforce and be just as independent as men. However, it goes beyond professions. The major masculine and feminine ideals of men and women have come to focus on looks. Unfortunately, in some areas of the United States, looks have become so scrutinized it has become an obsession with some societies. The main source of this knowledge of idealism has come from the media, and it has proved to be a major influence on both genders. The masculine and feminine ideals resulting from this are that of high-standards of attractiveness that may lead to materialistic lifestyles from both sexes.
For men, the vision of being strong and successful are prominent ideals. However, many of the successful men in our society that are recognized are the famous actors with seemingly perfect bodies and large bank accounts. On television, this is very apparent on the Red Carpet Events. All the men are polished up to look even more handsome and wealthy with designer clothes. These men are greatly looked up to in societies for they are the ones who seem to have "made it big." For young boys wanting to become famous or successful it seems the lifestyle of the typical moviestar is the most rewarding. Because of this, having good looks as well as being prosperous are some of the masculine ideals males strive for. (will add more to paragraph about the "male ideal" essay)
Similarly for women, the idealism of having the perfect body to compliment a pretty face is equally seeked. In some aspects, however, the media has begun to promote a more unrealistic "ideal" body image for women in regards to men. For example, female models advertised through magazines and the runway have hyped extremely thin women as the way to look to be both fashionable and attractive. Rather than being looked down upon for appearing to lead an unhealthy lifestyle, these women are admired and glamourized. This then influences young women to aspire to become this. Why would any young girl want to be so skinny to put their health at risk? It is because these girls being surrounded by successful and beautiful women are taking part in this lifestyle, so they end up believing they should as well. Susan Bordo, professor of English and Women's studies at University of Kentucky knows this all to well. In her article "Never Just Pictures" she states, "the idealization of certain kinds of bodies foments and perpetuates our anxieties and insecurities..." It is one thing to have an ideal to look up to that is healthy and safe. Unfortunately, the body image that most girls strain for is the exact opposite.(will talk about how this has lead to eating disorders and other health problems)
Ultimately, the masculine and feminine ideals have become a focus on one's looks. Whether someone wants to be a model, moviestar, or neither, it is assumed we all want to be successful. However, more often than not the successful individuals that surruound us in the magazines, the movies, on the telvesion and ads are attractive. Because of this, there is no wonder why so many young men and women see the idealized masculine and feminine traits as being handsome or pretty.(add)

Never Just Pictures and the Male Ideal

Question 2: What effects do masculine and feminine ideals have on people in the U.S.?
I think the effects of the body ideal have extremely negative effects on both genders. I personally love to look through various fashion magazines, and in every ad I see women being glamorized for their waif-like stature. The way they are portrayed with makeup and styled hair is very eye-catching, and I know these ads are being admired by girls everywhere. I am glad I have realized that I should not pressure myself into becoming so obsessed with the way I look, because the media is almost too idealized to ever be realistic. Watching shows like "America's Next Top Model" I have learned how much actually goes in to making models seem so perfect: the airbrushing, the elaborate clothing, the lighting, etc. But what about those girls that think these models look like this all the time? I think this has lead to the high rise in eating disorders and self-criticisms toward one's appearance. Not only has it affected young girls and women, it has led to eating disorders obsessive exercising practices among men. I find this very sad, and I think there should be an effort to focus on healthier body images, take for example "Dove" ads. I am happy to see women of curvier body types appear happy and healthy in that one ad among many less healthy images.

2008 Election

I am so excited to have Barack Obama as my next president! This is truly a historical moment, and I am proud to have been able to vote in this election. Last night I was feeling sick and tired, but I wanted to stay up and watch the live news coverage. I watched as the polls from the various states came in even though I knew what the outcome would be. After the polls closed, I remember a picture of Obama pop up on the television screen as it read "Projected President" and the crowds went crazy. The song "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by Stevie Wonder played as people danced and cried tears of joy in celebration. I was so happy, I forgot that I was feeling sick just minutes earlier. I have to give credit to John Mccain, I think his concession speech was very sincere and I respect that he gave credit to Obama for his endurance and ultimate win as president. I think Obama's speech was very well-spoken and I look forward to hearing more from him. I am also very thankful Bush will no longer be in the White House, it's about time!

In Peaches Henry's critical essay involving the controversy on race, she came to the conclusion that although "...racial perspective present in Huckleberry Finn may never be satisfactorily explained for censors or scholars, the consideration of them may have a practical, positive bearing on the manner in which America approaches race in the coming century." In other words, she believes we are now in a time that allows us to look back on the hardships racism brought, but learn from those mistakes rather than let them influence our actions for the worst. It cannot be denied that racism is present in this novel, but that does not necessarily make it a racist text. Therefore, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn should not be banned from the education system for the simple fact that these racial issues are present.
Henry has made an important point. Even though Mark Twain's arguable novel may not be the best book to teach to a class, if it is to be read, I think there are more positive aspects to the novel than there are negative. Reading about a time period much different than the one today educates students on the mid-19th century. Although it may be hard to read about the harsh treatments slavery brought, it brings to view how societies functioned and brings an insight to how life was for young white boys like Huckleberry Finn and mistreated slaves like Jim. These two characters, working together to gain their own personal freedom is one way a student can see how different these times were, and know that these circumstances were all too real, especially for Jim. In addition to the historical realism, racial terms are also a big influence during this time. Even though the words used to refer to Blacks is wrong and degrading, it is considered normal slang back then. Twain’s choice of using these terms should not cause people to see him as racist, but should acknowledge this really is the way in which these people spoke.
Graff and Phelan bring up one argument set against Twain’s historical realism in the controversial essay. They believe “in having Miss Watson free Jim in her will, Twain sins against the laws of realism-real Southern slaveholders were not characteristically prone to such changes of heart.” It seems as if Graff and Phelan are looking for any small circumstance to disprove Twain’s realism. It may have been unlikely for someone to free their slave, but having one person choose to do so does not make this novel inaccurate. (add)
The book is racist, but in some ways it educates students about the period in time when African Americans were degraded and mistreated. However, reading about such conflicting times opens students' perspectives to teach them that these conducts were wrong and such mistreatments should never occur again. This ultimately brings them to focus on the discussions on racism that will enlighten them, and direct them to stray from racist actions and beliefs.(add)
Add paragraph of the benefits that would benefit if taught
Add paragraph of my opinion on the whole issue of race
Concluding paragraph

Essay 4 Q1

In Peaches Henry's critical essay involving the controversy on race, she came to the conclusion that although "...racial perspective present in Huckleberry Finn may never be satisfactorily explained for censors or scholars, the consideration of them may have a practical, positive bearing on the manner in which America approaches race in the coming century." In other words, she believes we are now in a time that allow us to look back on the hardships racism brought, but learn from those mistakes rather than let them influence our actions for the worst. I believe Henry has made an important point. Even though Mark Twain's arguable novel may not be the best book to teach to a class, if it is to be read, I think there are more positive aspects to the novel than there are negative. The book is racist, but in some ways it educates students about the period in time when African Americans were degraded and mistreated. However, reading about such conflicting times opens students' perspectives to teach them that these conducts were wrong and such mistreatments should never occur again. This ultimately brings them to focus on the discussions on racism that will enlighten them, and direct them to stray from racist actions and beliefs.