Disney has created such a strong brand image by reaching out to kids through the use of cartoons, movies, parks, rides, playing dress up...ect. By growing up to this life style of wanting to go to the next Disney movie or Disney World, we are blinded by what some critics are projecting that there is racism and sexism flowing through out the story line of the films. I am pro Disney because back in the day (1950's)- we as a society thought about things in a different way and it was of "the times" to express these issues in a subtle way because we could. Racism was wide spread and woman where staying home and raising a family. My point it is, is that those things were going on at that time and Disney followed (in a subtle way) those story lines because they were real!
Also, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. And if they can find something to criticize they can do it, and will find a way.
As a consumer of Disney products, it is natural for me to expect that Disney would reflect our today's society- I believe that Disney knows that they have these critics and are realizing that they could be ruining their reputation. But in all reality...it is Disney and Disney will stay strong by coming out with the latest movie,new ride, doll, costumes...ect. Every girl wants to be a fairy-tale princess.
Showing posts with label scr. Show all posts
Showing posts with label scr. Show all posts
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Disney Discussion
1) How, in your opinion, has Disney created such a strong brand image that we are having hard time associating negative intentions with the company's brand?
2) Do you as a consumer of Disney products expect from the Disney corporation to better reflect today's society and to be socially responsible. Why or why not?
In class we watched a documentary about the stereotypes Disney portrays in its movies and the potential negative influence it could possibly have on children growing up. This is something that isn't new to me because of my previous studies of the book "Fast Food Nation" and how large corporations like McDonald have a specific niche to target children to create lifetime customers. If you tell someone that something is good, and that's the way it's suppose to be done, and repeat it hundreds of times over years, then someone would believe what ever you said and hold it to be true because you've managed to established it over and over again.
The same is true for Disney. If Disney decides to keep reestablishing the same character archetypes in their films time and time again, children expose to this material would tend to behavior in the same manner. Disney has a distinctive charm that the film talks about that creates life time consumers who are willing to turn a blind eye over because they believe whole heatedly that Disney is good and that's it.
Human beings learn through imitation, and children even more so soak up everything around them in order to elevate right from wrong and how to live their life. Disney films are not produced for for kids, by kids. These people who create these films are grown adults who understand the world and try to make their films as universal as possible, whether or not they want to incorporate sexual or racial themes to lure in a universal audience that not specific to children anymore because life time customers do inevitably grow up.
2) Do you as a consumer of Disney products expect from the Disney corporation to better reflect today's society and to be socially responsible. Why or why not?
In class we watched a documentary about the stereotypes Disney portrays in its movies and the potential negative influence it could possibly have on children growing up. This is something that isn't new to me because of my previous studies of the book "Fast Food Nation" and how large corporations like McDonald have a specific niche to target children to create lifetime customers. If you tell someone that something is good, and that's the way it's suppose to be done, and repeat it hundreds of times over years, then someone would believe what ever you said and hold it to be true because you've managed to established it over and over again.
The same is true for Disney. If Disney decides to keep reestablishing the same character archetypes in their films time and time again, children expose to this material would tend to behavior in the same manner. Disney has a distinctive charm that the film talks about that creates life time consumers who are willing to turn a blind eye over because they believe whole heatedly that Disney is good and that's it.
Human beings learn through imitation, and children even more so soak up everything around them in order to elevate right from wrong and how to live their life. Disney films are not produced for for kids, by kids. These people who create these films are grown adults who understand the world and try to make their films as universal as possible, whether or not they want to incorporate sexual or racial themes to lure in a universal audience that not specific to children anymore because life time customers do inevitably grow up.
