Is it fair to blame junk food companies for people being overweight?

[Asclepias]

Yes and no. They share some of the blame. Its weird that a society (that supposedly prides itself on character, integrity and honesty) would think that the companies marketing their poison with proven techniques designed to create a habit or addiction to their products has no responsibility in this.

Sugar and fat have been around forever. Amazing that we have people pushing 100 years old when they grew up without government agencies protecting them from everyone, including themselves!

Difference is that parents used to take raising children seriously and that meant setting good examples and putting their foot down. I ate my vegetables because it was expected and no way would there be cake or ice cream if I didn't eat the good stuff first.

Some claim that moms just take their kids to fast food places because it's all they have the energy to do. Then some blame the companies for making the food in the first place.

Bottom line is that parents teach their children a lot before they go to school. The child will either show up at school disciplined and taught rules, that include good eating habits, or they won't. Poor parents can still teach their children good habits. It has nothing to do with money and everything to do with spending time with them. Too many parents don't teach their children even the most basic of manners. I see it all the time.

It seems to be encouraged to let government lead the way. If your kids are fat, then government must step in and correct that. If the kids aren't doing well in school, then government must step in and change the curriculum. When personal responsibility is never talked about and politicians can only preach about how they can change your life, you end up with the problems we have now. People who blame others for problems that they should have under control.

It may have been around forever but not readily available and pushed via marketing like it is now. If you understood marketing you would realize how powerful it is. This is by design and not for your health but to seperate you from your money.

It's a vast conspiracy, I tell ya.

If you doubt the power of marketing ask yourself why the average american did not brush their teeth everyday prior to the advent of Pepsodent toothpaste. In fact,dental hygiene was considered a national security risk at the time. This was not the first toothpaste invented but it was the first to garner daily use. This coincided with the availability of sugary foods on the market. I forget the guys name but he came up with a marketing strategy that is still being used in todays marketing. Its a law that is named after him. You should read this book called The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg to become more educated on the issue.

The Power of Habit Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business Charles Duhigg 3520700000553 Amazon.com Books

 

[HereWeGoAgain]

Sugar and fat have been around forever. Amazing that we have people pushing 100 years old when they grew up without government agencies protecting them from everyone, including themselves!

Difference is that parents used to take raising children seriously and that meant setting good examples and putting their foot down. I ate my vegetables because it was expected and no way would there be cake or ice cream if I didn't eat the good stuff first.

Some claim that moms just take their kids to fast food places because it's all they have the energy to do. Then some blame the companies for making the food in the first place.

Bottom line is that parents teach their children a lot before they go to school. The child will either show up at school disciplined and taught rules, that include good eating habits, or they won't. Poor parents can still teach their children good habits. It has nothing to do with money and everything to do with spending time with them. Too many parents don't teach their children even the most basic of manners. I see it all the time.

It seems to be encouraged to let government lead the way. If your kids are fat, then government must step in and correct that. If the kids aren't doing well in school, then government must step in and change the curriculum. When personal responsibility is never talked about and politicians can only preach about how they can change your life, you end up with the problems we have now. People who blame others for problems that they should have under control.

This is exactly right.

We were also taught that we couldn't be picky, or we'd go hungry.

When growing up, in our house, if meatloaf and green beans were for dinner, that is what you had.

Or you went to bed hungry.

Can't ever remember saying "I won't eat that" because if I did, my brother would have grabbed it.

Unless it was okra. I would have paid someone to eat my share.

Which is okay, but you'd not get anything else to replace it.

at least, not where I grew up.....

Me too. My dad would sit at the table watching me until I finished my peas. That could take an hour on some occasions. Today ... I love peas but still hate okra.

Even fried?

 

[Pogo]

This is exactly right.

We were also taught that we couldn't be picky, or we'd go hungry.

When growing up, in our house, if meatloaf and green beans were for dinner, that is what you had.

Or you went to bed hungry.

Can't ever remember saying "I won't eat that" because if I did, my brother would have grabbed it.

Unless it was okra. I would have paid someone to eat my share.

Which is okay, but you'd not get anything else to replace it.

at least, not where I grew up.....

