A main pattern that I have noticed in the American Way of Life, is that Americans are so used to authority that many people don't go against it and voice their own opinions. They just go with what the person "in charge" says. Americans depend on the government or some other type of authority to run everything from food, health care, birth, and the values that we live our lives by. Listening to authority has been drilled into us since birth, in a way making us think that the higher power’s way is they only way. The general American Way of Life is following the norm, and listening to a higher power, which it seems like our society always does.
Even though we live in America, many Americans were unsure what the American Way of Life was. However when I asked a young black man walking down 23rd street, he said that the American Way of Life was “you have to do whatever it takes to survive, no matter how much authority or education you have, you always have to listen to what ‘they’ tell you”. His view on America was that no matter how much power of money you have, there is still someone you have to answer too. Listening to authority is so normal now, that I think our society does it without really noticing it. The fact that we always have to do what someone tells us to do is somewhat disturbing, it’s like Americans don’t have a mind of their own to object to what they think I right or wrong. From birth we are taught to listen to authority. Whether it’s listening to our parents, our teacher, or eventually our bosses we are always listening to somebody ELSE . It’s not very likely in the American way of life that we defy that authority and go with what we think.
In America, the normal way of birth is frequently portrayed through the media as a chaotic experience. In many cases, we see the doctor dictating everything; it’s very rare that the woman who is going through this extreme amount of pain is ever catered/listened too. Even though the media portrays birth as chaotic, they also make it seem like it’s a smooth process with a happy ending. In the media it is usually chaos when the woman realizes her water has broke, and she is trying to get to the hospital. Once she gets there, it is like she is given priority compared to all the other patients, and rushed to have her baby. With a little pitossin, epidural, and a little pushing, here comes this bundle of joy that the mother has been waiting 9 months to meet. It isn’t very likely that birth in America happens like this.
When it comes to birth, doctors are the people everybody listens too, when sometimes they don’t know what’s best for the baby or the mother. In the movie "The Business of Being Born", the difference between hospital births and a more natural birth is shown. A lot of technology has been added to the birthing process, and a lot of it is for the doctors benefit not necessarily the mother or the baby. Things like vacuums, forceps, and unnecessary machines are used to help make the birthing process quicker. Things like episiotomies and c sections are often thought to benefit the mother, but it really helps the doctor. Scheduling a 15 minute c-section rather than being in labor with your patient for 10-20 hours is better business for them. Many people think these things are done because they are better for the mother and the baby, but it really only helps the doctor.
Many patients depend on doctors because they are the authority figure during child birth, and are supposed to "know" what they are doing. Since they know they have this power, i feel like they abuse, it to get what they want (mainly money). Doctors often make sure a baby is born at a certain time by using various technologies and techniques, so it can fit into their schedule. These techniques and technologies are not necessarily good for the mother or the baby, but more convenient for the doctor. We see this a lot when it comes to c-sections. Doctors would rather schedule a c section for their patients, and get more births done throughout the day, instead of going through the regular process. i think that many Americans have been taught to follow authority for a major part of their lives, that they don't know when and how to stand up for what's right. Even the American Way of Birth is controlled by listening to authority (the doctors) and following the norm, when it isn't always best for the mother or the child.
Health care is also a major part of the American Way of Life. Not everyone in America has health care, and it is also a cause for poverty in America. In the movie "Sicko' (Micheal Moore), America's health care system is compared and contrasted to the health care systems in Cuba, Canada, and France. He talks about how in America, health insurance companies try to get as much money out of it's clients as possible, and how it is very different in other countries. In America, the doctors are paid more when they deny a patient care because they are saving insurance companies money when it comes to coverage. However, in other countries like France the doctors get paid MORE the more they convince their patients to get the care that they need. For example, if a doctor in France convinces their patient to stop smoking, then they are getting paid more because their patient is healthier. In America, people are taught that they have to listen to the higher authority (health insurance companies), and that's the only way. In turn, the people with power by abusing it and not caring about the benefit of the people.
The movie also showed how an American woman had to pretend like she was married to a Canadian man, just so she could get the medicines her and her young daughter needed. It seems like Americans will go through anything to get get what they need, because authority isn't always looking out for them.
While looking at me and my moms health care situation, i noticed that what i thought was good/reasonable health care isn't that at all. My mom has health coverage through her job (for the both of us), and it seems like she is covered for just about anything. However when you look at the price she is paying compared to coverage, it doesn't seem reasonable. Almost 200 dollars is being taken out of her check weekly for our health coverage, and we still have to pay pretty high co-pays. When i recently went to the doctor i had to pay my regular $18 Co-pay, plus an extra $28 for a throat culture. Having to pay almost $50 at a doctors visit seems outrageous to me. Why do we pay all of this money for coverage, but still have to pay these high co-pays? when i voiced my opinion to my mom she seemed like she agreed with me, but said " there isn't much we can do about it". This has me thinking that because we've been following authority for so long, that we just accept it, even if it may be wrong. I have noticed this pattern not just in health care, but in the American Way of Life in general. We fear those who have power, so we just fall back and let them lead (even if they are abusing their power. This has become the norm for many Americans.
The American Way of Food has really become Industrialized food. Everywhere you look food is processed so it can be made and accessed quickly. As seen in the movie "Vroom Farming for Kids", the farming industry is mostly industrialized, everything is done by man operated machines. Everything from tending to the crops, to picking the crops, to taking them to the processing plant is done by fossil fuel operated machines. In the movie huge tractors, trucks, and bulldozers were all used to help transport the crop (I think corn and cabbage) in some way. These machines help do a lot of work in a little bit of time. The machines are eliminating most of the man power from the picking the crops, which results in a lot of profit. It is definitely cheaper to buy gallons of gas for about $2.00 a gallon, instead of paying 20 to 25 workers minimum wage to do the work for you. The food corporations take the easy way out by relying on the fossil fuel operated machines. It seems like they don't care about what's being done to the food, just as long as the work is being done and it is either saving or making them money. They don't care if it is harming the people that are eating it, or if it's harming the environment, they are only thinking about their benefit.
Industrialization was also seen in the movie "Our Daily Bread", how various fruits and even animals go through industrialization. Everything is grown in a controlled setting and is done by machines. “Our Daily Bread” shows specifically how pigs are fed and then killed and prepared to be shipped off. Instead of a couple of men feeding the pigs, huge machines are used to throw the food at them. They are then killed by going in one end of the machine alive, and being spit out the other dead. The pigs are cut open by machines, organs taken out by machines, faces cut off by machines, EVERYTHING that goes on in the factory depends on some type of machine. Even though these machines are being operated by man power, it is still saving corporations money. The jobs are getting done faster with potentially less power and money; it would take for maybe 20 people to do the job. American corporations result to industrializing the production of food to help increase profits, and to also save money.
It seems like Industrialized food is the way to go now a days. Corporations have made it that almost everything we eat is made/goes through a factory This is not always healthy for the people eating it. There are some people who have gone against the norm, and only eat organic,or things grown from certain farms. Most people however, eat these foods. People are following the norm that these corporations put out there, and believing in their authority when it is potentially harming us.
In the American Way of birth, food, health care, and overall values, society listens to authority figures for everything. Even when these people or companies with the power abuse it, and take advantage of us, we listen to them anyway. We listen to them anyway when we know it's not for our benefit, and can eventually harm us. Sometimes when we know it's wrong, we still don't stand up for what we believe in. We have this mentality like "there's nothing we can do about it", so I'm just going to keep doing what i have been doing and follow the authority figure. Based off of the different units we have covered throughout the year, I have noticed that the American Way of Life is basically listening to the authority figure, since it has become the norm amongst our society.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Collapse Assignment 2-
Based off of the things we looked at in class, and my own research, I've noticed that a society's collapse can be from many things or from one thing. For example in Easter Island, they collapsed because they overused their source of trees. Cutting down trees wasn't they only reason why they collapsed, but it lead (like a domino effect) to other things happening causing them to collapse. I kind of see the same thing happening when in America when it comes to oil. America depends so much on oil , like the people on Easter Island depended on their trees. Depending on how you look at it, oil runs our lives in America.
Before this unit I knew that oil was a big thing in America, and that it caused many problems in America also, but I never realized how much we depend on it in our everyday lives. We depend on oil for everything,from our clothes, the water we drink, our technology, and even the food we eat. We use so much in America alone, I don't think that people realize that it's going to be here for ever. Since oil is used in our everyday lives, I think people take it for granted because they things it's always going to be available for us. However i think it's time that they start thinking about what happens when the amount of oil is so low, that there isn't much we can do with it. Since we have reached our peak oil in 2006, our amount of oil has gone down hill. It's really time for America, or even the lazy Americans to start thinking of an alternative.
I think that when it comes to a crisis in America, Americans wait for someone with power (or who they think knows what they are doing) to think of an alternative solution. In most cases Americans wait on the government to making the life altering change to make the country better, or in turn protect them from harm. When it comes to oil I think that we need to think of an alternative before it is too late. Oil can definitely be a reason that America's society collapses, and it's better if we do something about it now, rather than when it's too late.