The Disney Documentary
I agree with the statement that everything you have ever seen in a Disney movie is completely intentionally put there. So when Jasmine uses her body to distract Javar and gets what she wants, Disney is intentionally putting that in kids faces for a reason. I believe that through their movies and with their more exploiting scenes, Disney is trying to reflect a certain reality. There are women out there that use their bodies to get what they want, but there are also many women who know where the line is. This is why I say Disney is somewhat reflecting reality, but in very exaggerated and generalized way. I think that cartoons to most people are suppose to reflect on some kind of reality, like a boy learning a lesson or the good guy winning. But I think we can also agree that because essentially Disney is producing entertainment, these cartoons and stories are exaggerated for our joy in watching them! If Disney wholly reflected reality in there movies they wouldn't be so successfully known for their innovative and magical, unrealistic ways.
disney
the movie was interesting, but i personally think that man was just looking for attention. No one is about to mess with my childhood. Disney may be some corporation whore, but at some point, they aren't everything that those people claimed it to be. Sure, every corporation out there has something to hide, but there is a time where you exaggerate a little. First of all, who putting a race on an animal is absolutely ridiculous. Animals don't have a race, its a freaking' animal! It is what it is. And sure I understand how a Mexican would get mad for them portraying a chihuahua like that, but its not like they were wrong. Besides, a child doesn't know that. All they see is a dog that has a funny accent or whatever. Kids at that particular age, probably don't even know what really is going on. I know my nieces and nephews, when they watch Disney movies, they don't even know the storyline. They just love the talking animals. But they can differentiate reality with fantasy. ... i had a lot more to say. But I'd get to the point where i would insult that poor, sorry man.
Disney
The movie was quite insightful when you stop and think about it. I mean at times they went overboard but a lot of it did make scenes. And when you really stop and think about it those sort things are out there and you can't just ignore them. Parents need to step up and let kids know the difference right and wrong, good or bad. . . . . but also not deprive them of their childhood. Let them be kids Its not just disney though tons of companies are doing this. But also the same can go with over analyzing them as well. I think the class was defending not just defending Disney, but most of all our childhoods. . . . its what we grew up knowing and people do not like change.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Disney
When we were watching the Disney video I was shocked that they were even attacking them like that because I had always imagined them as wholesome and well put together. I mean when I was younger I did hear rumors that they were sending out subliminal messages of sex or of racial comments. But, I never knew that they were making a huge deal. I never knew that they had made movies, or books or even had people talking about it as much as they did. All in all even if they are corrupt I still love disney for becoming what they are and how they have gotten there. I feel that they are a good example of a great business strategy.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Influences of Media
When we were watching the documentary, i was a little offensive about the whole Disney manipulating or having bad influences to the children. It is because i have been grown up with Disney animation like everyone else. And all the animation and characters are dreams land to me. It is a place where i can escape the reality and believe on happy endings. When the people in the documentary tearing apart each characters, especially Beauty and the Beast, and Mulan, I was a little angry and upset.
However, after i sit down and start thinking about it. Maybe it is true that Disney is not putting too much concern on the social messages that they created either intentionally or unintentionally to the children. Disney animators and designers need to think about their responsibilities before creating their pieces. Though, they might be sending the wrong messengers or being little racist on some of the animations; not all of the points made by the people in the documentary make sense. It is also has to due with how diversity and culture influences to each country. We all can't really know each different culture or country tradition or practice unless we live there long enough. Our resources to this kind of information is limited. The stereotype for each country and culture will be there no matter what. We sometimes have to accept that there are too much to cover.
Besides Disney to blame on, our media in general has played a huge role. Music, TV, Magazine, social Media and many other media that children today surrounded with. Many kids are all about following what's the hippest or updated styles and might not even know what they are actually mean. It is the parents job to educate and guide the children on what they seen and hear. Letting them know the reality and not spoil them by accepting what media is do to us.
As a designer, i do feel that i am part of the responsibility to change the problem we have with media. We have to know what we are creating and publishing and do it with morals and values. We should also bring more awareness to the people that media can be manipulating but it is about how much the kids and the parents willing to take action to break away from the controls.
Most of us grew up with Disney and we all still turn up fine. I believe at some point of life, we will learn that what media provides us might not be 100% real. It is about not being ignorance but open-minded to accept every culture and be wise.
