Obesity In America Essay

“My sort? What do you mean my sort?” (Alan turing) In a nation that is known for phrases such as the melting pot or a mixed salad and unity, the United States is a country that struggles when it comes to categorizing its people based on one’s race, religion, or gender. When those categories are formed, what stems from it is the word stereotypes. Stereotypes are labels that a specific group may be known for viewed as. These stereotypes may come from many sources such as the hegemonic force, media, family, or even friends. There are stereotypes that are true and may be positive about a specific group of people conversely, there are stereotypes that have a negative connotation. Those stereotypes for the most part may not be true but, they tend to play a significant role in society when it comes to identifying people and their place in society. That role is labeling people as a

Some stereotypes that are apparent in America are that white Americans are obese, lazy, and dim-witted. More stereotypes are that all Mexicans are illegal immigrants, that all Arabs and Muslims are terrorists, and that all black people have been to prison before. Canadians are dull, hang out at Donut Shops and Dollar stores, and are bad tippers. Another example of stereotyping is that Chinese people are incredibly bad drivers.

     The world has hit a brick wall in human development. People have created a giant system that categorizes people and groups into classes. These classes are then broken down into subdivisions for people’s placement in the world, and everyone’s eyes. Stereotyping has become so prevalent in every persons thoughts that we now base everything we do on it. We base business, home, and social life on a stereotypical view that doesn’t need to be present in life.

Currently in the United States 1 out of 3 adults are obese and 1 out of 4 children are obese. Making us the second most obese nation right behind Mexico. Obesity is defined by an unhealthy amount of fat in the body. If obesity grows at this rate in 2030 over 50 percent of the population in America will be obese. Forty years ago this was not an issue what has changed in America to create this drastic increase in obesity? Our daily calorie intake a day has increased by 500 calories since 1970. In my research paper I will find information on how fast food has impacted Americans and the causes of obesity. I also would like to find some solutions that are being proposed to decrease obesity in America.

Before reading this chapter I knew that labeling things, like stereotypes, was a part of human nature and wasn’t something we could particularly help. I hadn’t known that stereotyping had a reason behind it, especially not a cognitive one. Stereotypes are a result of the way we process information, even social information. We categorize each other and I believe there's no danger in that. Stereotypes are unavoidable. We categorize people everyday. Just the other day I saw a kid with a cape playing a ukulele and I thought man that kid is weird. Which is normal to assess because people don’t do that everyday. Now everytime I see the kid I associate him with the term weirdo. In my schemas I’ll remember people who play ukuleles and wear capes as weird.

In the United States, obesity has become a big problem. In the last 30 years the number of people overweight has increased dramatically. As results done by the Centers of Disease Control showed that since 1980, one third of our adult population has become overweight (Fat).

Have you ever felt the impacts of a stereotype? Stereotypes can sometimes make people feel unwanted around people and possibly uncomfortable in their own skin. There’re many different types of stereotypes but they all impact us negatively.

Obesity has been a growing problem in the U.S. for more than a decade. Various reasons and theories are thrown around as to the cause of this severe problem by psychologists, dietitians, and professors trying to pinpoint a single cause. Due to America’s vast supply of resources, luxurious living standards, and moral of the country, there is no one cause for obesity contrary to advertisements offering a quick-fix drug. America’s obesity problem is rooted much deeper than just cheap fast food and poor choices. Medical conditions, influence of genes, unhealthy lifestyles, and mental illnesses are all contributors towards obesity in any one person. Obesity is a serious problem in America with multiple contributors and one lone solution

The American stereotype all around the world is defined in many ways, but Americans are often seen as, the fat and arrogant American who is chauvinistic and obnoxious. Yet on the opposite end of this stereotype spectrum, there are also outsiders who perceive Americans as polite, tolerant, large tippers who firmly believe in freedom and being able to speak your mind. Americans are widely recognized for their achievements as well, such as our domination in technological world and our power to accept immigrants from various backgrounds. But,we are also condemned for our views on guns, race and the choice of our current leader. The article, “How Americans are perceived by the rest of the world” by AP, delves deep into what these stereotypes really

Current statistics say that more than 1 billion adults worldwide are overweight, 300 million being clinically obese and at risk for serious diseases (Senauer & Gemma, 2006). The US topped the world list of developed countries with 30%, according to 2005 OECD ranking. Mexico, UK, Slovakia, Greece, Australia and New Zealand followed with more than 20%. At the bottom were South Korea and Japan with a shared rate of 3.2%. Current US statistics show that 66.5% of Americans have more than 25 BMI, indicating obesity (Senauer & Gemma) There was a dramatic increase in incidence in the past two decades and which have remained high since then (CDC, 2010). As of 2010, all the Sates had a prevalence of more than 20%, 36 of which had 25% or more. Of this number 12 had a prevalence of 30% or more (CDC).

Stereotypes have a big affect on society today from young to old they affect everyone. However though we are talking about Dinuba Students, on how stereotypes affect them and everyone around them on campus. Being stereotyped in high school is tough it’s like bullying or judging others on what you think about them.

If society could be a utopia this paper would have not have to exist, however that is unachievable. My political stance has been consistent throughout the years, only changing minimally when I learn of information or a major event changes my perspective yet I would say my values is based on the bedrock values of the Christian faith, living in a divorced/single-parent household and media.

It is easy to think of stereotypes for countries a person has never been to, but for people who have been to multiple countries, their perspective changes. On Thursday, October 26, 45 foreign exchange students from around the world came to Xavier High School for the annual event of International Round Table in the Regis-Lasalle theatre.

My whole life it has felt as if I’ve been stuck in the trap of society. Society these days expects everyone to be one exact way, and I’m sick of it. I’m only human, I can’t be expected to have long blonde hair, big light blue eyes, the “perfect body,” and a pretty face. Yeah, I have none of those. My hair is a chocolate brown color with messy curls, I have dull grey-blue-green eyes, I definitely don’t have the “perfect body,” and I’m like average when it comes to my appearance. I’m not saying it's bad to have all of those perfect traits, I’m just saying that people don’t need to waste their time in order to be like that.

According to Kenneth Fujioka, MD obesity rates have gone up, drastically, in the past four decades. They have more than doubled since 1980. The rates of overweight and obesity in adult men has increased from 29% to 37% and in women it has increased from 30% to nearly 40%. Obesity in women is twice as frequent than it is in men. Obesity in children has increased by almost 50% than what it was in 1980.The occurrence of overweight or obese children and adolescents in developed countries is more than 22% and almost 24% in boys. Obesity is more likely to be higher in lower income and medium income countries. The United States is the 3rd most obese country with an obesity rate of 66%. There is a higher