Before this unit I knew that oil was a big thing in America, and that it caused many problems in America also, but I never realized how much we depend on it in our everyday lives. We depend on oil for everything,from our clothes, the water we drink, our technology, and even the food we eat. We use so much in America alone, I don't think that people realize that it's going to be here for ever. Since oil is used in our everyday lives, I think people take it for granted because they things it's always going to be available for us. However i think it's time that they start thinking about what happens when the amount of oil is so low, that there isn't much we can do with it. Since we have reached our peak oil in 2006, our amount of oil has gone down hill. It's really time for America, or even the lazy Americans to start thinking of an alternative.
I think that when it comes to a crisis in America, Americans wait for someone with power (or who they think knows what they are doing) to think of an alternative solution. In most cases Americans wait on the government to making the life altering change to make the country better, or in turn protect them from harm. When it comes to oil I think that we need to think of an alternative before it is too late. Oil can definitely be a reason that America's society collapses, and it's better if we do something about it now, rather than when it's too late.
Collapse Assignment 1- Easter Island
Easter Island, was a remote island that was succesful without industrialization and very little domestication. Thye were able to build hundreds of great stone statues without very many resources, however hese statues also lead to their downfall. It seemed like the peoples sole purpose of life was to build these statues, everything they did potentially went into building these statues. I found the fact that they could survive on so little the most interesting. The main animal they had access to were chickens, and they had very little crops and water supply. since, they had little water, they drank a lot of juice form the sugar cane that they grew.
After reading this chapter, I could see the similarities between America and the people of Easter Island. Easter Island collapsed mainly because of enviromental problems and social/political problems. They used up a lot of their resources to help them make these huge statues, not thinking about what would happen if they were to run out of resources. I see this in America when it comes to things like oil. We use oil for almost everything in our society, but very rarely do we think about how it's polluting our air, or what's going to happen when our oil supply is at it's lowest. The people of Easter Island were also competing within their clan to see who could make the biggest.most elaborate statues (bigger statue = POWER). This is also similar to America, because we compete with other countries when it comes to resources (such as oil), and various technology. I think that the significance of this chapter was to see what a society could do with such little resources. I also think the significance was to see how many society's rarely think about a possible downfall. They fail to think about an alternative for when their resources run out, or what they can do to prevent thier resources from running out.
After reading this chapter, I could see the similarities between America and the people of Easter Island. Easter Island collapsed mainly because of enviromental problems and social/political problems. They used up a lot of their resources to help them make these huge statues, not thinking about what would happen if they were to run out of resources. I see this in America when it comes to things like oil. We use oil for almost everything in our society, but very rarely do we think about how it's polluting our air, or what's going to happen when our oil supply is at it's lowest. The people of Easter Island were also competing within their clan to see who could make the biggest.most elaborate statues (bigger statue = POWER). This is also similar to America, because we compete with other countries when it comes to resources (such as oil), and various technology. I think that the significance of this chapter was to see what a society could do with such little resources. I also think the significance was to see how many society's rarely think about a possible downfall. They fail to think about an alternative for when their resources run out, or what they can do to prevent thier resources from running out.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Final Paper On Food
The American Way Of Food seems to have changed over the decades. Now Americans look at food based off of how cheap it is, and how quick it is. Alot of this has to do with major corporations doing whatever they can to increase their profits, no matter how what they are doing effects the food or the people eating it. They manipulate us into thinking that the food we are eating is good for us, when in reality practically everything that we consume is industrialized. From farms to the animals we eat, major food corporations will do almost anything to make a dollar.
In the food world, industrialization is used to speed up the process of producing large amounts of food. As seen in the movie "Vroom Farming for Kids", the farming industry is mostly industrialized, everything is done by man operated machines. Everything from tending to the crops, to picking the crops, to taking them to the processing plant is done by fossil fuel operated machines. In the movie huge tractors, trucks, and bulldozers were all used to help transport the crop (I think corn and cabbage) in some way. These machines help do a lot of work in a little bit of time. The machines are eliminating most of the man power from the picking the crops, which results in a lot of profit. It is definitely cheaper to buy gallons of gas for about $2.00 a gallon, instead of paying 20 to 25 workers minimum wage to do the work for you. The food corporations take the easy way out by relying on the fossil fuel operated machines. It seems like they don't care about what's being done to the food, just as long as the work is being done and it is either saving or making them money.
Industrialization was also seen in the movie "Our Daily Bread", how various fruits and even animals go through industrialization. Everything is grown in a controlled setting and is done by machines. “Our Daily Bread” shows specifically how pigs are fed and then killed and prepared to be shipped off. Instead of a couple of men feeding the pigs, huge machines are used to throw the food at them. They are then killed by going in one end of the machine alive, and being spit out the other dead. The pigs are cut open by machines, organs taken out by machines, faces cut off by machines, EVERYTHING that goes on in the factory depends on some type of machine. Even though these machines are being operated by man power, it is still saving corporations money. The jobs are getting done faster with potentially less power and money; it would take for maybe 20 people to do the job. American corporations result to industrializing the production of food to help increase profits, and to also save money.
Animal cruelty not only happens in the movie “Our Daily Bread”, but also in the animated video “Meatrix”. “Meatrix”, kind of based off of the movie “The Matrix”, is about a pig who doesn’t know about the mistreatment and cruelty that really happens on farms. When he is given these glasses by a hip cow named Moofius, he sees how cruel his life really is. Moofius lets him know that many farmers don’t raise their animals with care; it’s very rare to see a nice ‘ideal’ farm. As seen in both videos animals that are raised on industrialized farms are kept in confined places, and are not given everything they need. They are not only killed when they are fed and injected with chemicals so they are ‘plump’ enough, but slaughtered. All of this helps contribute to the profits of the corporations’ in charge of these farms and factories.
When I went on the extra credit trip with Wildman Steve, I felt like I was experiencing something that a lot of people in America will never experience. During the trip, we picked various herbs and plants that we could use in our everyday lives. I learned a lot about plants and berries that can be found in central park. For example I got a lot of “poor man’s pepper”, which can be used as a seasoning in almost anything. This example also showed me how much I (and many other people) depend on industrialized food. After watching a couple of movies, and seeing how our food is really treated, I’m starting to realize that a lot of what we eat is potentially bad for us. We can live off of things found in central park for FREE, which is healthier for us than the industrial foods that we already eat. People should really consider eating natural, healthier foods, instead of the foods that the money hungry corporations provide.
Grocery stores (which are owned and operated by corporations) push certain foods based off of taste and age groups. It seems as if grocery stores are using mind games to get consumers to buy certain products. When we took a trip to the grocery store, I noticed a lot of these things. In the fruit/vegetable aisle, everything was clean, shiny, and perfectly organized to show how healthy these fruits/vegetables are supposed to be for you. However, in the middle of the aisle with the perfectly presented fruits/vegetables, was a perfectly organized setup of beer. I felt that the corporation did this to make consumers think that beer is just as important/healthy as fruits and vegetables which we need in our everyday diet. I also noticed that things were targeted to different age groups. For example, the unhealthy and sugary cereals were at a kid’s eye level, while the seemingly healthier cereals were at an adult’s eye level. Based off of my observations I can tell that food corporations use various marketing techniques to manipulate consumers into buying certain (unhealthy) foods, so they can get more money.
Micheal Pollan on the Colbert show (Comedy Central) was basically an argument between the typical American (Colbert), and an American who is totally against food corporations (Pollan). Pollan kept suggesting that a home cooked meal was in fact “a healthy meal”, while Colbert disagreed. It seemed like Colbert thought that Americans want their food to be prepared for us so we are not wasting our time preparing our meals. The media is trying to convince people that they don’t even have enough time to make their own meals. It also persuading Americans that fast food is in turn good because it is cheap and accessible. The media manipulating consumers to believe that fast food/industrialized food is good for them, helps the food corporations gain more profit.
Industrialization, media manipulation, and animal cruelty are all present in the American Way of Food. By looking at the movies “Vroom!”, "Unser Taglich Brot (Our Daily Bread)”, “Cows with Guns”, “Meatrix”; and my experience with Wildman Steve have shown me how cruel that industrialization process is. Corporations have industrialized almost everything when it comes to food to help them save money, and gain profits. Through industrialization, food processing, animal cruelty, and animal cruelty, food corporations will do just about anything to our food as long as it makes them profit.
In the food world, industrialization is used to speed up the process of producing large amounts of food. As seen in the movie "Vroom Farming for Kids", the farming industry is mostly industrialized, everything is done by man operated machines. Everything from tending to the crops, to picking the crops, to taking them to the processing plant is done by fossil fuel operated machines. In the movie huge tractors, trucks, and bulldozers were all used to help transport the crop (I think corn and cabbage) in some way. These machines help do a lot of work in a little bit of time. The machines are eliminating most of the man power from the picking the crops, which results in a lot of profit. It is definitely cheaper to buy gallons of gas for about $2.00 a gallon, instead of paying 20 to 25 workers minimum wage to do the work for you. The food corporations take the easy way out by relying on the fossil fuel operated machines. It seems like they don't care about what's being done to the food, just as long as the work is being done and it is either saving or making them money.
