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I would argue that on one hand people are GREATLY influenced by what they experience in the media. I don't like the term "mind control" as it completely strips the individual of ANY responsibility. That said it is impossible to ignore the impact of the messages we recieve from the media and how they shape our lives. Again, this is especially odious as it relates to what is being "sold" to our children. Some norther European countries have banned Television ads aimed a children. I am all for this.
The other side of the equation is us... people... citizens. Clearly many of us are not eating healty food or are overeating as obeseity is at an all time high. Clearly we can "escape" the pull of the media and eat healthy and live well, as evidenced by Art (100 pounds is nothing to sneeze at... bully for you!). I agree with Trisk that many of us are weak willed and continue to make terrible choices... I want to scream, "Get up off you Fat LAZY ass and do something!"
Not all the time, but when I see extremely overweight people who have to ride around on electric scooters because they have blown both of their knees (scooters paid for in whole or part by the public health care system) I get a bit cranky. I love the public health care system but don't like paying for other's lack of self-control.
It is always easier to grab a frozen pizza pop than it is to make rice. Fast food and even a lot of what we buy in the grocery store is produced from crap that is not good for us... Trans fats, nitrates, various additives, etc. The food industry loves these things because they increase profits -- they create shelf stable products that will stay "fresh" a long time... they cost less to manufacture... take your pick of reasons.
But are they healthy in the long run?
We need stronger regulations on the kinds of food that are sold. We need stronger regulations on how Corporation market those products to us. We need reguations with teeth that will make difference.
I say, use the system. Spend government money marketing healthy living. Give tax breaks to Corporations that bring healthy foods to the market and tax those that don't. Educate the public on what is exactly in their foods... the new lables indicating the presence of transfat is a start.
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"My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars."
- Old Man Luedecke
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