Me too. My dad would sit at the table watching me until I finished my peas. That could take an hour on some occasions. Today ... I love peas but still hate okra.

Even fried?

Fried okra....

 

[HereWeGoAgain]

Can't ever remember saying "I won't eat that" because if I did, my brother would have grabbed it.

Unless it was okra. I would have paid someone to eat my share.

Which is okay, but you'd not get anything else to replace it.

at least, not where I grew up.....

Me too. My dad would sit at the table watching me until I finished my peas. That could take an hour on some occasions. Today ... I love peas but still hate okra.

Even fried?

Fried okra....

Love that stuff!! It's the only way I'll eat it other than in gumbo.

 

[Luddly Neddite]

Yeah, cuz that's the American way.

Maybe you could get a Constitutional amendment, forcing poor people to only eat foods RWs approve of.

The federal govt does not force people to shove sugary, fatty food in their mouth.

Most food stamps recipients are the elderly and children. Food stamp amounts do not allow for the purchase of high quality food. They eat the crap at McDonald's because that's what they can afford.

We are human beings. We should not allow fellow human beings to go hungry or to be forced to eat fat food like the great American diet.

As long as we force people ton live on next to nothing, we will continue to have high rates of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, kidney and liver disease and cancer.

What exactly stops people from receiving food stamps from buying healthy food?

Not always possible. A single mother for example, live in rented rooms or motels, no access to a kitchen, maybe just a microwave. After working at a low paying job, maybe on her feet all day, Pick the kid up at school, stop at McDonalds. Still have to go home, get ready for the next day, help kid with homework, bathe kid. I've seen so much of it. Even myself, sometimes worked two jobs, fast food the only thing I had energy for.

Cop out excuse, no time, no energy...I work three jobs and still make time to prepare meals for myself. I've made that decision precisely because of what I have learned about processed, packaged foods. If nothing else, you make a couple of meals on your day off and freeze portions for later in the week, when time is at a premium.

Somehow, you working three jobs, and still have time to do healthy meals, I wonder. Well when I did two jobs, one full time,one part time, I had the energy for fast food and sleep, period. Were you trying to raise kids by yourself as well, living in places like the single moms do that I used as my example? Maybe rented rooms or even garages, no cooking facilities? McDonalds and cup of soup is usually the meal of the day.

Maybe the damned single moms that are ruining the country with their out of control spawn ought to be sterilized after the first free kid.

Maybe the men who made them pregnant, the men who forced her to have the baby and the men who control poverty wages ought to take some of that responsibility.

No kid is "free" and it takes two to make one.

The single mothers are doing their job, some better than others. Where are the fathers?

Go after the dead beat dads and/or the fathers who run out on their families.

Even if you choose to hate the women, helping single parent families is an investment in our own country's future.

 

[Delta4Embassy]

It seems that the point of this documentary is to point the finger at junk food companies and the claim is that they are responsible for people being overweight and that it's not fair to hold the individuals responsible. I really thought it was widely known that junk food just isn't healthy and that eating too much food is not a good idea. Grocery stores carry just about everything, from cookies to spinach. When you have children, and especially when you take them shopping with you, avoiding certain aisles is always a good move. No need to go down the candy aisle. While junk food abounds, there is also a produce section, fresh lean meats, fish and even diet meals and sugar-free items. It is a matter of personal choice. We can stop ourselves from gaining too much weight unless there is some condition that actually puts weight on no matter what.

I think people know better. I believe people develop bad habits and they are hard to break. Children especially don't want to eat carrots after they get a taste for candy, but that is on the parents. It's not ignorance so much as a lack of willpower. And the liberals in this documentary don't want people blaming obesity on lack of willpower or lack of exercise. But people know that what they are eating is bad for them and they keep doing it. I am interested to know what government intends to do to help them. If they really don't believe that people can help themselves, then clearing the store shelves of all junk food would seem to be their preferred method, but then they would no longer have nasty junk food companies to blame and if the problem was still there, then what? I would rather parents take that stand and clear the junk from their own kitchens. After all, the kids will eat those apples when they get hungry enough. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened so some nanny government supporters would like to take on the role of head of the household, all the while blaming companies for the problem with poor eating habits.

