Rhetorical Analysis Of Don T Blame The Eater

When the subject of fast food comes up, most people can agree that it is not the most efficient source of nutrition. Fast food is unhealthy and can be the cause of many serious health issues found in today's teens and adolescents. In the article “Don’t Blame the Eater” written by David Zinczenko, he argues that fast food chains fill the void in children's lives left by their exhausted, overworking parents. Many teens choose unhealthy eating choices because they are left alone for meals, fast food restaurants are easily accessible, and many teens are unaware of what they are consuming.

It has become common today to dismiss the idea of personal responsibility, however, Radley Balko,  author of “What You Eat Is Your Business,” has not. The article, published on Monday 23, 2004,on the website Cato Institute, reminds us of the importance and significance of personal responsibility in dealing with obesity.  Additionally, he argues that  government’s  attempt to  restrict American diets and without consumers being  held accountable for their unhealthy lifestyles is useless .

Long ago, the ancestors of humans lived in unpredictable times in which meals were not guaranteed. Now in the 21st century, data suggests, as mentioned in Fed Up, that there will be more deaths caused directly or indirectly by obesity than by starvation. The documentary Fed Up focuses on the terrifying issue that plagues the United States and the world: obesity. It delves into the components that contribute to this menacing epidemic that only continues to get worse. The documentary builds on the stories of four young American children from all over the country that are severely obese. One of the kids, at 14 years of age, weighs over 400 pounds. Fed Up tries to answer one simple question with a complex and scary answer. How did the world get here? There are several different issues the documentary tried to address to answer this question. In the documentary, several misconceptions about food were dissected. In addition to debunking myths about food, the documentary discussed how it is possible to eat healthy for less money than eating unhealthy. Those were a few of the aspects that can have an impact on individuals, but the documentary did not stop there. It also attacked the huge food industry for their misleading advertisements and selling techniques, as well as condemning their focus of selling to younger people. Furthermore, the documentary explained how the food industry is so rich and powerful in the country’s capital that it has thwarted the many attempts in trying

He claims that the prevalence of fast food and the lack of healthier food alternatives is causing an epidemic of teenage obesity in America. In his essay “Don’t Blame the Eater,” David Zinczenko notes “Drive down any thoroughfare in America, ... you’ll see one of our country’s more than 13,000 McDonald’s restaurants. Now drive back up the block and try to find someplace to buy a grapefruit” (463). Zinczenko argues that there are no inexpensive and convenient alternatives to fast-food restaurants for teenagers. Especially for teenagers, unhealthy and fattening fast food

Michael Moss, an investigative reporter who enjoys reporting on food, wrote: “The Extraordinary Science of Addictive Junk Food” (pages 471-494). This article reports on the ways that prepackaged food, especially junk food, is being designed to fit the customers’ needs and wants, as well as being something that the body craves. Moss provides multiple accounts throughout the reading in which people who have worked for or created corporate companies design foods just so they will sell. Moss expresses his thought in a clear manner to the reader so he or she will understand that Moss worries about the growing obesity in America and places the blame on junk food corporations. Though junk food corporations have a great part in the growing obesity,

When it comes to the topic of obesity, most will readily agree that it is a growing dilemma. This argument has many writers bringing different responses. Two explanations are debated in What You Eat is Your Business by Radley Balko and Don’t Blame the Eater by David Zinczenko. Both pieces create a good stance on the topic of obesity. Balko’s piece, however, has a better all around flow, organization and consistency.

Imagine a world with people that eat nothing, but pure fast food. Fast food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some people might say that it is their choice, others might blame the fast food industry because of their weight. In the essay called “Don’t Blame the Eater” by David Zinczenko states that people often eat fast food because they have an active life and do not have time for a healthy lifestyle. In my opinion, I agree with Zinczenko essay because it is reliable, supportive, and states facts because of the context he uses, examples, and his personal experiences. In this essay I will express my position on Zinczenko essay and state reasons why I picked this side.

“The Cato Institute’s” Policy analyst, Radley Balko, in his article “What You Eat Is Your Business,” talks about the idea of obesity and whose fault it is. Balko’s purpose is to convey the idea that obesity is the individual’s responsibility, not the government’s or anyone else’s for that matter. Ultimately, Balko’s “What You Eat Is Your Business” has a strong hold on ethos, pathos, and logos, making for a successful and persuasive article.

In “Don’t Blame the Eater," the author’s organization of ethos, pathos, and logos was very strategic. In an article such as “Don’t Blame the Eater,” rhetorical strategies are very important when trying to persuade an opinion onto the audience. Zinczenko’s argument throughout the article was easy to grasp onto and comprehend. The transitioning of his passages were cohesive, and well-articulated. The fluidity of the article captivates the audience to keep reading on the subject at hand. All of these details exemplify what a good persuasive article is supposed to look like.

