Weight in America Research Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Weight in America Research Paper - Essay Example healthy individual, regardless of whether it is a man, woman or child and even regardless of age, is on the rise ("Americans Slightly Taller, Much Heavier Than Four Decades Ago"). Body Mass Index, which is a ratio of weight versus height, has alarmingly increased as well. Adults, on average, were found heavier by 25 pounds in the year 2002 compared to averages in 1960. In contrast, the average height had only increased by one inch. Alarmingly, the ratio is higher among younger women and children giving a scary view to the future. It has been established by the medical and research community that obesity is a precursor of many diseases. Hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, bone related issues can all be traced back to being over-weight which is now clearly considered a major risk. It is important to examine at this point the factors which have led to this situation. There are several dynamics at play including market economics, social behavior and biological reasons that contribute to widespread obesity. Prosperity has brought with it the conveniences of life that promote a sedentary lifestyle. Television, computers, in house computer games, easy means of transport and other such conveniences have drastically reduced the activity that the previous generations were used to (Nestle 781). More calories consumed than needed for physical activity result in weight gain. Physical exercise has become a separately defined entity that has to be forcibly included in one’s schedule in order to stay fit rather than a part of everyday lifestyle. Socially speaking, a faster moving life and a competitive environment in an increasingly capitalist world has, by default, forced people to shift their focus work harder at improving one’s financial well being rather than physical well being. Larger portions of food have also contributed to this situation. It is argued by some that eating less is an option. It is indeed an option; however it has also been proven by studies that

Analytical Argument Ford Mustang Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Analytical Argument Ford Mustang - Assignment Example The bold and loud design was an acknowledgment of the rebel hippy culture that was in vogue(Kleihauer). The colors of the cars are to this day a reflection of the strong American pop culture. The automakers found a creative way to incorporate the youthful 60’s counterculture into the rumbling machismo of the Mustang. These underlying currents are vividly visible in the verbal and visual texts regarding Ford Mustang over the years. There haven’t been many drastic changes in the car's design, accept a few, over the past 48 years reflecting a consistency of belief of the American culture in qualities such as Strength and Speed. The Ford Mustang came out amongst a publicity blitz with the print and the TV media ablaze with its advertisements. On Memorial Day, in the same year, a white Mustang with blue dorsal racing stripes leads the field(Mustang). It was a strong visual text for the millions of people who saw the picture of the muscle car painted out in national colors which reflected the fascination of the Americans with strength. In the first verbal example, the Mustang is referred to as the stuff dreams are made of. This was the first official commercial of the car, but the point to ponder here is how this verbal text molds the mind of an average man into believing that a sports car is what defines his dreams. The American perception of luxury was defined by the unprecedented success of the Mustang in its initial years. It did not hold any economic significance as it was not fuel consumption friendly nor of much domestic use. But marketers carefully targeted the youth through their verbal text b propagating the idea of independence to live the dream life of adventure and freedom. Â