Today, the issues of obesity have been argued left and right. However, Eric Schlosser, author of Your Trusted Friends, seems to have discovered the very core of this epidemic. In his article he provides a tremendous amount of insight on the major corporations McDonalds and Disney and how they have been able to have a tremendous impact on the lives of millions of people around the world through their successful advertising campaigns. Schlosser would likely agree with the arguments of Yves Engler, author of Obesity: Much of the Responsibility Lies with Corporations, and David Zinczenko, author of Don’t Blame the Eater. All three authors are united in the idea that fast food companies such as McDonalds and their persistent advertising and promotions have negatively influenced the eating habits of consumers. However unlike Engler and Zinczenko, Schlosser provides detailed insight on what specifically these companies have done to be so successful in not only strengthening their executive's pocketbooks, but inadvertently contributing to obesity. To do this, he examines the various marketing tactics that have enabled the fast-food empire to become what it is today.
Engler was on the right track when he put the problems simply by stating, “The main reason that people are consuming more, especially unhealthy products, is the food industry's relentless advertising, especially to children (Engler, 175)”. Schlosser would certainly agree with this statement but would also consider how and why advertising campaigns and promotions, such as the Teenie Beanie Baby giveaway which was "one of the most successful promotions in the history of American advertising"(Schlosser, 194), have been so profitable. On the flip side of profits and costs, Zinczeko was also accurate in arguing that “it may be only a matter of time before state governments begin to see a direct line between the $1 billion that McDonalds and Burger King spend each year on advertising and their own swelling health care costs"(Zinczenko, 155).
The thing that sets Schlosser on a higher level of argumentation in comparison with Engler and Zinczeko is that he considers the interests of the corporations. Like all businesses these colossal corporations are looking out for their profits- which coincidentally soar with effective advertisements. It's been said before, "It's not personal, it's business".
Works Cited:
Engler, Yves. "Obesity: Much of the Responsibility Lies with Corporations." They Say I Say. Comp. Gerald Greff, Cathy Berkenstein, Russel Durst. New York: W.W. Norton and Company, 2009. Print.
Zinczenko, David. "Don't Blame the Eater." They Say I Say. Comp. Gerald Greff, Cathy Berkenstein, Russel Durst. New York: W.W. Norton and Company, 2009. Print.
I absolutely love your posting. Your group has wonderful writing skills. You made it very clear that you were in agreement with Schlosser. I think that you nicely incorporated the opposing view - you introduced it in a respectful way, and responded to it very effectively. I think that your blog posting flows very nicely - it was a pleasure to read it. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat job starting with how the other authors agree with one thing, but how Schlosser explains another aspect of the situation. You also have a very nicely worded thesis statement, I know exactly what to expect. Excellent use of citations. It seems that is how we are suppose to do it, and I know if we get a chance to revise these, them my group can follow your example. I have also noticed your use of transitions and templates! They work very nicely to create a flow and to compare and contrast ideas.
ReplyDeleteThe posting has great insite and utalizes the authors opinions great. I agree with where the author of your article stands when he/she says "advertising contribute to obesity" in our country. I could't agree more with this statement in saying that every day we watch a commercial on television about how hearty a burger form McDonalds is, or pass a billboard on the way to worka dn think; "ooo I could go for a large fry". The advertising is everywhere, think about it this way, if our country put half of the money we put into our school systems instead of advertising unhealthy foods, we h=would have a much smarter country!
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with everyone else here. Your group is very clear and concise when it comes to making Schlosser's argument the most superior argument. I love how you were able to incorporate what Schlosser wrote about how McDonald's and Disney were practically working out of each others pockets to incorporate synergy between marketing and advertising to young children. They were definitely the starters of advertising towards the youngest crowd. Without their work we would not have what I believe such a mass perspective of what our children want.
ReplyDeleteI like the introduction to your blog post, I think it was effective in leading into what you were going to be stating and it clearly lets you know who you are in favor of. The explanation of why your writer’s view was superior to the others named was done well. It was stated and then explained why and how the view was better. The conclusion is also clear and puts a final word in favor of your opinion, it definitely ends on a strong statement of why Schlosser has the best view.
ReplyDeleteIt shows that many of these fast food companies have a negative impact and affect on how people choose their eating habits. Well fast food restaurants have not always been around and for the most part everyone has learned their own eating habits by how their family has eaten without fast food restaurants. I know many people who still have family meals every single day and the only time they turn to fast food is when they are on a road trip and not in their own home to make diner. Just because we have these fast food restaurants now does not mean we have to turn to them, but unfortunately many people are becoming more lazy and they are turning to fast food.
ReplyDeleteYour blog was very well written. It gives an outline of what Schlosser was writing about and how his argument was superior to the other writers. You cite specific statements from Engler that compare their beliefs but you go beyond that to show how Schlosser's writing is far more in depth and it comes out seeming like he is by far the most superior writer.
ReplyDeleteI think that your group's blog posting is flawless. It is extremely well written. I think that is flows nicely and it does an excellent job of introducing the ideas of the opposing argument and countering them in a respectful but persuasive manner. What was most effective in persuading me to come join your side of the argument is the fact that introduce the opposing arguments, show how parts of them are valid, and then politely counter them showing how your side is even more valid and is the right way to go. It is impossible for me to find anything wrong with what you wrote. You did an excellent job!
ReplyDeleteWell I would have to say that your post was very well organized and made perfect sense throughout. You took your time and put it together wonderfully. You were clear that you were in favor of your author and you used argumentation really well. I was completely persuaded that your author was right! It's so hard to see those billboards - especially when I am soooo hungry! Well done!
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