With this question, he asks what is actually absurd. However to the audience it seems almost more absurd in terms of the opposing argument since it seems more probable. Following this he questions the fast-food restaurants and the judgment of others considering that “shouldn’t we know better than to eat two meals a day in fast-food restaurants?” (393). Beyond this he appeals to those that cannot afford the health conscious decisions particularly the scenario of a busy mom and most certainly his own experience as a kid. This incorporation of circumstances leads him to ask, “Where, exactly, are consumers—particularly teenagers—supposed to find alternatives?” (392), this question lends itself to make the reader idealize and believe that it is not entirely their own fault but an unfortunate circumstance. Direct questions and personal struggle narrated onto his piece definitely strengthen Zinczenko’s argument about the influence of the food industry on obesity; however, his counter argument as a starting statement perhaps provides a questionable aspect to the reader that prevents full understanding of his own

Fast-food industries may try to “target children in their ads”, but it ultimately comes down to the adults-the parents- choosing to dine at these places and pork up their kids on the high-sugar sodas, salty French fries, and greasy burgers. If they would just take the time to look out the window, they would see the healthy alternatives to fast-food, and how the alternatives are literally right in front of

Many people assume that the blame for unhealthy lifestyles of Americans should be justly placed on the numerous fast food restaurants located throughout America (Ch.1, pg. 24). David Zinczenko is one of these people. In his paper titled Don’t Blame the Eater, he argues that because these restaurants are on every corner, and because they do not blatantly offer nutritional menus, that fast food eateries are at fault. Zinczenko contradicts himself; on the one hand, he argues “whatever happened to personal responsibility” (391)? On the other hand, he also says “But where; exactly, are consumers-particularly teenagers- supposed to find alternatives?” (392) (Ch. 4, pg 60). I believe that if teens are the most at risk, they have parents who should have taught them healthy eating habits; also if there are not nutrition menus plastered everywhere, if asked, restaurants will provide that information willingly, and lastly, if fast food has to be eaten, then why is exercising out of the question? Zinczenko’s argument fits in perfectly with today’s society by differing responsibility. However, also like in today’s society, just because something fits in, does not make it right.

Obesity has become an epidemic in today’s society. Today around 50% of America is now considered to be over weight. Fast-food consumption has been a major contributor to the debate of the twenty-first century. Chapter thirteen, titled “Is Fast-Food the New Tobacco,” in the They Say I Say book, consists of authors discussing the debate of fast-food’s link to obesity. Authors debate the government’s effects on the fast-food industry, along with whether or not the fast-food industry is to blame for the rise in obesity throughout America. While some people blame the fast food industry for the rise in obesity, others believe it is a matter of personal responsibility to watch what someone eats and make sure they get the proper exercise.

Balko begins by introducing some of the policy the government put in place to response to the obesity epidemic in our country. He states that “For decades now, America's health care system has been moving towards socialism.” He cites President Bush’s decision to assign $200 million to anti-obesity measure and congress attempt to implement menu-labeling in to a law is a wrong approach to take on obesity. Balko state that the government policies are “bringing the government between you and your waistline” (396). In his opinion, “This is the wrong way to fight obesity” (Balko). He argues that our government should be focused on fostering personal responsibility and accountability among the public concerning individual health. He feels that consumers should take some responsibility of what they eat. Giving this example, “We’re becoming less responsible for our own health, and more responsible for everyone else’s” (Balko). He argues that obesity should be taken out of

“It is true that fast food restaurant have a large contribution to America being ranked one of the most obese countries; however, we cannot blame every single fast food restaurant for this obesity.” This comes from the first assignment on “Do not blame the eater” As I wrote my first assignment which was a persuasive essay for English 1010 I had prior experience with this. This experience came from prepping for the ACT writing portion. I am able to properly make a stand point and argue. “Alternatives are present at varies food chains and at popular food chains. “But where, exactly, are consumers- particularly teenagers supposed to find alternatives?” Teenagers in this century are heavily controlled and impacted by media. They are easily able to find out what is in there food with a quick google search. Videos on social media on what is in our foods are easily shared and retweeted by millions of teenagers. Most teenagers are aware that McDonalds and Burger King are not the only sources of fast food.” I was fully able to quote and back up my quotes from the passage “Do not blame the eater”. Places like Subway, Jimmy Johns, and Panera Bread have quick food that tends to be healthier. While these restaurants tend to have a larger healthier food menu someone can find healthy food options at a restaurant like McDonalds. For example, I am a teenager who used social media to find a healthy food option at McDonalds. Quickly with a google search I found on health.com what healthy