Sitting outside enjoying breakfast in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Port Elizabeth in South Africa, Adriaan and I began a discussion about obesity, particularly in the United States compared to South Africa. Adriaan, of course, a citizen of South Africa and I am an American citizen. It was an interesting discussion that challenged my thoughts on this growing global problem.
Recent studies rank South Africa among the top 5 nations of the world battling the bulge . Even so, Adriaan struggle with the facts presented a problem. It is undeniable that obesity has become a concern in this new democracy. But less obvious causes that create the effect. For one, this people, as well as in the past few years have been dramatically influenced by the state. Unfortunately, their bad habits have become of this nation. Quickly refined and processed foods quickly replace the traditional, cultural opportunities. Expanding waistlines and buttocks are the obvious result.
Another factor in these statistics is cultural. It is a simple truth that many men place high value on large better and relatively new introduction of the West food supplies are only those people in fulfilling their quest. It is very common for women with large buttocks, abdomen and chest, and it is easy to observe people as they walk drooling. Sounds strange, I know, Americans who follow the exact opposite.
A common thread between the two peoples and to the rising epidemic of obesity is poverty. Although poverty in countries of concern, and although it does not deter those resources to obtain quality food, the problem is far greater in South Africa. There are a large group of people who live in degrees of poverty almost unknown to the poorest of American citizens. These people live in villages, expansive shacks of scrap metal and any other debris can be found. Their children were seen digging in garbage cans outside the KFC and chewing on the discarded bones. Poverty is very real and a presence that can not be ignored. I am in no way reduces the state of America's poor. I said that the two are not comparable, although both are facing similar food and depravity of its results.
Obesity in the U.S. and seen from my point of view is quite different. Yes, as I stated, poverty does not determine this issue greatly. Unfortunately, cheap food is still junk food. white bread, white rice, white sugar and potatoes make up the diet of most poor consumers. These foods help raise the issue of obesity. However, there are more resources in the states and the powers that be and have been designed and appointed to assist the poor of resources to change this reality, without feeling the impacts on their and other services should and could easily be financed for better food choices. I for one, refused to give processed foods as alms to the poor. When I participated in food drives, I always got the Whole Foods bags full of quality were always surprised. They should not be as it should be a normal response to the need, except for one key ingredient. Greed.
Now live in a 3 Rd countries, I am much easier to see the American cultural demand for more. expected more, crave more, spend more, meals included. Let's face it, America is the king of Super Size Me, not only in fast food lines, but in their way of life. Since arriving in South Africa, I have learned to live with and they want far less than ever before in my life and I'm happier than ever.
The sad reality of American obesity is the greed that drives the system. quickly and cost required by a busy, stressed, quickly moving people who have to keep up with and achieve the American dream. They want more for less and they want just want to offer flood the market with high value and low quality. They make more profit margins in this way. In the end, no one goes hungry, but many were hungry from malnutrition, even when he was captured in super-sized body.
Our general conclusion was simple. South Africa is faced with States is facing the same crisis. Obesity. However, the two are driven by different engines. South Africa is far away, though not exclusively, run as needed. Rural population in particular face great depravity. A number of citizens face poverty levels that exceed the poorest American citizens. The resources are simply limited. On the other hand, Americans have the means to better, however, is built more for the financial benefit wants more for their money, and lost sight of nutritional value. Manufacturers want to offer more, but that the reduction, if not dropping food are the same; however, are not the same.
Challenge that we offer in this post is as simple as our conclusion this morning. Status and review. We all need to think about our choices. not only how they affect us as consumers, but how they affect the person or per room unseen face abroad. Are our decisions to empower our lives? Are they empowering the lives of others? Did you drive in any way for personal gain or are driven by need? Elections have to be wise. Lives are at stake. They hang in a precarious balance between the need and greed. Will our choice to strengthen the resolve of greed or need?