Industrialization was also seen in the movie "Our Daily Bread", how various fruits and even animals go through industrialization. Everything is grown in a controlled setting and is done by machines. “Our Daily Bread” shows specifically how pigs are fed and then killed and prepared to be shipped off. Instead of a couple of men feeding the pigs, huge machines are used to throw the food at them. They are then killed by going in one end of the machine alive, and being spit out the other dead. The pigs are cut open by machines, organs taken out by machines, faces cut off by machines, EVERYTHING that goes on in the factory depends on some type of machine. Even though these machines are being operated by man power, it is still saving corporations money. The jobs are getting done faster with potentially less power and money; it would take for maybe 20 people to do the job. American corporations result to industrializing the production of food to help increase profits, and to also save money.
Animal cruelty not only happens in the movie “Our Daily Bread”, but also in the animated video “Meatrix”. “Meatrix”, kind of based off of the movie “The Matrix”, is about a pig who doesn’t know about the mistreatment and cruelty that really happens on farms. When he is given these glasses by a hip cow named Moofius, he sees how cruel his life really is. Moofius lets him know that many farmers don’t raise their animals with care; it’s very rare to see a nice ‘ideal’ farm. As seen in both videos animals that are raised on industrialized farms are kept in confined places, and are not given everything they need. They are not only killed when they are fed and injected with chemicals so they are ‘plump’ enough, but slaughtered. All of this helps contribute to the profits of the corporations’ in charge of these farms and factories.
When I went on the extra credit trip with Wildman Steve, I felt like I was experiencing something that a lot of people in America will never experience. During the trip, we picked various herbs and plants that we could use in our everyday lives. I learned a lot about plants and berries that can be found in central park. For example I got a lot of “poor man’s pepper”, which can be used as a seasoning in almost anything. This example also showed me how much I (and many other people) depend on industrialized food. After watching a couple of movies, and seeing how our food is really treated, I’m starting to realize that a lot of what we eat is potentially bad for us. We can live off of things found in central park for FREE, which is healthier for us than the industrial foods that we already eat. People should really consider eating natural, healthier foods, instead of the foods that the money hungry corporations provide.
Grocery stores (which are owned and operated by corporations) push certain foods based off of taste and age groups. It seems as if grocery stores are using mind games to get consumers to buy certain products. When we took a trip to the grocery store, I noticed a lot of these things. In the fruit/vegetable aisle, everything was clean, shiny, and perfectly organized to show how healthy these fruits/vegetables are supposed to be for you. However, in the middle of the aisle with the perfectly presented fruits/vegetables, was a perfectly organized setup of beer. I felt that the corporation did this to make consumers think that beer is just as important/healthy as fruits and vegetables which we need in our everyday diet. I also noticed that things were targeted to different age groups. For example, the unhealthy and sugary cereals were at a kid’s eye level, while the seemingly healthier cereals were at an adult’s eye level. Based off of my observations I can tell that food corporations use various marketing techniques to manipulate consumers into buying certain (unhealthy) foods, so they can get more money.
Micheal Pollan on the Colbert show (Comedy Central) was basically an argument between the typical American (Colbert), and an American who is totally against food corporations (Pollan). Pollan kept suggesting that a home cooked meal was in fact “a healthy meal”, while Colbert disagreed. It seemed like Colbert thought that Americans want their food to be prepared for us so we are not wasting our time preparing our meals. The media is trying to convince people that they don’t even have enough time to make their own meals. It also persuading Americans that fast food is in turn good because it is cheap and accessible. The media manipulating consumers to believe that fast food/industrialized food is good for them, helps the food corporations gain more profit.
Industrialization, media manipulation, and animal cruelty are all present in the American Way of Food. By looking at the movies “Vroom!”, "Unser Taglich Brot (Our Daily Bread)”, “Cows with Guns”, “Meatrix”; and my experience with Wildman Steve have shown me how cruel that industrialization process is. Corporations have industrialized almost everything when it comes to food to help them save money, and gain profits. Through industrialization, food processing, animal cruelty, and animal cruelty, food corporations will do just about anything to our food as long as it makes them profit.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Wildman Steve Brill- Extra Credit
While on the nature walk with Wildman Steve, I felt like I was experiencing something that many kids or even adults may never be able to experience. I learned alot about various plants and berries that could be found in central park. Even though I couldn't here the name of every plant he showed us/ that I collected I did find some of them useful. I will admit that I was kind of skeptical about some of the plants. While people like Dylan and Alijo were willing to to try anything (even things that Steve said not to eat), i would rather sit back and take their word for what it tasted like. This experience also made me realize how dependent I have become to supermarkets and industrialized food. We have been talking about supermarkets and how in some ways the food that are sold are potentially bad for you, but going on this tour really made it hit home. All the natural alternatives that we can potentially live off of found in central park really opened my eyes. The plant I found most interesting was the poor man's pepper (can't remember actual name), this was surprisingly good. I could see myself using this in the kitchen.
Although i enjoyed this experience, I felt that Wildman Steve was a little self centered. I t seemed like he was always making extra stops to tell us various stories about different magazines he's been in, and the different reporters that have had dinner at his home. The story that I did pay attention to was his story of getting arrested for giving a tour in 1993 i think. I never thought that picking natural resources from a public park would be a crime. This made me think that maybe society would rather stick to the way of industrialized food, instead of trying an alternative. Society knows very little about processed foods and healthy natural foods, but decides to stick with the processed/industrialized foods. I think that if everyone went on this tour (even though hes very bizarre), people could really learn a lot and may want to eat healthier more natural foods. 
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Food Assignemt # 8
Recently in class, we have been watching movies like "Unser Taglich Brot" (Our Daily Bread) and "Vroom! Farming For Kids", and discussing where the food we eat comes from. Also the process the food we eat goes through. By looking at these videos and the series of Meatrix videos, I learned that Americans are usually cruel to the animal and plants that we eat, and also treat thtem unnaturally.
In America, the media is used to convince the people that just because food is fast, cheap, and easy to get to, then it's good for us. In both "Vroom..." and "Unser Taglich Brot", we have seen how almost all food has been industrialized. The movie "Vroom" focused on how farming has been industrialized. Huge mchines were used for everything like watering the crops, fertilizing the crops, picking the crops, and even transporting them from the farm to the factory. These machines are used to minimize the amount of work for a large amount of food. However, replacing the work usually done by people, with fossil fuel machine operated machines is polluting the air and potentially harming the crops. The articale "Industrial Food Is Cheap" is states that about 12 pounds of manure is leaking into rivers and causing water pollution just because the farms aren't being looked after properly. This article mainly talks about how industrial food is not cheaper like everyone thinks it is. Industrial food is actually more expensive because in the long run it can effect Americans with diseases, and to treat these diseases is more expensive thann buying natural food. If we eat organic food(even though it is a little more expensive), it eliminates the use of chemicals, and may decrease the risk of disease among Americans.
The "Meatriz" series also shows how industrialization and animal cruelty have taken over many farms. Animals are not being treated with care, like they think they are. The animals in industrial farms are treated horribly by being kept in confined places, not enough sunlight, and injected with chemicals. Thousands of cows are slaughtered per day which seems kind of extreme. Is it really necessary to slaughter so many cows in one day? Is there an alternative so so many animals aren't being harmed, and that is better fo Americans? I think America can do a lot better when it comes to amking their food better and healthier for their people.
In America, the media is used to convince the people that just because food is fast, cheap, and easy to get to, then it's good for us. In both "Vroom..." and "Unser Taglich Brot", we have seen how almost all food has been industrialized. The movie "Vroom" focused on how farming has been industrialized. Huge mchines were used for everything like watering the crops, fertilizing the crops, picking the crops, and even transporting them from the farm to the factory. These machines are used to minimize the amount of work for a large amount of food. However, replacing the work usually done by people, with fossil fuel machine operated machines is polluting the air and potentially harming the crops. The articale "Industrial Food Is Cheap" is states that about 12 pounds of manure is leaking into rivers and causing water pollution just because the farms aren't being looked after properly. This article mainly talks about how industrial food is not cheaper like everyone thinks it is. Industrial food is actually more expensive because in the long run it can effect Americans with diseases, and to treat these diseases is more expensive thann buying natural food. If we eat organic food(even though it is a little more expensive), it eliminates the use of chemicals, and may decrease the risk of disease among Americans.
The "Meatriz" series also shows how industrialization and animal cruelty have taken over many farms. Animals are not being treated with care, like they think they are. The animals in industrial farms are treated horribly by being kept in confined places, not enough sunlight, and injected with chemicals. Thousands of cows are slaughtered per day which seems kind of extreme. Is it really necessary to slaughter so many cows in one day? Is there an alternative so so many animals aren't being harmed, and that is better fo Americans? I think America can do a lot better when it comes to amking their food better and healthier for their people.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Food Assignment #7- Chicken Alfredo
The dish I decided to make was chicken alfredo, because it's really quick and my friends and family seem to like it alot.
-Season chicken
-Put a little oil in the pan and cook chicken throughly on both sides.
-Boil water
-Put pasta into water. Cook until tender. Drain water off
-Cut up chicken into pot with pasta
-Pour jar of alfredo sauce into pot with chicken and pasta. Mix
I wasn't able to post a picture of the dish but it was served with broccoli and garlic bread. I'm guessing that the dish turned out pretty good because my two friends had 3 plates of it. I also noticed that after they ate it they were in good moods. Even though it's a very filling meal, they were ready to run around and play basketball which I thought was interesting.
-Season chicken
-Put a little oil in the pan and cook chicken throughly on both sides.
