The Fate of Fat, Essay Example

Professor X: Although obesity, especially among children, is on the rise in America, this is a cultural rather than political problem. You can’t legislate people’s diets.

Professor Y: You can educate people about the risks of obesity and there are many. You can also alert them to understanding ways to improve eating habits.

Professor X: Education is a different thing than legislation. What NPLAN really wants to do is micromanage what people can and can’t consume and that verges on violating the Constitution.

Professor Y: The obesity epidemic in America is causing a tremendous amount of stress on our healthcare system and our society as a whole. Childhood obesity is the best place to start because the earlier that an intervention is made, the better. If we need regulations and laws to back up the protection of our children, then so be it…

Professor X: Then where do we stop! Suppose two dozen kids slip on roller-skates and break their bones over the next few weeks. Do we ban roller-skates?

Professor Y:That is an erroneous argument because the obesity epidemic, as you mentioned previously, is a cultural issue. I agree with you about that. What I don’t agree with is the idea that the government should be uninvolved with changing our cultural perceptions about food.

Professor X: You do realize that taken to a point the ideas you support could result in the government banning that very chocolate chip muffin you’re eating right now?

Professor Y: What? I have high metabolism? Do I look like I’ve gained weight? Seriously, do I? You can be honest with me….

Professor X: Thing is, we’re all bound to gain a few pounds as we get older.

Professor Y: I can’t believe that you just called me old and fat in the same sentence. I thought we were friends.