Michelle Obama's new lunch program isn't real popular with a lot of people. Of course, that is because some items are boring to people and the portions are skimpy. All that will happen is that students will eat twice as much when they get home and the school lunch won't help in the fight against obesity. Only parents who pass good habits onto their children will make a difference. I am guessing that some in government believe that it's necessary to change people by force, after junk food companies are either sued or taxed to death to pay for new programs. Have no fear, they don't want to ban sugar or junk food. Got to have those bad people around to take the blame when people find themselves supersized. They just want to make sure that the companies pay big bucks to atone for the fact that they exist in the first place and because they cajoled people into eating too much sugar and fat. And if you want to buy sugar, that's great, but it'll cost you. You can just never have enough taxes in liberal utopias.


Sugar Is Evil and Other Silly Claims in the Obesity Wars

They deserve to shoulder some of the blame since junk food doesn't occur naturally and is specially formulated to be addictive. Wouldn't go so far as to hold them financially liable or anything. Everyone knows JUNK food is bad for you, hence its' name. Whatever comes from woofing it down is on the eater, not the...Dealers.

 

[PoliticalChic]

No. It is only fair to blame the person who consumes junk food in large quantities, for being overweight. Personal responsibility and accountability. Two attitudes most Americans used to be proud of possessing.

How about my pencil for spelling mistakes...

...or my car for drunk driving?

 

[DriftingSand]

What exactly stops people from receiving food stamps from buying healthy food?

Not always possible. A single mother for example, live in rented rooms or motels, no access to a kitchen, maybe just a microwave. After working at a low paying job, maybe on her feet all day, Pick the kid up at school, stop at McDonalds. Still have to go home, get ready for the next day, help kid with homework, bathe kid. I've seen so much of it. Even myself, sometimes worked two jobs, fast food the only thing I had energy for.

Cop out excuse, no time, no energy...I work three jobs and still make time to prepare meals for myself. I've made that decision precisely because of what I have learned about processed, packaged foods. If nothing else, you make a couple of meals on your day off and freeze portions for later in the week, when time is at a premium.

Somehow, you working three jobs, and still have time to do healthy meals, I wonder. Well when I did two jobs, one full time,one part time, I had the energy for fast food and sleep, period. Were you trying to raise kids by yourself as well, living in places like the single moms do that I used as my example? Maybe rented rooms or even garages, no cooking facilities? McDonalds and cup of soup is usually the meal of the day.

Maybe the damned single moms that are ruining the country with their out of control spawn ought to be sterilized after the first free kid.

Maybe the men who made them pregnant, the men who forced her to have the baby and the men who control poverty wages ought to take some of that responsibility.

No kid is "free" and it takes two to make one.

The single mothers are doing their job, some better than others. Where are the fathers?

Go after the dead beat dads and/or the fathers who run out on their families.

Even if you choose to hate the women, helping single parent families is an investment in our own country's future.

I'd be willing to bet that the vast majority of deadbeat dads are Democrats. That's a problem you will have to solve for yourselves.

 

[gallantwarrior]

Of course not.
The federal government is responsible for most obesity.

It allows ignorant people to spend "food-stamp" money on damn near anything, and it gives the kids two free meals a day, 180 days a year, with summer feeding programs in many places too.

People who get food assistance should get healthy commodities in bulk, and only be allowed to buy healthy whole foods, and dairy products with the food-stamps.

No more chips, cakes, cookies, ice-cream, sodas, etc.

Yeah, cuz that's the American way.

Maybe you could get a Constitutional amendment, forcing poor people to only eat foods RWs approve of.

The federal govt does not force people to shove sugary, fatty food in their mouth.

Most food stamps recipients are the elderly and children. Food stamp amounts do not allow for the purchase of high quality food. They eat the crap at McDonald's because that's what they can afford.

We are human beings. We should not allow fellow human beings to go hungry or to be forced to eat fat food like the great American diet.

As long as we force people ton live on next to nothing, we will continue to have high rates of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, kidney and liver disease and cancer.

What exactly stops people from receiving food stamps from buying healthy food?