-Boil water
-Put pasta into water. Cook until tender. Drain water off
-Cut up chicken into pot with pasta
-Pour jar of alfredo sauce into pot with chicken and pasta. Mix
I wasn't able to post a picture of the dish but it was served with broccoli and garlic bread. I'm guessing that the dish turned out pretty good because my two friends had 3 plates of it. I also noticed that after they ate it they were in good moods. Even though it's a very filling meal, they were ready to run around and play basketball which I thought was interesting.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Response To Pollan- Food #6
In Pollan's book the "Omnivores Dilemma" addresses the issue America has with eating habits and obsessive dieting. I think that Americans overall have this feeling that if someone says that they are an expert on something, then that's the person they are going to listen to. When it comes to food, birth/medicine, or even money people tend to listen to the person that they think knows more than them or knows whats better for them. People listen to these 'experts', not thinking that the advice they are being given could potentially be wrong. Many 'experts' try and change the way Americans eat, and the staple of the American diet (bread/carbs), not caring how and if it effects everyone. I believe that many of these diets are supposed to be geared to a certain group of people, but are projected/ forced upon everyone else instead.
I know a diet that my mother was trying to follow for a while was the Atkins diet. she would try it for weeks at a time but not realizing the effects it had on her body. The Atkins diet was mainly focused on low Carbs, and high Protein. My mom would suffer from headaches and various mood swings (crazy i know) because she couldn't eat what she wanted. she sacrificed a lot of what she at regularly to follow this diet, without much success. No matter how much she stuck to the diet plan, she didn't lose much weight. Based off of this I think that many of these main stream diets that people follow are gimmicks, and that we should stick to how we've been eating for years (basic nutrition values).
I know a diet that my mother was trying to follow for a while was the Atkins diet. she would try it for weeks at a time but not realizing the effects it had on her body. The Atkins diet was mainly focused on low Carbs, and high Protein. My mom would suffer from headaches and various mood swings (crazy i know) because she couldn't eat what she wanted. she sacrificed a lot of what she at regularly to follow this diet, without much success. No matter how much she stuck to the diet plan, she didn't lose much weight. Based off of this I think that many of these main stream diets that people follow are gimmicks, and that we should stick to how we've been eating for years (basic nutrition values).
Food Assignment #5
Since we've been doing this food unit, i noticed that I have been looking at my food habits a lot more often than usual. I think that my eating habits have changed mostly since I've started high school. I don't eat breakfast or sometimes lunch everyday like I should. As a kid, my mom made sure that i ate at least 3 times a day. However nowadays she's not with me as often as she used to be. Now i eat when and what I want to eat.
As I'm walking through the grocery store, I noticed that they tend to push unhealthy products, or products that they think society would enjoy more. These foods are usually high in fat, salt, sugar, and cholesterol and low in the nutrients that we actually need. For example when we went on the class trip to the grocery store i noticed that the beer was placed right in the middle of the fruits/vegetables aisle. I think that maybe they were trying to think that you should buy beer because it's good for you just like fruits and vegetables. Even though i think it's a good marketing ploy, it's not very beneficial to the consumer.
I also noticed what i eat has changed a little. My mom and i don't really go to grocery stores that much. We may go to the neighborhood Pathmark every once in a while to get a couple of things but we don't really go major food shopping. 1-2 times a week we might go to the supermarket to get little things like vegetables, fruits, milk etc., but that's about it. In the typical week we eat alot of lettuce, broccoli, spinach, rice, and various meats. Also in a typical week I eat a lot of apples, tangerines, and pineapples.
As I'm walking through the grocery store, I noticed that they tend to push unhealthy products, or products that they think society would enjoy more. These foods are usually high in fat, salt, sugar, and cholesterol and low in the nutrients that we actually need. For example when we went on the class trip to the grocery store i noticed that the beer was placed right in the middle of the fruits/vegetables aisle. I think that maybe they were trying to think that you should buy beer because it's good for you just like fruits and vegetables. Even though i think it's a good marketing ploy, it's not very beneficial to the consumer.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
May Day
Until I had to do this assignment, i had never heard of the holiday May Day. May Day is the celebration of the achievements of the international labor movement, through different street demonstrations and marches. This holiday is celebrated all over the world, but rarely in the United States. The holiday May Day is also associated with socialism and communism, which I think is a main reason why America has chose to have nothing to do with it. The fact that we don't celebrate this day with the rest of the world made me wonder. Why does America have to celebrates it's workers on their own day (Labor Day)? Compared to May Day where their demonstrations represent what they worked for and how hard they work, Labor Day in the U.S. is celebrated by having a day off to party, have barbecues, and hangout with family and friends.
I think that this shows what America really thinks about it's working class. It seems like they don't care how hard there citizens work, and how much they contribute to the country. Whether they're communists, socialists, or anarchists, countries all over the world are showing their appreciation for the various labor unions and the different hard work that is being done. While America barely acknowledges their holiday, when the working class makes up most of the American population.
I think that this shows what America really thinks about it's working class. It seems like they don't care how hard there citizens work, and how much they contribute to the country. Whether they're communists, socialists, or anarchists, countries all over the world are showing their appreciation for the various labor unions and the different hard work that is being done. While America barely acknowledges their holiday, when the working class makes up most of the American population.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Food Journal
Baked Chicken w/ Spinach, Rice, and a cup of lemon water
I ate this yesterday evening for dinner (around 7 p.m.). I was eating this in front of the computer while I was working on my exhibition. I was starving so i decided to cook it myself so i was in a fairly good mood when i made it. i ate it with a fork and knife (knife in left hand to cut, then switching fork to right hand to eat).As I was eating I got into an argument with my mother, which ruined my mood and appetite, so i ended up throwing half of it out.
Tangerine (after dinner)
i had this about 11 o'clock last night in my bed. Was still kind of hungry so i thought this would help. ate it with my hands, kind of slowly because i was falling asleep.
Chocolate croissant and Cranberry Juice (breakfast)
Bought this on my way to school. Wasn't very hungry but had to eat something to take medicine. Ate it in Mr. Avigan's room, until i got kicked out for eating then went and sat in the steps and ate. In a fairly bad mood (was for most of the day ), but i don't think his affected how i ate it. I ate the croissant with my fingers, and drank he cranberry juice through a straw. After i ate it i wasn't full, but i wasn't hungry either.
Chicken Roll (lunch)
ate this while sitting in the hallway on the 6th floor. ate it with my right hand. Still in a bad mood, didn't really feel like eating. Ate half and gave the rest away. drank a whole bottle of water afterwards.
Ice Cream
Eaten after SAT class. Was in a good mood because it was the final SAT class. Used a spoon to eat it, and the spoon was in my right hand. The environment was kind of chilly, so i didn't enjoy it as much as i would have liked to. Was happy as i was eating this because it was only 31 cents lol.
Pasta w/ Alfredo sauce
Eaten around 8 o'clock in front of the computer again. Ate with the fork in my right hand. Wasn't paying much attention to the food because i was texting while i was eating. Also had 2 cups of kool aid with it.
Grapes (after dinner)
Eaten with my hands...mostly the right one. it was just a snack as i worked on my exhibition (around 12 o clock). very tired when i started eating them.
I ate this yesterday evening for dinner (around 7 p.m.). I was eating this in front of the computer while I was working on my exhibition. I was starving so i decided to cook it myself so i was in a fairly good mood when i made it. i ate it with a fork and knife (knife in left hand to cut, then switching fork to right hand to eat).As I was eating I got into an argument with my mother, which ruined my mood and appetite, so i ended up throwing half of it out.
Tangerine (after dinner)
i had this about 11 o'clock last night in my bed. Was still kind of hungry so i thought this would help. ate it with my hands, kind of slowly because i was falling asleep.
Chocolate croissant and Cranberry Juice (breakfast)
Bought this on my way to school. Wasn't very hungry but had to eat something to take medicine. Ate it in Mr. Avigan's room, until i got kicked out for eating then went and sat in the steps and ate. In a fairly bad mood (was for most of the day ), but i don't think his affected how i ate it. I ate the croissant with my fingers, and drank he cranberry juice through a straw. After i ate it i wasn't full, but i wasn't hungry either.
Chicken Roll (lunch)
ate this while sitting in the hallway on the 6th floor. ate it with my right hand. Still in a bad mood, didn't really feel like eating. Ate half and gave the rest away. drank a whole bottle of water afterwards.
Ice Cream
Eaten after SAT class. Was in a good mood because it was the final SAT class. Used a spoon to eat it, and the spoon was in my right hand. The environment was kind of chilly, so i didn't enjoy it as much as i would have liked to. Was happy as i was eating this because it was only 31 cents lol.
Pasta w/ Alfredo sauce
Eaten around 8 o'clock in front of the computer again. Ate with the fork in my right hand. Wasn't paying much attention to the food because i was texting while i was eating. Also had 2 cups of kool aid with it.
Grapes (after dinner)
Eaten with my hands...mostly the right one. it was just a snack as i worked on my exhibition (around 12 o clock). very tired when i started eating them.
Home and Corporate Food
Based off of what I see in the media, America is all about getting their food conveniently and fast. On commercials they show families eating together, however the food wasn't provided by the family but by some fast food chain. However, I've also seen the idea of people eating form that same fast food chain, but spread throughout the house like it's every man for themselves. The media is promoting different things when it comes to family and togetherness, but promoting the same idea of families eating this fast food. Food that was prepared quickly and looks healthy, when it is not.