However, after i sit down and start thinking about it. Maybe it is true that Disney is not putting too much concern on the social messages that they created either intentionally or unintentionally to the children. Disney animators and designers need to think about their responsibilities before creating their pieces. Though, they might be sending the wrong messengers or being little racist on some of the animations; not all of the points made by the people in the documentary make sense. It is also has to due with how diversity and culture influences to each country. We all can't really know each different culture or country tradition or practice unless we live there long enough. Our resources to this kind of information is limited. The stereotype for each country and culture will be there no matter what. We sometimes have to accept that there are too much to cover.
Besides Disney to blame on, our media in general has played a huge role. Music, TV, Magazine, social Media and many other media that children today surrounded with. Many kids are all about following what's the hippest or updated styles and might not even know what they are actually mean. It is the parents job to educate and guide the children on what they seen and hear. Letting them know the reality and not spoil them by accepting what media is do to us.
As a designer, i do feel that i am part of the responsibility to change the problem we have with media. We have to know what we are creating and publishing and do it with morals and values. We should also bring more awareness to the people that media can be manipulating but it is about how much the kids and the parents willing to take action to break away from the controls.
Most of us grew up with Disney and we all still turn up fine. I believe at some point of life, we will learn that what media provides us might not be 100% real. It is about not being ignorance but open-minded to accept every culture and be wise.
Mickey Mouse Monopoly
This movie really left me thinking... how important and influential a company can be, not only on peoples childhood for on the culture of the country.
i remember Wanda Chavez told us about an article she read that said that Disney world had become the Mecca of America, a place to which every family wants to take their kids at least once. I thought this was interesting, I HAVE NEVER BEEN THERE, but i have heard of it my entire life. However in Uruguay ( all the way to the south of the south american continent) Disney is not so present in our daily life. We do get the movies and they are indeed classics, i bet 90% of the population has seen the lion king, but i don't think anyone knows the songs to it for example.
One of the things that surprised me the most wen i came to the USA was to see how submerged everyone was under the world of entertainment and it did not take long till I realize who was the most important; specially here where many people have grown up in Disney.
It was while we were having the class discussion when i notices how most of the people felt part of their movies, how everyone defended their concept and did not even want to consider the idea that maybe their productions where not so innocent and magic like they seem.
This makes me think of the power they have and how not only they might have shape the culture of its country but by showing other cultures in their movie, they create an image for them.
It is hard to get people to get interested in other countries issues and cultures. i honestly think that if you show a movie set in Africa ( a huge continent) in which everything looks yellow and there are many wild animals running around, that will be the image the audience will have of africa, which is not necessarily true. I understand that most of the movies are not based on the present 2010, but do we really think of that when we watch them? do 8 year old kids think about that? How many times do we back up our toughs and opinions based on movies?, how many people became vegetarian after watching Food inc.
In any case i think it is up to the parents to decide what to expose their kids to. But they also need to be aware of the power of this media.
I think a great example of this "power" was when we watched the vide, a documentary that made us all think and want to say something about it. Some people did not even want to watch it anymore, some were mad at it, some might have agreed etc. Some think that TVs are not harmful at all others think it is a good education source ...
I do like their movies, i think they have a very talented creative group of people that are passionate and work hard on the movies. I think that they just need to be seen as art and entertainment being open minded enough to know that is nothing but a fictitious story been able to pass that thought to our kids.
Mickey Mouse Monopoly
It is not letting me post this as a comment, so here you go:
1.)
