The Wages of Sin

The Wages of Sin

It is true that obesity is a problem in the United States. In fact, it is more so a problem than in other countries. Francine Prose writes an essay and tries to decipher the various reasons why obesity has grown to the forefront of problems associated with today. She challenges the reader by asking them if obesity is a medical problem or rather a psychological one.

I believe that there is a much more defined problem with obesity in the United States than in any other country mostly due to the fact that we as Americans have to have everything now and not have to work for it. We have to have the best and need not wait for it. We are a spoiled nation and have learned that if we want it, we will get it regardless of what it takes.

In Gorging, Truth

In this reading, Jason Fagone tells us about his findings regarding eating contests. It seemed to me that he felt that these contests were ridiculous, each in their own way. I have to agree with him. To judge oneself purely on that basis that they can eat the most food in the quickest amount of time is just insane. Are people that lazy and also looking for fame and fortune that they will result to even a pie eating contest to gain notoriety? There was even the mention of a couple of contests that were televised on ESPN. I think the people that participated in the contest did not realize, or maybe didn’t care that the station was using them as a filler; a fun, joking way to entertain the viewers.

People that participate in these contests have a lot to consider. Their health should be at the top of the list. Eating large amounts of food at one sitting has detrimental effects on the body, never mind eating like this continually will cause most people to gain excessive weight. They should also look deep into themselves and realize that 15 minutes of fame is not worth damaging your body.

Add Cake, Subtract Self-Esteem

Caroline Knapp writes about her personal struggles with anorexia. She also reflects on how she abused food to compensate with inadequacies in her life; ie starting college, after college adjusting to living single and having a new job, etc. She takes it a step further. She reflects on society and how women are perceived in every aspect of their lives, be it in the work force, at home, in relationships. She suggests that women have more demands placed on them by society that men do, resulting in more psychological problems. How to deal with these issues with their partner, friends or even coworkers is another matter. She raises a good point, that women are consumed by their looks and that the opinions of others matters a lot. She also suggest that all women have a fear of becoming fat and that marketing images use that idea as a tool to make money.

I will be writing my fourth paper on the second reading, “In Gorging, Truth” by Jason Fagone. My thesis will be that there is nothing glamorous, worth while, or entertaining by eating contests.