In my house I noticed that a whole meal is rarely cooked. My mom or I may cook a meal maybe 1-2 times a week, other than that it's kind of like every ones is on there own. I do rely on things that can be cooked/made very quickly and easily like macaroni and cheese. However, when we do take the time to make a entire meal i feel that a lot of the time it is based on convenience. A lot of the food we make is frozen because it is more convenient, and because we don't have that much access to the fresh ingredients that we may want. I think this goes for a lot of Americans, especially New Yorkers. Many people don't have access to the fresh ingredients they may want to use in their meals, so they settle for the frozen products that are easier to deal with and are more likely to last longer.
When it comes to eating meals together, that doesn't really happen anymore. when i was younger my mom and i used to go to my grandmother's house or my fathers house at least twice a week for dinner. So it felt like it was more than just the two of us. As i got older i noticed I didn't really care about sitting down and having dinner together with family. I also think that this is the case for many American teens. As we get older our lives become busier, and we choose to evaluate something like sitting down and having dinner with family out of our everyday schedule. It's just not a priority in many households because people feel that there is a better and faster way than sitting down and eating dinner with the family. If Americans are eating at home they are either in front of the TV, computer,or trying to eat and text at the same time (like me). I'm not saying that this is a good thing, i just believe that this is what food and family in America has come to.
In my house I noticed that a whole meal is rarely cooked. My mom or I may cook a meal maybe 1-2 times a week, other than that it's kind of like every ones is on there own. I do rely on things that can be cooked/made very quickly and easily like macaroni and cheese. However, when we do take the time to make a entire meal i feel that a lot of the time it is based on convenience. A lot of the food we make is frozen because it is more convenient, and because we don't have that much access to the fresh ingredients that we may want. I think this goes for a lot of Americans, especially New Yorkers. Many people don't have access to the fresh ingredients they may want to use in their meals, so they settle for the frozen products that are easier to deal with and are more likely to last longer.
When it comes to eating meals together, that doesn't really happen anymore. when i was younger my mom and i used to go to my grandmother's house or my fathers house at least twice a week for dinner. So it felt like it was more than just the two of us. As i got older i noticed I didn't really care about sitting down and having dinner together with family. I also think that this is the case for many American teens. As we get older our lives become busier, and we choose to evaluate something like sitting down and having dinner with family out of our everyday schedule. It's just not a priority in many households because people feel that there is a better and faster way than sitting down and eating dinner with the family. If Americans are eating at home they are either in front of the TV, computer,or trying to eat and text at the same time (like me). I'm not saying that this is a good thing, i just believe that this is what food and family in America has come to.
What's In My Refrigerator...
Tangerines
Lemons
Queso de frier
Eggs
Soy Milk
Kool Aid
Water
Broccoli
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Turkey
Condiments (mayo, ketchup, salad dressing etc.)
Rice and Beans
cheese
Tuna fish
Chicken Alfredo
Cranberry Juice
Sofrito
pudding
Jell-O
While making this list I realized that I don't have that much in my refrigerator. i had what would be considered the "basics" for many American families: cheese, milk, eggs, juice etc. I also think that this list kind of shows how my family is about food in our house.Since it's just me and my mom it's not like we have big meals to share with a lot of people. A lot of the time we are not home at the same to eat dinner together, or get home so late that we just don't want to eat anything. My list seems like it consists of a whole lot of... nothing. I feel that this list also made me realize that my family doesn't really eat a lot of fresh foods, if you were to look at the freezer it is stacked with different meats, vegetables, etc. I feel like nowadays American families rely a lot on frozen products t feed their families, just like mine does.
Lemons
Queso de frier
Eggs
Soy Milk
Kool Aid
Water
Broccoli
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Turkey
Condiments (mayo, ketchup, salad dressing etc.)
Rice and Beans
cheese
Tuna fish
Chicken Alfredo
Cranberry Juice
Sofrito
pudding
Jell-O
While making this list I realized that I don't have that much in my refrigerator. i had what would be considered the "basics" for many American families: cheese, milk, eggs, juice etc. I also think that this list kind of shows how my family is about food in our house.Since it's just me and my mom it's not like we have big meals to share with a lot of people. A lot of the time we are not home at the same to eat dinner together, or get home so late that we just don't want to eat anything. My list seems like it consists of a whole lot of... nothing. I feel that this list also made me realize that my family doesn't really eat a lot of fresh foods, if you were to look at the freezer it is stacked with different meats, vegetables, etc. I feel like nowadays American families rely a lot on frozen products t feed their families, just like mine does.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Break HW- family health coverage
The movie SICKO created by Micheal Moore is about American health insurance, and how it compares to health insurance in other places like Canada or France. This movie also talks about how the insurance companies try to get as much money out of the citizens as possible, but also deny coverage. In America doctors are paid more if they deny care because they are saving the insurance companies more money. However, in England doctors are paid more for the more patients they treat. If they can convince a patient to get treatment, or for example stop smoking, they make more money. Because of these differences in health care, people in England are expected to live longer and are healthier than American citizens. Statistics also show that the poorest person in England, may live longer than the richest person in America due to the differences in Health insurance.
My mom and I have health coverage with both the Empire Plan and GHI. Empire is used for our normal doctor visits and emergency room visits, while GHI is used when either of us is hospitalized. After talking with my mom about the different types of coverage, and which HMO covers what, I couldn't really find anything bad about our health care experience in general. This is mainly because we haven't had any major illness between the two of us. When my mom broke her ankle it was covered by her job, and when i broke my wrist the insurance covered everything. We have never been denied treatment, or stressed over how our medical bills would be paid. I also found out that my mom has separate coverage for major illnesses such as cancer. She has a family plan with AFLAC which covers any test or treatments that we would need if we had cancer. My mom being a correction officer (state employee) contributed to these good health experiences. State employee benefits are exceptionally better than some other employers.
She is fully covered for health, dental, vision, and workers compensation. Even though she has good experiences with health coverage, she isn't fully happy. Every pay period, $98.77 is taken out of her check for the Empire Family Plan. Since this is for a family plan, the amount taken out is a set amount for every family. Regardless if it's a family of 2 (like us), or a family of 15. I think that this is crazy and somewhat unfair. She also doesn't like the fact that every time we go make a doctors visit, there's a co-pay. If close to 100 dollars is coming out her check every pay period, why should she have to pay a co-pay as well.When she first started the job, only about 60 dollars was taken out, and the co-pay was around 8 dollars. Now 10 years later, it's close to 100 dollars with a 20 dollar co-pay.
Even though my family hasn't had any bad experiences with health care, the way health care is in other countries still surprises me. It's crazy that HMO's can put a price on someones health, or whether they live or die. I don't feel that that's right. If a person needs care, shouldn't they be able to get it??? The way people in other countries can basically get any treatment they want, and not have to pay drastic prices for it is still a surprise to me. It has me wondering why America can't have a system similar to those in other countries. If it's working so well in other countries, why can't it work in America?
My mom and I have health coverage with both the Empire Plan and GHI. Empire is used for our normal doctor visits and emergency room visits, while GHI is used when either of us is hospitalized. After talking with my mom about the different types of coverage, and which HMO covers what, I couldn't really find anything bad about our health care experience in general. This is mainly because we haven't had any major illness between the two of us. When my mom broke her ankle it was covered by her job, and when i broke my wrist the insurance covered everything. We have never been denied treatment, or stressed over how our medical bills would be paid. I also found out that my mom has separate coverage for major illnesses such as cancer. She has a family plan with AFLAC which covers any test or treatments that we would need if we had cancer. My mom being a correction officer (state employee) contributed to these good health experiences. State employee benefits are exceptionally better than some other employers.
She is fully covered for health, dental, vision, and workers compensation. Even though she has good experiences with health coverage, she isn't fully happy. Every pay period, $98.77 is taken out of her check for the Empire Family Plan. Since this is for a family plan, the amount taken out is a set amount for every family. Regardless if it's a family of 2 (like us), or a family of 15. I think that this is crazy and somewhat unfair. She also doesn't like the fact that every time we go make a doctors visit, there's a co-pay. If close to 100 dollars is coming out her check every pay period, why should she have to pay a co-pay as well.When she first started the job, only about 60 dollars was taken out, and the co-pay was around 8 dollars. Now 10 years later, it's close to 100 dollars with a 20 dollar co-pay.
Even though my family hasn't had any bad experiences with health care, the way health care is in other countries still surprises me. It's crazy that HMO's can put a price on someones health, or whether they live or die. I don't feel that that's right. If a person needs care, shouldn't they be able to get it??? The way people in other countries can basically get any treatment they want, and not have to pay drastic prices for it is still a surprise to me. It has me wondering why America can't have a system similar to those in other countries. If it's working so well in other countries, why can't it work in America?
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
American Way of Birth project
I did a poster for my project. It was on a white poster board with colorful AWOB as the title.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Danish Assignment
Recently in class I learned alot about poverty in the United States. Based on the activity done in class, it costs a minimum of $29,436 for a black single woman (Jill), with a 3 year old daughter and another baby on the way to survive. However the poverty line for a family of 2 is only $14,000. This is obviously not enough for a family to survive off of, let alone a single parent with a young child. The brightside to this is that if Jill makes less than this, then she is eligible to get help from the government for various things. Some people may think that Jill is unworthy of welfare, because she isn't really making an effort to help support her and her children. While a worthy person of welfare is someone who is trying to support themselves, but is still comming up short (as long as they make below the poverty line). In the U.S. welfare offers help in different areas such as child care, food, and healthcare.