Disney has created a strong brand image by listening to their consumers with each movie, toy, or theme park that they produce. They have molded their products around a stereotype of American culture, shifted slightly by feedback - and the nature of needing 'new' material, which might very well be the same story made fresh with different characters, settings, etc. In most cases, they are simply pulling from classic folktales adjusted for modern society. We are clearly attached to strong female lead characters who exemplify Barry P. Powel's description of the Foltake in his book "Classical Myth"
"Often the main characters in folktale have low social status, at least in the beginning of the story, and are persecuted or victimized in some way by other characters. The folktale hero may be an outcast whose intelligence and virtue are not recognized by those in power. The hero is often the youngest child, the third of three brothers and sisters, abused by siblings or by a wicked stepmother. Very often, the end of the story brings a reversal of fortunes, the "happy ending" for which folktales are well-known. Initially taken to be stupid and ineffectual, the folktale hero triumphs over all obstacles and receives an appropriate reward." (p9-10)
We grew up with these stories and had parents smart enough to pull us away from the television long enough to grow up with an understanding of reality and the true hardships we would face as we got older. The perception of negative intentions on Disney's part grows out of a parents lack of proper guidance of their children. They are handing their children over to Disney, putting them in front of the TV for hours and thus feeding the company's ability to grow and produce more and more each year. Parents are the ones purchasing the Snow White sheet-sets, the 101 Dalmatian wallpaper, the 7 dwarfs stuffed toys, the Lion King play sets, etc. They are funding Disney's development and then blaming them for growing as a company.
2.)
A point that I touched on previously states that we, as consumers, are the ones putting money into Disney's pockets. I think that there are countless consumers who have spoken out against Disney, asking for them to change their ways toward a more socially-responsible company. We can "expect" them to be more socially responsible, but if they do not change their ways, it is most certainly up to us as consumers to purchase from other companies that we might trust and believe in.
For example: If Publix produces a pasta product which is not organic, they might provide us with an organic option (or we might purchase from a different organic food store), but that original product will remain on the shelves just as it is. People are willing to forgo their option to purchase organic products in favor of cheaper and, in their opinion, tastier pasta.
Although Disney is not dividing their company into socially-responsible and consciously reformed divisions, the "organic option" in this case is to watch movies, purchase toys, and go to theme parks that are produced by a company that IS more socially responsible in the first place.
***
I love Disney and I find this conversation (and the movie) hard to swallow because I grew up watching their movies and collecting their toys - and I turned to be a strong, successful woman. One who clearly doesn't think every woman should have a four-inch waistline or give in to abusive men (and yet I watched Beauty and the Beast 1,000 times. Curious). It's difficult to deal with people who have had personal and positive experiences with Disney and ask them to look back on their own childhood and agree to arguments stating that the company they trusted is evil and out to take over the world with their demon ways.
1.)
Disney has created a strong brand image by listening to their consumers with each movie, toy, or theme park that they produce. They have molded their products around a stereotype of American culture, shifted slightly by feedback - and the nature of needing 'new' material, which might very well be the same story made fresh with different characters, settings, etc. In most cases, they are simply pulling from classic folktales adjusted for modern society. We are clearly attached to strong female lead characters who exemplify Barry P. Powel's description of the Foltake in his book "Classical Myth"
"Often the main characters in folktale have low social status, at least in the beginning of the story, and are persecuted or victimized in some way by other characters. The folktale hero may be an outcast whose intelligence and virtue are not recognized by those in power. The hero is often the youngest child, the third of three brothers and sisters, abused by siblings or by a wicked stepmother. Very often, the end of the story brings a reversal of fortunes, the "happy ending" for which folktales are well-known. Initially taken to be stupid and ineffectual, the folktale hero triumphs over all obstacles and receives an appropriate reward." (p9-10)
We grew up with these stories and had parents smart enough to pull us away from the television long enough to grow up with an understanding of reality and the true hardships we would face as we got older. The perception of negative intentions on Disney's part grows out of a parents lack of proper guidance of their children. They are handing their children over to Disney, putting them in front of the TV for hours and thus feeding the company's ability to grow and produce more and more each year. Parents are the ones purchasing the Snow White sheet-sets, the 101 Dalmatian wallpaper, the 7 dwarfs stuffed toys, the Lion King play sets, etc. They are funding Disney's development and then blaming them for growing as a company.
2.)
A point that I touched on previously states that we, as consumers, are the ones putting money into Disney's pockets. I think that there are countless consumers who have spoken out against Disney, asking for them to change their ways toward a more socially-responsible company. We can "expect" them to be more socially responsible, but if they do not change their ways, it is most certainly up to us as consumers to purchase from other companies that we might trust and believe in.