Not always possible. A single mother for example, live in rented rooms or motels, no access to a kitchen, maybe just a microwave. After working at a low paying job, maybe on her feet all day, Pick the kid up at school, stop at McDonalds. Still have to go home, get ready for the next day, help kid with homework, bathe kid. I've seen so much of it. Even myself, sometimes worked two jobs, fast food the only thing I had energy for.

Cop out excuse, no time, no energy...I work three jobs and still make time to prepare meals for myself. I've made that decision precisely because of what I have learned about processed, packaged foods. If nothing else, you make a couple of meals on your day off and freeze portions for later in the week, when time is at a premium.

Somehow, you working three jobs, and still have time to do healthy meals, I wonder. Well when I did two jobs, one full time,one part time, I had the energy for fast food and sleep, period. Were you trying to raise kids by yourself as well, living in places like the single moms do that I used as my example? Maybe rented rooms or even garages, no cooking facilities? McDonalds and cup of soup is usually the meal of the day.

I actually have a regular full-time job, a part-time job as an adjunct professor at the University, and I run my small dairy. Like I mentioned, I make a couple of nourishing meals on my days off and freeze individual portions. My daughter is grown now and has two girls of her own, so I'm not faced with dealing with children currently. When I was raising my daughter, I had one full-time professional job. As far as where you might live, there are always alternatives to no cooking facilities at all. There have been times when all I had to cook meals on was a camp stove.
While I feel compassion for people like the moms you describe, their plights are much the same as many others afflicted in various ways. Like the alcoholic, the drug abuser, people nowadays have ample opportunities provided by government agencies and community organizations to improve their lot in life. But not one of us can make the changes needed for moms like this to get out of their predicament. They need to loose the victim mentality that results in so many waiting for a hand out instead of seizing the hand up, when proffered.

 

[Clementine]

It may have been around forever but not readily available and pushed via marketing like it is now. If you understood marketing you would realize how powerful it is. This is by design and not for your health but to seperate you from your money.

It doesn't work on me and many I know. I guess some just care about their health and aren't easily swayed by fancy commercials.

I don't care how attractive they make junk food look. Anyone with a brain knows that fats and too much sugar aren't good for you. So, now the left is vilifying companies for brainwashing people into eating themselves to an early death. Of course, that will be reason to tax or fine them, and don't forget to increase tax on sugar so those stupid people who were fooled by the big bad companies won't be able to afford their "fix."

Marketing does work on you. You have a device to access the internet which you dont need. You may be more aware of your food choices and the dangers inherent in junk food and therefore developed a habit to counteract the marketing. Food is akin to a drug and a very powerful one at that. Marketing simply drives your choice of food. Its all very strategic from the way every McDonalds looks exactly the same once you walk in the door with the fries to the left all the way to having them strategically placed in the community to draw you in with the big golden arches. People who simply say its not a dual problem are missing it. The companies are simply manipulating your instincts to make a profit. people need to educate themselves in regard to why they do what they do. Once they understand they can then take charge.

I don't have my computer because of marketing. Had one for work before I ever saw a commercial because I used one when no one had them at home. I have one because I want one and it wasn't about anyone talking me into it. We buy things we need and want, but it's not based on some company telling us we should. People make their own decisions. I am sure some people are easily swayed, but you still can't blame companies and claim that they are able to make people do things against their better judgment.

 

[Asclepias]

It may have been around forever but not readily available and pushed via marketing like it is now. If you understood marketing you would realize how powerful it is. This is by design and not for your health but to seperate you from your money.

It doesn't work on me and many I know. I guess some just care about their health and aren't easily swayed by fancy commercials.

I don't care how attractive they make junk food look. Anyone with a brain knows that fats and too much sugar aren't good for you. So, now the left is vilifying companies for brainwashing people into eating themselves to an early death. Of course, that will be reason to tax or fine them, and don't forget to increase tax on sugar so those stupid people who were fooled by the big bad companies won't be able to afford their "fix."

Marketing does work on you. You have a device to access the internet which you dont need. You may be more aware of your food choices and the dangers inherent in junk food and therefore developed a habit to counteract the marketing. Food is akin to a drug and a very powerful one at that. Marketing simply drives your choice of food. Its all very strategic from the way every McDonalds looks exactly the same once you walk in the door with the fries to the left all the way to having them strategically placed in the community to draw you in with the big golden arches. People who simply say its not a dual problem are missing it. The companies are simply manipulating your instincts to make a profit. people need to educate themselves in regard to why they do what they do. Once they understand they can then take charge.