Flat tax, regressive tax, and progressive tax are all types of taxes which can in someway effect Jill. A flat tax is a tax where everyone pays the same percent whether you're rich or poor. An example of a flat tax is sales tax. No matter how much money you have, everyone is paying the same percentage on whatever they bought. A regressive tax is when the poor pay more of a percentage of there income in taxes, compared to the rich. While a progessive is the opposite. A progressive tax is where the rich pay a bigger percentage than the poor. However a effective tax includes all taxes once they are calculated. . It is the total rate a person would pay in taxes.
The welfare in Denmark is considerably different than the welfare system in the U.S. In Denmark they pay higher taxes (approximately 63%), but they have free healthcare and free daycare. Something that is also different is there unemployment benefits. If someone loses ther job, they are paid for up to 4 years, after that you are forced to look for a job for about 2 years. If you are still unable to find a job, one will be "assigned" to you. In Denmark, because of these regulations it would be hard to become poor because it is rare for a person to be left without a job. As I spoke to the Danish kids, i realized that it is somewhat easy to be "poor" in Denmark. It seems like a lot of things are handed to the poor in there country.
I think that the United States should adopt some of the Danish customs when it comes to the welfare system. There system seems so much easier, and that it benefits alot of the poepl in the country. It eliminates alot of the poor people, and seems to make the country a lot mroe organized. I'm not really sure if I want the U.S. to go towards a social democracy because I'm not really sure about the whole thing. I know that the U.S. being a social democracy can help decrease amount of poor people, but I don't know what else it could do. Even though it could help the country in this way (with the poor people), I'm not sure in what way could potentially harm us. Basically i would need to know some of the pros and cons of this system to make my final decision
Flat tax, regressive tax, and progressive tax are all types of taxes which can in someway effect Jill. A flat tax is a tax where everyone pays the same percent whether you're rich or poor. An example of a flat tax is sales tax. No matter how much money you have, everyone is paying the same percentage on whatever they bought. A regressive tax is when the poor pay more of a percentage of there income in taxes, compared to the rich. While a progessive is the opposite. A progressive tax is where the rich pay a bigger percentage than the poor. However a effective tax includes all taxes once they are calculated. . It is the total rate a person would pay in taxes.
The welfare in Denmark is considerably different than the welfare system in the U.S. In Denmark they pay higher taxes (approximately 63%), but they have free healthcare and free daycare. Something that is also different is there unemployment benefits. If someone loses ther job, they are paid for up to 4 years, after that you are forced to look for a job for about 2 years. If you are still unable to find a job, one will be "assigned" to you. In Denmark, because of these regulations it would be hard to become poor because it is rare for a person to be left without a job. As I spoke to the Danish kids, i realized that it is somewhat easy to be "poor" in Denmark. It seems like a lot of things are handed to the poor in there country.
I think that the United States should adopt some of the Danish customs when it comes to the welfare system. There system seems so much easier, and that it benefits alot of the poepl in the country. It eliminates alot of the poor people, and seems to make the country a lot mroe organized. I'm not really sure if I want the U.S. to go towards a social democracy because I'm not really sure about the whole thing. I know that the U.S. being a social democracy can help decrease amount of poor people, but I don't know what else it could do. Even though it could help the country in this way (with the poor people), I'm not sure in what way could potentially harm us. Basically i would need to know some of the pros and cons of this system to make my final decision
Sunday, February 22, 2009
American Way of Birth- Youtube Videos
Before this unit in class, I never really thought about the difference between normal child birth and natural child birth. I knew that a baby could be delivered either through a C-section (Caesarian) or vaginally. However, I thought that giving birth vaginally was both the “natural” and “normal” way. I always thought that a C-section was only performed when there was a health concern to either the mother or child. It does seem like nowadays women favor having a C-section opposed to giving birth vaginally. Even if there isn’t anything wrong with the baby, many mothers prefer a C-section even though it isn’t always safer.
After watching these videos and listening to the broadcast, I started thinking not only about birth in America, but the birthing process in general. The American Way of Birth is very odd, chaotic, and impersonal, when birth is supposed to be something joyous and sacred. When I looked at the different ways to give birth, I saw that the American Way of Birth is not normal at all. It made me question if having a baby in a hospital setting is always better. These videos changed my whole view on birth and the “right” way it should be done. Most of all it left me terrified, disgusted, and scared of the pain that is endured when giving birth.
I watched the dolphin and the giraffe giving birth first. They did make me cringe a little, but they weren’t that bad. It didn’t seem like they were in that much pain. The one that stood out to me the most was the giraffe, because it seemed the most similar to the way humans give birth. The giraffe had another giraffe there to kind of help her along while in labor, just like humans may have a midwife, or a close family member/friend there for support. What surprised me the most was how the baby was delivered, and the process after it was born. I was shocked to see that the baby was just plopped on the ground like it was nothing. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I definitely wasn’t expecting to see the baby giraffe hitting the ground as if it was garbage or something. What also surprised me was how quick the baby giraffe is kind of forced into the world. Minutes after it was born, the giraffe was learning to walk and stand on its own. This is very different to the way humans/Americans care for their babies. In our culture babies are usually waited on hand and foot for a couple of years before they are taught/ take up the courage to try to walk. While watching both the giraffe and the dolphin video, I noticed that the animals kind of went about their business while giving birth. The giraffe was walking around nonchalantly, while it seemed like the dolphin was swimming around like nothing is happening. I realized that the animals didn’t make a big deal about giving birth like humans do. They keep going on about their business like it’s just another regular day (maybe it’s because their animals???).
Right after watching the animals giving birth, I watched the midwife videos. This one wasn’t working properly so I also watched “Bastian’s Birth 7”. These were the hardest to take for me. Whenever I think about pregnancy I think of the mother just popping the baby out. Yes, I know there’s pain involved, but I never really knew what a mother ACTUALLY goes through giving birth. These two videos were so real, and “in your face” with the birthing process, and I don’t think that I was ready for that. As soon as I saw the babies start to come out, I started cringing, squirming, and getting pains in my stomach. Even though it did seem painful like any other birth, the “natural” birth (midwife, no doctors etc.) seemed like it would be a better environment to bring a person into this world with. It had me thinking why the “normal” American Way of Birth had to be complicated and stressful when it didn’t have to be that way. Why do most Americans choose to give birth in a hospital, than like the women in these videos with a midwife? Most of all the two videos on birth that I watched have me on the fence about giving birth. I know it‘s what is expected from us women, but I don’t know if I’m ready for that experience. Truthfully I don’t know how I ever would be. No matter how many calm and encouraging people I have around me, I know I won’t be as calm and collected as those mothers in the video.
The last video to be watched was the C-Section video. I definitely regretted it after I watched it. It seemed like the C-Section is a whole bunch of pulling, pushing, and tugging. Even the way they handled the baby after seemed so wrong. If I had the courage to watch this video I would, just to get a second look at the whole process. It made me think why do most American women want this experience…it seems HORRIBLE.
After watching these videos and listening to the broadcast, I started thinking not only about birth in America, but the birthing process in general. The American Way of Birth is very odd, chaotic, and impersonal, when birth is supposed to be something joyous and sacred. When I looked at the different ways to give birth, I saw that the American Way of Birth is not normal at all. It made me question if having a baby in a hospital setting is always better. These videos changed my whole view on birth and the “right” way it should be done. Most of all it left me terrified, disgusted, and scared of the pain that is endured when giving birth.
I watched the dolphin and the giraffe giving birth first. They did make me cringe a little, but they weren’t that bad. It didn’t seem like they were in that much pain. The one that stood out to me the most was the giraffe, because it seemed the most similar to the way humans give birth. The giraffe had another giraffe there to kind of help her along while in labor, just like humans may have a midwife, or a close family member/friend there for support. What surprised me the most was how the baby was delivered, and the process after it was born. I was shocked to see that the baby was just plopped on the ground like it was nothing. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I definitely wasn’t expecting to see the baby giraffe hitting the ground as if it was garbage or something. What also surprised me was how quick the baby giraffe is kind of forced into the world. Minutes after it was born, the giraffe was learning to walk and stand on its own. This is very different to the way humans/Americans care for their babies. In our culture babies are usually waited on hand and foot for a couple of years before they are taught/ take up the courage to try to walk. While watching both the giraffe and the dolphin video, I noticed that the animals kind of went about their business while giving birth. The giraffe was walking around nonchalantly, while it seemed like the dolphin was swimming around like nothing is happening. I realized that the animals didn’t make a big deal about giving birth like humans do. They keep going on about their business like it’s just another regular day (maybe it’s because their animals???).