For example: If Publix produces a pasta product which is not organic, they might provide us with an organic option (or we might purchase from a different organic food store), but that original product will remain on the shelves just as it is. People are willing to forgo their option to purchase organic products in favor of cheaper and, in their opinion, tastier pasta.
Although Disney is not dividing their company into socially-responsible and consciously reformed divisions, the "organic option" in this case is to watch movies, purchase toys, and go to theme parks that are produced by a company that IS more socially responsible in the first place.
***
I love Disney and I find this conversation (and the movie) hard to swallow because I grew up watching their movies and collecting their toys - and I turned to be a strong, successful woman. One who clearly doesn't think every woman should have a four-inch waistline or give in to abusive men (and yet I watched Beauty and the Beast 1,000 times. Curious). It's difficult to deal with people who have had personal and positive experiences with Disney and ask them to look back on their own childhood and agree to arguments stating that the company they trusted is evil and out to take over the world with their demon ways.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
"Mickey Mouse Monopoly" - discussion
We are continuing the class discussion on the documentary Mickey Mouse Monopoly online.
While some of you were able to relate to the ideas expressed in the film, most of you felt very uncomfortable with the suggestion that the Disney conglomerat has a role in shaping kids perceptions of gender and race.
While some of you were able to relate to the ideas expressed in the film, most of you felt very uncomfortable with the suggestion that the Disney conglomerat has a role in shaping kids perceptions of gender and race.
To focus our discussion on marketing and social responsibility, please answer the following Qs:
1) How, in your opinion, has Disney created such a strong brand image that we are having hard time associating negative intentions with the company's brand?
2) Do you as a consumer of Disney products expect from the Disney corporation to better reflect today's society and to be socially responsible. Why or why not?
1) How, in your opinion, has Disney created such a strong brand image that we are having hard time associating negative intentions with the company's brand?
2) Do you as a consumer of Disney products expect from the Disney corporation to better reflect today's society and to be socially responsible. Why or why not?
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Food Inc. - Sarita
The movie we were watching in class turned my stomach. It is hard to know the truth. Once you do know the truth, you are then accountable for your actions. The world is corrupt and businesses out there are just riding on the same trend. It is hard for me to comprehend the vicious cycle of money and the nasty effects that it has to the human race. I was raise eating meat, but the cruelty behind the consumption of the product makes the whole thing seem dead ass wrong! Why are we in a rush to the future?? It looks like we are better off staying behind in times than advancing to the money-hungry greedy destination we are heading to. I do think that animals can supply food for us to eat, but damn! It makes you rethink your morals and even the grocery shopping you do. I went home that night and didn't stop anywhere to eat with fear that I would be eating some poor, abused, mistreated, cloned, weak, animal. It would be like eating sorrow or digesting misfortune. Let me stop before I continue with the overflowing thoughts of how wrong the whole system really is. I could snap and really go off, but I think we all know the lack of ethical practice that is going on in the world, not just in the meat industry and for that I rest my case. Keep your eyes open and your stomach strong! Don't forget to pray for the food you consume.
Food Inc- Sadie
(relocating my comment)
I have been partially vegetarian for most of my life. I lived in England in the middle of the Mad Cow disease (Bovine spongiform encephalopathy) outbreak. As a result, we ate very little beef. Shortly after returning to the USA, I ate less and less beef, as well as pork, until I stopped completely. At first it was because I didn't like the taste of beef, but as I grew up, it became an issue of health. I started understanding the affects food can have on your body, especially meat, due to it's origins. Now that I'm older, I have looked at many research stories and documentaries focusing on the unsanitary living conditions cattle, poultry, and other animals are raised in. Some people might argue that it doesn't matter how the animals live, it doesn't affect the food made out of them. I disagree. Chemicals get absorbed, especially when they are being fed their own excrement and ground up dead animals, a recipe for massive bacteria. People wonder how something like BSE can occur, but I think it's quite obvious. If you raise your food in filth, it will become filthy. Couple this with our hypersanitary loe for anti-bacterial products, and you've eliminated immune systems defenses and sicced lethal bacteria on our weakened immune systems. The part in Food Inc. where the poultry farmer is picking up dead chickens really shocked me. In contrast to the farmer who prided himself on a small operation where the animals eat what they would naturally and are killed on a much smaller scale, it really seems like an obvious choice as to which one I would buy when I was eating meat. I hope benevolent farming practices become more popular, and that the existing ones hold their ground (like Stoneyfield Organics). As long as they continue to value impact over income, maybe the food industry can change.