I don't have my computer because of marketing. Had one for work before I ever saw a commercial because I used one when no one had them at home. I have one because I want one and it wasn't about anyone talking me into it. We buy things we need and want, but it's not based on some company telling us we should. People make their own decisions. I am sure some people are easily swayed, but you still can't blame companies and claim that they are able to make people do things against their better judgment.

Why did you want one? Yes it is based on what some company tells you should have. Let me guess. You have a Mac?

I can lay blame at the companies feet as well because I know what they do to create a habit or addition on purpose with their product. Think about the great example of the cigarette companies. They are not the only ones that do this.

 

[Clementine]

Another factor is that children don't play the way we used to. When not doing chores or homework, we were outside, always. We ran, played ball, built forts...lots of physical activity. Nowadays, what do kids do for entertainment? Sit on their asses, messing with electronic gadgets or gawking at the boob-tube. I'd much rather see the schools cut some of their touchy-feely bs classes than phys-ed and recess.

Dodge ball, anyone?

Sounds like you grew up in my neighborhood. I was always outside with friends playing kickball or riding our bikes. We built forts. We also built an igloo one winter and had snowball fights. Watched television on occasion, but mostly Saturday morning cartoons and maybe a show here or there.

It is sad that children these days spend too much time with electronic babysitters and don't get the physical activity that our generation did.

We grew up eating vegetables straight from the garden and meals made from scratch. My mom worked full time and there were 7 of us kids. Somehow, she found time to cook dinner, but we were expected to help with that and doing dishes after. Junk food was a rarity and I am lucky to have had parents who passed on good habits, which I passed on to my children.

We had rules growing up and you just didn't break them or you expected to face consequences. That has changed with many.

 

[Clementine]

Why did you want one? Yes it is based on what some company tells you should have. Let me guess. You have a Mac?

I can lay blame at the companies feet as well because I know what they do to create a habit or addition on purpose with their product. Think about the great example of the cigarette companies. They are not the only ones that do this.

I had decided to own a computer because I liked using one at work. No, I don't own a Mac. When I opted to buy one the first time, truth is I went with the cheapest one. No company ever told me I should have one back then. Plenty of commercials now try to tell me I need this or that. So far, no effect. I was never one to try and keep up with the Jones' like many people. I think that seeing other people with stuff is the biggest reason some people opt to buy new stuff.

I was interested from the start in computers and thought they were awesome. I like technology, though never got into video games. Somehow, the multitude of commercials couldn't convince me that I should buy one. I have had the same vehicle for nearly 20 years. All those commercials for the latest fancy models have not gotten me into a dealer even though I could trade my current vehicle in for a new one. Even friends suggest that it's time for a new one. Sorry, I do what I like.

I use my computer for work to this day. It's a good thing to have and no one twisted my arm. Just like no one has to convince me that I should buy a winter coat, cat food, eggs or toilet paper. Some things you need and you find the best deal. Commercials aren't likely to direct you to the best deal and should be ignored. Doing your own homework is always the way to go.

 

[Asclepias]

Why did you want one? Yes it is based on what some company tells you should have. Let me guess. You have a Mac?

I can lay blame at the companies feet as well because I know what they do to create a habit or addition on purpose with their product. Think about the great example of the cigarette companies. They are not the only ones that do this.

I had decided to own a computer because I liked using one at work. No, I don't own a Mac. When I opted to buy one the first time, truth is I went with the cheapest one. No company ever told me I should have one back then. Plenty of commercials now try to tell me I need this or that. So far, no effect. I was never one to try and keep up with the Jones' like many people. I think that seeing other people with stuff is the biggest reason some people opt to buy new stuff.

I was interested from the start in computers and thought they were awesome. I like technology, though never got into video games. Somehow, the multitude of commercials couldn't convince me that I should buy one. I have had the same vehicle for nearly 20 years. All those commercials for the latest fancy models have not gotten me into a dealer even though I could trade my current vehicle in for a new one. Even friends suggest that it's time for a new one. Sorry, I do what I like.