Right after watching the animals giving birth, I watched the midwife videos. This one wasn’t working properly so I also watched “Bastian’s Birth 7”. These were the hardest to take for me. Whenever I think about pregnancy I think of the mother just popping the baby out. Yes, I know there’s pain involved, but I never really knew what a mother ACTUALLY goes through giving birth. These two videos were so real, and “in your face” with the birthing process, and I don’t think that I was ready for that. As soon as I saw the babies start to come out, I started cringing, squirming, and getting pains in my stomach. Even though it did seem painful like any other birth, the “natural” birth (midwife, no doctors etc.) seemed like it would be a better environment to bring a person into this world with. It had me thinking why the “normal” American Way of Birth had to be complicated and stressful when it didn’t have to be that way. Why do most Americans choose to give birth in a hospital, than like the women in these videos with a midwife? Most of all the two videos on birth that I watched have me on the fence about giving birth. I know it‘s what is expected from us women, but I don’t know if I’m ready for that experience. Truthfully I don’t know how I ever would be. No matter how many calm and encouraging people I have around me, I know I won’t be as calm and collected as those mothers in the video.
The last video to be watched was the C-Section video. I definitely regretted it after I watched it. It seemed like the C-Section is a whole bunch of pulling, pushing, and tugging. Even the way they handled the baby after seemed so wrong. If I had the courage to watch this video I would, just to get a second look at the whole process. It made me think why do most American women want this experience…it seems HORRIBLE.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Questions on Comparative Birth
1. Birth in 2009 vs. Birth in 1950's
2. How do white people having more resources effect the way they give birth? (compared to black people)
3. Percentage of abortions in America vs. D.R.
4. Teen pregnancy vs. in the 1900's
5.Adoption vs. Abortion in America compared to Europe
6.Having a child under 20 vs. having a child over 35
7.How has the age of giving birth changed over the last 50 years?
8. percentage of single parent homes vs. 2 parent homes (now and 1950's)
9. How does the common way of giving birth in the US compare to the common way of giving birth in other countries?
10. What is the common age of pregnancy in the US vs. third world countries?
11. How many kids are in the average family in the US vs in Africa
12. What races around the world are known to be the most fertile? (average births each year)
13. How many babies are killed each year in the U.s vs third world countries ( babies thrown in garbage cans/rivers/etc)
14. How have technologies changed over the years?
15. Birth in America vs. in Africa
16. Birth in America vs. China
17.% of death during pregnancy in America vs. Haiti vs. Europe
18.births vs. abortion (in any country?)
19.C-Sections vs. natural Birth
20.abortions vs giving your baby up for adoption
21.Miscarriage vs successful birth
22. C-section rate now vs. 50 yrs ago
23. woman dying during birth now vs. 50 yrs ago
2. How do white people having more resources effect the way they give birth? (compared to black people)
3. Percentage of abortions in America vs. D.R.
4. Teen pregnancy vs. in the 1900's
5.Adoption vs. Abortion in America compared to Europe
6.Having a child under 20 vs. having a child over 35
7.How has the age of giving birth changed over the last 50 years?
8. percentage of single parent homes vs. 2 parent homes (now and 1950's)
9. How does the common way of giving birth in the US compare to the common way of giving birth in other countries?
10. What is the common age of pregnancy in the US vs. third world countries?
11. How many kids are in the average family in the US vs in Africa
12. What races around the world are known to be the most fertile? (average births each year)
13. How many babies are killed each year in the U.s vs third world countries ( babies thrown in garbage cans/rivers/etc)
14. How have technologies changed over the years?
15. Birth in America vs. in Africa
16. Birth in America vs. China
17.% of death during pregnancy in America vs. Haiti vs. Europe
18.births vs. abortion (in any country?)
19.C-Sections vs. natural Birth
20.abortions vs giving your baby up for adoption
21.Miscarriage vs successful birth
22. C-section rate now vs. 50 yrs ago
23. woman dying during birth now vs. 50 yrs ago
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Birth Stories
Lisa-(My Aunt)
The first person I chose to interview was my aunt Lisa, who has had two birth experiences. She has a 21 year old son and a 16 year old son. She started by telling me about her eldest sons birth. When i asked her about her overall experience, she said it wasn't that bad. except for all of the confusion everything went well. She was having contractions early one morning so decided to go to the hospital. Once she arrived they siad she wasn't dilated enough, so they had her walk around for an hour. ONce they saw that she still wasnt dilated enough, they told to her to go home and wait (I thought this was kind of crazy). When she got home, she decided to go for a walk hoping that would speed upt eh process. She walked for about a mile when her contractions started lasting longer and comming more frequently. She went back to the hospital where they told her that she still wasn't dilated, but they would admit her anyway. More confusion came when she told her nurse that she had to use the bathroom (deficate), or she would be sick. Of course the nurse said no. However, when she threw up she got yelled at by the nurse. The nurse basically treated her like shit for throughout the whole labor. She didn't really want to talk about the pain aspect, but she said that her first pregnancy was "beautiful" and "couldn't have been better", even though she was in labor for a little more than 15 hours.
Now with her second pregancy, she said it was a little bit different. She kind of new what to expect with her second baby. She knew what the contractions felt like and how faar apart they should be, inorder to go to the hospital. By the time she walked to the hospital, all she wanted to do was sleep. They once again told her that she wasn't fully dilated, so they gave her something to help her sleep. She still didn't want to speak about t he pain aspect, or what it was like in the delivery room, but she said it was very similar to her first pregnany. She was in labor for over 19 hours, but said that she loved the experience more than anything.
The first person I chose to interview was my aunt Lisa, who has had two birth experiences. She has a 21 year old son and a 16 year old son. She started by telling me about her eldest sons birth. When i asked her about her overall experience, she said it wasn't that bad. except for all of the confusion everything went well. She was having contractions early one morning so decided to go to the hospital. Once she arrived they siad she wasn't dilated enough, so they had her walk around for an hour. ONce they saw that she still wasnt dilated enough, they told to her to go home and wait (I thought this was kind of crazy). When she got home, she decided to go for a walk hoping that would speed upt eh process. She walked for about a mile when her contractions started lasting longer and comming more frequently. She went back to the hospital where they told her that she still wasn't dilated, but they would admit her anyway. More confusion came when she told her nurse that she had to use the bathroom (deficate), or she would be sick. Of course the nurse said no. However, when she threw up she got yelled at by the nurse. The nurse basically treated her like shit for throughout the whole labor. She didn't really want to talk about the pain aspect, but she said that her first pregnancy was "beautiful" and "couldn't have been better", even though she was in labor for a little more than 15 hours.
Now with her second pregancy, she said it was a little bit different. She kind of new what to expect with her second baby. She knew what the contractions felt like and how faar apart they should be, inorder to go to the hospital. By the time she walked to the hospital, all she wanted to do was sleep. They once again told her that she wasn't fully dilated, so they gave her something to help her sleep. She still didn't want to speak about t he pain aspect, or what it was like in the delivery room, but she said it was very similar to her first pregnany. She was in labor for over 19 hours, but said that she loved the experience more than anything.
My Mother-
When I asked my mother about my birth story, it was similar to my aunts birth story but also very different. My mom didn't even know she was having contractions, she just felt uncomfortable in her sleep. It was kind of confusing because she said she didn't really know that she was in labor, but she never mentioned anything about her water breaking. She made this big deal about how long it took her to get to the hospital. The hospital was only about 15 minutes form our house, but it took her close to an hour and a half to get there because of a big storm. By the time she got to the hospital i was ready to "pop" out. The one thing shse does remember really well, was how rude the nurses were to her when she was getting ready to be admitted. she said they had very little paitence and didn't care how she was feeling, or if she was comfortable. They were also getting mad at her because she was pushing even when they told her not to. I wouldn't consider my mom's birth experience that bad, but i wouldn't consider it ideal either. I know i wouldn't to experience birth the same way she did.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
How I Feel About Birth...
At 16, I feel like giving birth is the most painful and scary situation that women go through. I feel like at 16, that i'm just not ready to give birth and take care of a baby. Honestly I don't think that most teenage mothers are. It's hard for me to see my self taking care of/being responsible for something so small and fragile. How am I supposed to be a mother to a child, when I'm stil a child my self. Even though I am scared to give birth, I'm also excited about haveing a baby. i always joke around with my friends saying that I want a baby. I don't know, I just can't get over how cute they are, and how you can dresst them in the cutest little clothes, and by the cutest little things for them. I'm not really sure how i feel about giving birth after all. It's like I'm fascinated with the fact of having one and dressing it up, But scared shitless about ACTUALLY giving birth to one. The more I think about it, it seems like the more confused I get.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Big Paper Revised
Intro-
Over some time America has been going down hill, especially over the last year. Between the war, our economy being in shambles, and our over all government, America isn't what it used to be. Former President Bush believes that the "American way of life is non negotiable", but what exactly is the American Way of Life? The American way of life has changed over the years, so is it still worth defending? With all these different cultures in all different regions of the United States what is "american"? have they had influence on the American Way of Life? Even though there is a huge gap between the rich and the homeless and many different cultures, their is still somewhat of a common lifestyle that lives amongst Americans (mainly the middle class).
By interviweing people on the street and a few family members, i have learned that most people belive that the American Way of life is all about getting the proper education, leading to more money (success), which leads to a better life. Many thought that this was great that we had the freedom to do so in America. However when looking at the fundamentals of capitalism and the constitution, many of the themes that were found were not true. The idea of having the freedom to move up the social and economic ladder in America wasn't there in the past, and may not be there now. it is to be proven that the American Way of Life is ultimately a lie.