I have been partially vegetarian for most of my life. I lived in England in the middle of the Mad Cow disease (Bovine spongiform encephalopathy) outbreak. As a result, we ate very little beef. Shortly after returning to the USA, I ate less and less beef, as well as pork, until I stopped completely. At first it was because I didn't like the taste of beef, but as I grew up, it became an issue of health. I started understanding the affects food can have on your body, especially meat, due to it's origins. Now that I'm older, I have looked at many research stories and documentaries focusing on the unsanitary living conditions cattle, poultry, and other animals are raised in. Some people might argue that it doesn't matter how the animals live, it doesn't affect the food made out of them. I disagree. Chemicals get absorbed, especially when they are being fed their own excrement and ground up dead animals, a recipe for massive bacteria. People wonder how something like BSE can occur, but I think it's quite obvious. If you raise your food in filth, it will become filthy. Couple this with our hypersanitary loe for anti-bacterial products, and you've eliminated immune systems defenses and sicced lethal bacteria on our weakened immune systems. The part in Food Inc. where the poultry farmer is picking up dead chickens really shocked me. In contrast to the farmer who prided himself on a small operation where the animals eat what they would naturally and are killed on a much smaller scale, it really seems like an obvious choice as to which one I would buy when I was eating meat. I hope benevolent farming practices become more popular, and that the existing ones hold their ground (like Stoneyfield Organics). As long as they continue to value impact over income, maybe the food industry can change.
food inc ellen
I really can't say my opinions of the food industry have changed since viewing food inc. I've always been aware of the food industry and have tried to be especially careful when selecting where to buy my meat. I even turned to veganism for a number of years when I was younger, but I began to feel that it was not a healthy option. Ultimately, I think you need to be extremely well informed as a consumer. I grew up in a place with many, many farms and have on many occasions, met my dinner. I can't say that it's a good experience but i do think that it's important to make people aware of that at a younger age. As far as humane treatment of animals meant for human consumption goes, I think the best thing you can do for yourself and your food is to raise it. I understand alot of people are uncomfortable with this, but if you can separate yourself from the pre-packaged meat you buy in the store, knowing that it comes from an animal that suffered great trauma then you should be able to switch gears and raise it healthy, ending its life quickly and humanely.
Food Inc - Rakefet's thoughts and proposed solutions
I am so happy we watched Food Inc. together. As disturbing as the movie is, it gives me great satisfaction to watch it again with people who haven't seen it before and watch their eyes open. Awareness is key! It is our responsibility as consumers to educate ourselves and protect our interests. Know what you are buying, read the small type on the labels, keep current with research studies and then make your choices. If you want to eat healthier, you have options: buy from local farmers, go to farmers markets, buy fruit and vegetable that are in season, grow your own food, cook, eat at organic cafes/restaurants, eat in moderation, drink tap filtered water. You can make a difference!
Below are some links to local resources:
Monday, February 22, 2010
Food Inc.
I have always known that the big food companies did not produce our food the all natural healthy way, but I preferred not know where my food came from so I wouldn't always be paranoid every time I ate something.
I feel sorry for all the family farms that are getting put out of business because of the big corporations. I was completely shocked to find out about all of those people in office that stand right behind these huge companies and let things fly under the radar.