I use my computer for work to this day. It's a good thing to have and no one twisted my arm. Just like no one has to convince me that I should buy a winter coat, cat food, eggs or toilet paper. Some things you need and you find the best deal. Commercials aren't likely to direct you to the best deal and should be ignored. Doing your own homework is always the way to go.

So if you dont own a Mac then you have been marketed to and fallen for it. Its ok because most of the things we do is guided by marketing. The PC is one of the biggest examples of marketing there is. There are other cheaper and better OS's out there than Windows. Bill Gates just happened to be the one that marketed his stuff better. Your job helped with the marketing by providing you with a PC at work instead of a more efficient system. They didnt have to say a word. They just let you develop the habit of using one instead of another system. The best marketing acts on you at a subconscious level. You dont feel as if someone twisted your arm. They just told you what you wanted to hear and gave you the illusion you made the decision on your own. If you have your own personal tracking device you that you pay for then thats another example of marketing.

Not everyone is totally controlled but you better believe everyone is affected and controlled to some extent by marketing.

 

[Pogo]

Why did you want one? Yes it is based on what some company tells you should have. Let me guess. You have a Mac?

I can lay blame at the companies feet as well because I know what they do to create a habit or addition on purpose with their product. Think about the great example of the cigarette companies. They are not the only ones that do this.

I had decided to own a computer because I liked using one at work. No, I don't own a Mac. When I opted to buy one the first time, truth is I went with the cheapest one. No company ever told me I should have one back then. Plenty of commercials now try to tell me I need this or that. So far, no effect. I was never one to try and keep up with the Jones' like many people. I think that seeing other people with stuff is the biggest reason some people opt to buy new stuff.

I was interested from the start in computers and thought they were awesome. I like technology, though never got into video games. Somehow, the multitude of commercials couldn't convince me that I should buy one. I have had the same vehicle for nearly 20 years. All those commercials for the latest fancy models have not gotten me into a dealer even though I could trade my current vehicle in for a new one. Even friends suggest that it's time for a new one. Sorry, I do what I like.

I use my computer for work to this day. It's a good thing to have and no one twisted my arm. Just like no one has to convince me that I should buy a winter coat, cat food, eggs or toilet paper. Some things you need and you find the best deal. Commercials aren't likely to direct you to the best deal and should be ignored. Doing your own homework is always the way to go.

Beautiful post. I like the way you think.

The purpose of advertising, said a former adman in a book, is to convince you to buy crap you don't need. What you actually do need, you already know. So resisting it with cynicism is essential self-preservation.

 

[Pogo]

It may have been around forever but not readily available and pushed via marketing like it is now. If you understood marketing you would realize how powerful it is. This is by design and not for your health but to seperate you from your money.

It doesn't work on me and many I know. I guess some just care about their health and aren't easily swayed by fancy commercials.

I don't care how attractive they make junk food look. Anyone with a brain knows that fats and too much sugar aren't good for you. So, now the left is vilifying companies for brainwashing people into eating themselves to an early death. Of course, that will be reason to tax or fine them, and don't forget to increase tax on sugar so those stupid people who were fooled by the big bad companies won't be able to afford their "fix."

Marketing does work on you. You have a device to access the internet which you dont need. You may be more aware of your food choices and the dangers inherent in junk food and therefore developed a habit to counteract the marketing. Food is akin to a drug and a very powerful one at that. Marketing simply drives your choice of food. Its all very strategic from the way every McDonalds looks exactly the same once you walk in the door with the fries to the left all the way to having them strategically placed in the community to draw you in with the big golden arches. People who simply say its not a dual problem are missing it. The companies are simply manipulating your instincts to make a profit. people need to educate themselves in regard to why they do what they do. Once they understand they can then take charge.

I don't have my computer because of marketing. Had one for work before I ever saw a commercial because I used one when no one had them at home. I have one because I want one and it wasn't about anyone talking me into it. We buy things we need and want, but it's not based on some company telling us we should. People make their own decisions. I am sure some people are easily swayed, but you still can't blame companies and claim that they are able to make people do things against their better judgment.

