Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Argentina: "Show drives home reality of obesity"

Cultural imperialism or edu-tainment?  Or something in between (eg Varan's cultural erosion typology)...


"Cuestion de Peso" (Question of weight)

1 comment:

  1. I guess I would consider this show edu-tainment, although I feel these shows are exceedingly unhelpful, often perpetuate the problem and do NOT tackle the root cause of obesity. I believe these shows are insulting because I am of the belief that most all people in the world understand natural foods and exercise lead to a healthy life. I believe there is a reason there are higher rates of obesity among lower income individuals – junk food is more assessable and cheaper. So much of the farmland (all over the world) is being eaten up by mass production facilities who reduce the amount of farmland available for local farmers to produce and sell their vegetables and fruit often at cheaper rates and in more locations. If there was a fruit and veg stand on as many corners as there are fast food restaurants I’m pretty sure we would see a decrease in obesity.
    Second – as most people struggling with their weight have communicated to me – this obsession with weight and being skinny is the reason they are overweight in the first place; therefore more attention and emphasis on the issue does not seem helpful – it only seems to perpetuate the all-consuming nature of the beast. Additionally, I personally believe all of these type shows have really just made the idea of living healthy more complex and therefore, unappealing. Also, I have been told the U.S’s Biggest Loser show markets products in the show – reason enough to put it in the “cultural imperialism” or “agenda-setting” category.
    If these shows are tailored to the local populations lives, diets, and culture then the will probably escape Deposition, then deflation maybe more the impact. I believe and hope this one show would not have an abrasion effect, although a multiplicity of these shows may prove otherwise. (hope not).

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