Just a few weeks ago one of my older friends where talking about getting a chicken coop. I didn't think it was a good idea because it could start stinking up the neighborhood and I didn't want to know the chicken before I ate it. Although after watching Food Inc. I'm thinking having a place where I know that the chicken lived a good life and didn't just live in a cage isn't such a bad idea. I am still able to eat products from the grocery store, but I try to get organic as much as possible.
Food Inc.
After watching food Inc. i feel the same way about the industry that i have always viewed it before. They tried to show that the other farmers treat their animals in such a humane way, but in the end they all get killed. As to some of the hormones used, that could be changed. Also the large scaled production happened for a reason to meet the constant demand of food, which is why the store are never out of food. All in all i felt more sympathy for the farmers getting abused than anything having to do with the animals, and believe there are more important issues than this. People are not dying at large rates from this, and our health is getting better as is the life expectancy rate, so obviously something is being done right.
Food Inc.
Watching Food Inc. really opened my eyes to the many factors that effect our economy from food production. I was prepared for the killing of animals because living in Texas near a packing plant I have heard and witnessed the mass killings myself. What really surprised me was the way the companies, that need the large quantities of product, bury the farmers in debt. They pay the farmers barely enough to be considered above the poverty line and put them in a debt that basically enslaves them for life. Not only does this destroy our farming community and leave them with little or no say, it kills our banking system. Imagining the massive amounts of farmers required to support our food intake in America, this problem has to be a major contributor to the downfall of our banking system. Allowing huge corporations like Walmart to basically use our federal government and horrible national debt to fuel their small buisiness killing machine really makes me mad.
We are what we eat...
In response to watching the documentary "Food Inc." I am now fully aware of the potential hazards of being lured into purchases just because of convenience.
Prior to watching the film, I was well aware of large scale food production and the risks it involves. Investigative journalist Eric Schlosser narrates the film and the first moment I saw him I knew what we were in for. He's the author of "Fast Food Nation" a book that examines the local and global influence of the United States fast food industry. It was a required reading for my liberal arts classes from two summers ago. The premise of the book was to outline the history of fast food restaurants and its big impact on the way we look at food in America. In retrospective, us artists were to make sure we we're aware of the social responsibility that burdens us when Eric brings up the topic of companys like McDonalds deliberately targeting children in their marketing campaigns.
In addition to reading the book, I also rented the movie of the same name which is about a Don Anderson, the Marketing Director of a a hamburger chain called Mickey's, learns that there is considerable presence of fecal matter in the meat of the burger he advertises. He travels to the slaughterhouse that provides the hamburger chain and finds out that its guilty of sloppy production techniques.
After exposing myself to such materials, my personal perception and behavior of what I eat has changed dramatically a year ago. I have refrained from drinking soda entirely to only consuming water and have limited myself to eating fast food to one or two times a week. When purchasing groceries at the local supermarket, I look for whole wheat products and avoid any processed food that could potentially carry a genetically modified crop. I also attempt to make all my meals from scratch, avoiding the need of processed foods in striving for a healthier lifestyle.
Prior to watching the film, I was well aware of large scale food production and the risks it involves. Investigative journalist Eric Schlosser narrates the film and the first moment I saw him I knew what we were in for. He's the author of "Fast Food Nation" a book that examines the local and global influence of the United States fast food industry. It was a required reading for my liberal arts classes from two summers ago. The premise of the book was to outline the history of fast food restaurants and its big impact on the way we look at food in America. In retrospective, us artists were to make sure we we're aware of the social responsibility that burdens us when Eric brings up the topic of companys like McDonalds deliberately targeting children in their marketing campaigns.
In addition to reading the book, I also rented the movie of the same name which is about a Don Anderson, the Marketing Director of a a hamburger chain called Mickey's, learns that there is considerable presence of fecal matter in the meat of the burger he advertises. He travels to the slaughterhouse that provides the hamburger chain and finds out that its guilty of sloppy production techniques.