Sure you can. It may take two to complete the transaction, but deception is still not a family value.

 

[mdk]

Absolutely not, it isn't far to blame the junk/fast food for people being overweight. Assigning the blame on fast food or junk food companies is silly and takes away personal responsibility from the avid consumer. I know eating loads of terrible food is going make me hefty, if I choose to do so regardless, then I have no one blame but myself. If you want to be thinner then eat better food and exercise. I used to be pretty heavy, over the last 5 years I have lost 125lbs. It wasn't easy and it wasn't always fun but the results were undeniable. Those results became my driving force to maintain my weight loss. I had no one to blame for me being heavy other then myself. Unless you have some medical condition for being heavy then the blame lays entirely with the person and not fast/junk food companies.

 

[Asclepias]

Absolutely not, it isn't far to blame the junk/fast food for people being overweight. Assigning the blame on fast food or junk food companies is silly and takes away personal responsibility from the avid consumer. I know eating loads of terrible food is going make me hefty, if I choose to do so regardless, then I have no one blame but myself. If you want to be thinner then eat better food and exercise. I used to be pretty heavy, over the last 5 years I have lost 125lbs. It wasn't easy and it wasn't always fun but the results were undeniable. Those results became my driving force to maintain my weight loss. I had no one to blame for me being heavy other then myself. Unless you have some medical condition for being heavy then the blame lays entirely with the person and not fast/junk food companies.

Lets look at this from another perspective. What if you were a smoker and found out smoking was bad for your health and decided to quit. You tried as hard as you could but you couldnt seem to shake the habit. Now imagine you find out the cigarette company put addictive ingredients in the cigarette specifically to addict you. Do you see what the end result is?

 

[Clementine]

Why did you want one? Yes it is based on what some company tells you should have. Let me guess. You have a Mac?

I can lay blame at the companies feet as well because I know what they do to create a habit or addition on purpose with their product. Think about the great example of the cigarette companies. They are not the only ones that do this.

I had decided to own a computer because I liked using one at work. No, I don't own a Mac. When I opted to buy one the first time, truth is I went with the cheapest one. No company ever told me I should have one back then. Plenty of commercials now try to tell me I need this or that. So far, no effect. I was never one to try and keep up with the Jones' like many people. I think that seeing other people with stuff is the biggest reason some people opt to buy new stuff.

I was interested from the start in computers and thought they were awesome. I like technology, though never got into video games. Somehow, the multitude of commercials couldn't convince me that I should buy one. I have had the same vehicle for nearly 20 years. All those commercials for the latest fancy models have not gotten me into a dealer even though I could trade my current vehicle in for a new one. Even friends suggest that it's time for a new one. Sorry, I do what I like.

I use my computer for work to this day. It's a good thing to have and no one twisted my arm. Just like no one has to convince me that I should buy a winter coat, cat food, eggs or toilet paper. Some things you need and you find the best deal. Commercials aren't likely to direct you to the best deal and should be ignored. Doing your own homework is always the way to go.

So if you dont own a Mac then you have been marketed to and fallen for it. Its ok because most of the things we do is guided by marketing. The PC is one of the biggest examples of marketing there is. There are other cheaper and better OS's out there than Windows. Bill Gates just happened to be the one that marketed his stuff better. Your job helped with the marketing by providing you with a PC at work instead of a more efficient system. They didnt have to say a word. They just let you develop the habit of using one instead of another system. The best marketing acts on you at a subconscious level. You dont feel as if someone twisted your arm. They just told you what you wanted to hear and gave you the illusion you made the decision on your own. If you have your own personal tracking device you that you pay for then thats another example of marketing.

Not everyone is totally controlled but you better believe everyone is affected and controlled to some extent by marketing.

The PC I bought is totally different than the one at work. Knock it off with the stuff about everyone being tricked by companies. We make decisions on what we want to buy. Period. I chose my own computer the same way I choose what to eat. I do things in my own best interest. With computers, I tend to get the best deals since they all become obsolete eventually. I don't see them as long term purchases. Might get a Mac if I can afford it, just don't know for sure yet.