American Way of Life According to people in the street-
Americans do an average of 13 years of school, which can be considered as a major part of life. However when I asked a young black man what he thought the American way of life was, he replied “you have to do whatever it takes to survive, no matter how much authority or education you have, you always have to listen to what ‘they’ tell you”. This young black man clad in jeans and a baggy white t-shirt didn’t look like he had much going for himself, but tells me that education is basically a waste of time. His opinion on what it takes to succeed in America is being a “sucker, in America you always have to suck up to somebody to get ahead in life”. He believed that we have to suck up to the professor to get that better grade, but also to our boss to get that raise or promotion. When I asked a middle age Hispanic man the same question a couple of minutes later, he basically said “stay in school, it will help you a lot later on in life”. Two working class men with two totally different views on the part education take in the American way of life.
While talking to my high school principle Mr. Fanning, I saw how different his views were to the other people I interviewed. Even though as a young adult he chose his passion of music over education, he has since realized how his education has benefitted him. By getting an English degree, he has obtained this career which he loves. It may have not really been his dream, but it has become “his life”, and he wouldn’t trade it in for anything else. The first man I interviewed thought that education can’t really make a big difference in the American way of life. He believed that education is put on the backburner and succeeding in America is about “sucking up”, while Mr. fanning believes that it’s about getting an education in something you love, which in turn can make you love life more. Even though he did love music, and made a lot of money doing it, he also sees that his current life is more practical. Mr. Fanning being an educator, I expected this answer from him. But when my aunt gave a similar answer, it surprised me. She has just recently gone back to school fir her doctorates degree after working for HSBC for 19 years. Even though she does think that education is very important in the American way of life, she feels as if “society feels that education validates how smart you are…most people are born with natural talent and education helps to enhance that talent”. She somewhat disagrees with society view of education, and the fact that having a greater education means that you are smarter. Mr. Fanning believes that getting an education can cause you to love something, while my aunt believes you can get a degree in something you love and make it work for you.
Education will help you succeed if you acquire as much knowledge as possible on what it is you want to do in life. That will lead to a better job/career hence a better way of life”, she in turn believes this is what most Americans strive for. This would be her definition of the American way of life, even though many Americans aren’t able to obtain it.
¾ of the people I interviewed believed that education was a huge part in American society, while 1/4 thought that education can’t really help us in achieving our ideal life. The people around me think that the American way of life is mainly to be happy with life. However when they said life, they were mainly referring to a career. Most believed that a career can lead you to happiness, or defines it in a way. They agree with the fact that education can indeed lead to a better life/career, and this is one of the main ways they would define the American way of life…as education.
Over some time America has been going down hill, especially over the last year. Between the war, our economy being in shambles, and our over all government, America isn't what it used to be. Former President Bush believes that the "American way of life is non negotiable", but what exactly is the American Way of Life? The American way of life has changed over the years, so is it still worth defending? With all these different cultures in all different regions of the United States what is "american"? have they had influence on the American Way of Life? Even though there is a huge gap between the rich and the homeless and many different cultures, their is still somewhat of a common lifestyle that lives amongst Americans (mainly the middle class).
By interviweing people on the street and a few family members, i have learned that most people belive that the American Way of life is all about getting the proper education, leading to more money (success), which leads to a better life. Many thought that this was great that we had the freedom to do so in America. However when looking at the fundamentals of capitalism and the constitution, many of the themes that were found were not true. The idea of having the freedom to move up the social and economic ladder in America wasn't there in the past, and may not be there now. it is to be proven that the American Way of Life is ultimately a lie.
American Way of Life According to people in the street-
Americans do an average of 13 years of school, which can be considered as a major part of life. However when I asked a young black man what he thought the American way of life was, he replied “you have to do whatever it takes to survive, no matter how much authority or education you have, you always have to listen to what ‘they’ tell you”. This young black man clad in jeans and a baggy white t-shirt didn’t look like he had much going for himself, but tells me that education is basically a waste of time. His opinion on what it takes to succeed in America is being a “sucker, in America you always have to suck up to somebody to get ahead in life”. He believed that we have to suck up to the professor to get that better grade, but also to our boss to get that raise or promotion. When I asked a middle age Hispanic man the same question a couple of minutes later, he basically said “stay in school, it will help you a lot later on in life”. Two working class men with two totally different views on the part education take in the American way of life.
While talking to my high school principle Mr. Fanning, I saw how different his views were to the other people I interviewed. Even though as a young adult he chose his passion of music over education, he has since realized how his education has benefitted him. By getting an English degree, he has obtained this career which he loves. It may have not really been his dream, but it has become “his life”, and he wouldn’t trade it in for anything else. The first man I interviewed thought that education can’t really make a big difference in the American way of life. He believed that education is put on the backburner and succeeding in America is about “sucking up”, while Mr. fanning believes that it’s about getting an education in something you love, which in turn can make you love life more. Even though he did love music, and made a lot of money doing it, he also sees that his current life is more practical. Mr. Fanning being an educator, I expected this answer from him. But when my aunt gave a similar answer, it surprised me. She has just recently gone back to school fir her doctorates degree after working for HSBC for 19 years. Even though she does think that education is very important in the American way of life, she feels as if “society feels that education validates how smart you are…most people are born with natural talent and education helps to enhance that talent”. She somewhat disagrees with society view of education, and the fact that having a greater education means that you are smarter. Mr. Fanning believes that getting an education can cause you to love something, while my aunt believes you can get a degree in something you love and make it work for you.
Education will help you succeed if you acquire as much knowledge as possible on what it is you want to do in life. That will lead to a better job/career hence a better way of life”, she in turn believes this is what most Americans strive for. This would be her definition of the American way of life, even though many Americans aren’t able to obtain it.
¾ of the people I interviewed believed that education was a huge part in American society, while 1/4 thought that education can’t really help us in achieving our ideal life. The people around me think that the American way of life is mainly to be happy with life. However when they said life, they were mainly referring to a career. Most believed that a career can lead you to happiness, or defines it in a way. They agree with the fact that education can indeed lead to a better life/career, and this is one of the main ways they would define the American way of life…as education.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Inaguration Day Assignment
Presidents Obamas inaugaration speech gave a lot of hope to Americans. his speech reassured them that he can and will make America better, and get it back to what it used to be. More specifically he will get us out of the recession and the war. Obama states in his speech that "We will not apologize for out way of life." He is saying that our country shouldn't be ashamed of how its run or how we run our everyday lives compared to the rest of the world. Obama is making the American way of life something to be proud, something that should be embraced. While Former President Bush said something similar, but made it seem like no matter what the way Americans live their lives is not going to change. He made it seem like the life of an American was top priority, not the war or our economic status.When Obama said "Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America" I felt like he was again embracing the American Way of Life and willing to change it for the better. this comment showed the peopel that we STILL have the potential to keep America as the most powerful nation on Earth.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Christmas/New Years Analysis
Over break i was thinking about how my holiday compared to the rest of America or the American way of life. I felt like my Christmas wasn't the typical Christmas because it was a little more reserved than the typical Christmas. Even though i did spend it with family (because that's what its supposed to be about right?), i wasn't allt hat excited about it like i used to be. I didn't wake up at the crack of dawn to open presents,didn't go searching for my gifts before Christmas, and i wasn't every excited with what i got this year either. In America, Christmas is all about spending hard earned money on extravagant gifts and letting kids think a fat white man brought those gifts for them. I think that the whole Santa aspect of Christmas is ridiculous. This year I was happy with spending Christmas at my grandmas house and not getting much, it didn't really matter to me because Christmas is only 1 day out of the year...why should it be such a big deal? However I feel that many Americans would disagree with me.
New years on the other hand I felt like my New years did go along with the American way of life. When new years comes around, Americans usually get this idea that its all about having fun. Most of this "fun" is related to going to parties, getting drunk, and just acting fool. this new years i did go to a party and had a a good time, however i feel like it shouldn't be like that every year. Why go out and bring in the new year partying...is that how the rest of the year is going to be spent? i think that it is also good to spend time with family or by yourself during this holiday. You can have fun by sitting at home and watching the ball drop on TV, or playing a game with friends and family. Another thing that i noticed Americans participate in is making "new year resolutions". Many make these crazy resolutions about what they could do better in the new year, which are usually full of bull. People may carry them out for a couple of weeks, but its not likely for someone to keep or even remember theirs for the rest of the year. I think its a silly tradition that Americans follow to make them feel better about themselves. Make them feel as if they are willing to change, and are going to make that change for the new year.
New years on the other hand I felt like my New years did go along with the American way of life. When new years comes around, Americans usually get this idea that its all about having fun. Most of this "fun" is related to going to parties, getting drunk, and just acting fool. this new years i did go to a party and had a a good time, however i feel like it shouldn't be like that every year. Why go out and bring in the new year partying...is that how the rest of the year is going to be spent? i think that it is also good to spend time with family or by yourself during this holiday. You can have fun by sitting at home and watching the ball drop on TV, or playing a game with friends and family. Another thing that i noticed Americans participate in is making "new year resolutions". Many make these crazy resolutions about what they could do better in the new year, which are usually full of bull. People may carry them out for a couple of weeks, but its not likely for someone to keep or even remember theirs for the rest of the year. I think its a silly tradition that Americans follow to make them feel better about themselves. Make them feel as if they are willing to change, and are going to make that change for the new year.
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