After exposing myself to such materials, my personal perception and behavior of what I eat has changed dramatically a year ago. I have refrained from drinking soda entirely to only consuming water and have limited myself to eating fast food to one or two times a week. When purchasing groceries at the local supermarket, I look for whole wheat products and avoid any processed food that could potentially carry a genetically modified crop. I also attempt to make all my meals from scratch, avoiding the need of processed foods in striving for a healthier lifestyle.
Food INC
I know it's crazy late, I know I would get fired, but in my defense..I had helped an old lady cross the street the other day :). The movie FOOD INC opened my eyes to what the food industry is really about. I understand that fast food isn't good for you. I know big name companies are doing things they should to the food that I consume and could cause side effects on my body. I hear it all the time when I tell people I'm going to go eat at Burger King, but I never really think about it. The movie FOOD INC revealed a side of the food industry that should be fully exposed in every right. The movie goes into explaining the farmer's role in the fast food market. I feel for those poor people who don't have anywhere to turn to for help and decide to trade off their resources for a little piece of change. Not only is it a little piece of change, but they end up borrowing more money from the bank than they receive from those big name companies. Next my heart went out to those poor little critters. They're feeding chickens something to make them more fatter and it's not good for the chickens let alone for the farmers. It's true that it is a job and someone has to do it, so they hire... "minorities" to do the job. I mean why not? they'll do it for low pay like their lives depended on it, or better yet the citizenship for all of the aliens they have working for them that is. When it's all said and done I'm starting to see what's going on around and what the truly the process in which the food industry is taking to make sure their pockets stay full.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Food Inc. - Casey Ligon
Most of the concepts and imagery from Food Inc are not new to me. I've seen plenty of news articles and films detailing the farming industry. I think it's sad that I've seen these images and heard this same message over and over again without taking a step toward a better consumer lifestyle. I go to whichever grocery store is closest and pick out whatever food is cheapest or looks good to me at the time. So many consumers buy into this that big cooperation get bigger and immoral trends continue within the farming industry.
I went Organic for a few months at one point, but I wasn't able to see the results of all my new shopping choices, so I went back to just buying whatever was most convenient.
One part of Food Inc. made me realize that even a small change makes a difference. At one point in the film, the chicken farmer refused to 'upgrade' to a less humane bird enclosure and she lost her contract with the company that bought her stock. Clearly Tyson didn't care at all about the welfare of the chickens, so when their producer refused to make a 'small' change, they were able to drop her without a second thought and move on to another supplier willing to sink to lower animal rights convictions (or lack thereof). This simply made me think of all the small steps that buyers have made toward allowing less-than-desirable animal living conditions, and how far they will be able to go if consumers continue buying their foods.
Now that I am in a new city, I have options for buying groceries at markets that provide only organic and natural foods. Because this provides me with an easier buying process (rather than scouring the shelves at Publix for the occasional organic product), and because one part of the film truly made an impact on me, I am more likely to start eating organically. Not for the sake of a healthy diet, or to go with the green trend, but for me to feel good about the way farmers and animals are treated in the process of getting that food from the farm to my dinner table.
I went Organic for a few months at one point, but I wasn't able to see the results of all my new shopping choices, so I went back to just buying whatever was most convenient.
One part of Food Inc. made me realize that even a small change makes a difference. At one point in the film, the chicken farmer refused to 'upgrade' to a less humane bird enclosure and she lost her contract with the company that bought her stock. Clearly Tyson didn't care at all about the welfare of the chickens, so when their producer refused to make a 'small' change, they were able to drop her without a second thought and move on to another supplier willing to sink to lower animal rights convictions (or lack thereof). This simply made me think of all the small steps that buyers have made toward allowing less-than-desirable animal living conditions, and how far they will be able to go if consumers continue buying their foods.
Now that I am in a new city, I have options for buying groceries at markets that provide only organic and natural foods. Because this provides me with an easier buying process (rather than scouring the shelves at Publix for the occasional organic product), and because one part of the film truly made an impact on me, I am more likely to start eating organically. Not for the sake of a healthy diet, or to go with the green trend, but for me to feel good about the way farmers and animals are treated in the process of getting that food from the farm to my dinner table.
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