I feel you are attempting to push the notion that we are all controlled by big companies and are helpless to fight against them. It's bull. People don't have to eat unhealthy foods. They choose to do so against their own best interests.

Marketing is good as far as letting people know what is out there. It certainly isn't a crime, but I don't buy that people are doing things against their will. Maybe it's easy to trick some people, but they are letting themselves be taken advantage of in most cases. Obamacare did big time marketing both before and after it was passed, didn't it? And those ads contained a great many lies. I guess that is the best example of people being fooled by ads. I sure hope they learn their lesson.

Meanwhile, it is a concern that some on the left are trying to use media to convince people that they have no control over their lives and they must rely on government to fix them. No personal responsibility, no blaming yourselves, just bad companies conning people into eating poorly and getting fat. Only government can possibly fix this.

 

[Asclepias]

Why did you want one? Yes it is based on what some company tells you should have. Let me guess. You have a Mac?

I can lay blame at the companies feet as well because I know what they do to create a habit or addition on purpose with their product. Think about the great example of the cigarette companies. They are not the only ones that do this.

I had decided to own a computer because I liked using one at work. No, I don't own a Mac. When I opted to buy one the first time, truth is I went with the cheapest one. No company ever told me I should have one back then. Plenty of commercials now try to tell me I need this or that. So far, no effect. I was never one to try and keep up with the Jones' like many people. I think that seeing other people with stuff is the biggest reason some people opt to buy new stuff.

I was interested from the start in computers and thought they were awesome. I like technology, though never got into video games. Somehow, the multitude of commercials couldn't convince me that I should buy one. I have had the same vehicle for nearly 20 years. All those commercials for the latest fancy models have not gotten me into a dealer even though I could trade my current vehicle in for a new one. Even friends suggest that it's time for a new one. Sorry, I do what I like.

I use my computer for work to this day. It's a good thing to have and no one twisted my arm. Just like no one has to convince me that I should buy a winter coat, cat food, eggs or toilet paper. Some things you need and you find the best deal. Commercials aren't likely to direct you to the best deal and should be ignored. Doing your own homework is always the way to go.

So if you dont own a Mac then you have been marketed to and fallen for it. Its ok because most of the things we do is guided by marketing. The PC is one of the biggest examples of marketing there is. There are other cheaper and better OS's out there than Windows. Bill Gates just happened to be the one that marketed his stuff better. Your job helped with the marketing by providing you with a PC at work instead of a more efficient system. They didnt have to say a word. They just let you develop the habit of using one instead of another system. The best marketing acts on you at a subconscious level. You dont feel as if someone twisted your arm. They just told you what you wanted to hear and gave you the illusion you made the decision on your own. If you have your own personal tracking device you that you pay for then thats another example of marketing.

Not everyone is totally controlled but you better believe everyone is affected and controlled to some extent by marketing.

The PC I bought is totally different than the one at work. Knock it off with the stuff about everyone being tricked by companies. We make decisions on what we want to buy. Period. I chose my own computer the same way I choose what to eat. I do things in my own best interest.

I feel you are attempting to push the notion that we are all controlled by big companies and are helpless to fight against them. It's bull. People don't have to eat unhealthy foods. They choose to do so against their own best interests.

Marketing is good as far as letting people know what is out there. It certainly isn't a crime, but I don't buy that people are doing things against their will. Maybe it's easy to trick some people, but they are letting themselves be taken advantage of in most cases. Obamacare did big time marketing both before and after it was passed, didn't it? And those ads contained a great many lies. I guess that is the best example of people being fooled by ads. I sure hope they learn their lesson.

Meanwhile, it is a concern that some on the left are trying to use media to convince people that they have no control over their lives and they must rely on government to fix them. No personal responsibility, no blaming yourselves, just bad companies conning people into eating poorly and getting fat. Only government can possibly fix this.

In what way was your PC different from the one you had at work? They both ran the Windows OS which is pretty much the standard now and definitely was at the advent of the personal computer. The fact you didnt seem to be aware of that is exactly what I am talking about. We do make decisions on what we want to buy but those wants are influenced by marketing. It doesnt make you stupid it just is what it is. Being aware of that helps you make better decisions. The vast majority of people dont do that in life nor in the choice of their foods.