Food for Thought: My Possible PSA

So now's about the time when we as an English 110.01 class at OSU need to start thinking about our main focus for our PSA projects. The theme "Food and Foodways" really broadens the spectrum as far as what types of literary works, advertisements, video clips, movies, media, etc. we can choose to be the focus for an analysis of this theme and how it relates to and influences a specific culture. That being said however, I wanted to choose something that has a profound influence on our American culture as a whole. That is why out of my many, many options, I chose the following two options:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zc_z623Wsro or the poster itself (displayed at the top left). I feel that both the movie trailer and the poster (both based on a New York Times Bestseller) can depict a lot of information about how some of the largest food empires in America can have a pretty detrimental effect on our society. Fast food originated in the United States; to other countries, it is the food that we are known for. While the majority turn a blind eye and see those McDonald's and Burger King hubs as a place for quick and affordable "good eats," there is plenty of information about how those companies run, and about how much Americans are influenced by them that would have people boycotting these places instantly. Or maybe not. Maybe fast food has just become so incorporated into our daily lives and culture that it's almost impossible to live without.

I Am What I Eat

There comes a point when it starts to become difficult for me to describe the contents of my refrigerator. In fact, I can't even being to think about what my favorite food might be, or a specific "food memory" that sticks out in my mind. I guess to sum everything up, there is no one particular food that I prefer out of all the rest, and no one particular food that embodies everything that represents who I am. However, I think the term, "you are what you eat," applies to me perfectly. I eat just about everything, and there are so many different parts that are the make-up of who I am.

For example, when it comes to the contents of my refrigerator, they reflect probably some of the most basic fundamental aspects of myself. The carrots, hummus, fruits, yogurt, and juices are all representations of me in my proudest moments; the moments when I feel most refreshed, healthy, and confident with myself. Though this may sound a little bit ridiculous, think about it. Imagine yourself running on a treadmill, or something even more relatable: walking to class. You're going to feel pretty good about yourself walking after eating a delicious, healthy meal that keeps you light on your feet rather than you will after wolfing down a gyro and fries at Buckeye Donuts. Don't get me wrong; I absolutely love gyros, and Buckeye Donuts. The healthy foods in my refrigerator are just a perfect example of how feeling good and healthy is a pretty profound concept in my life. There are certain things that make an individual become more self-confident, and working on self-image both inside and out happens to be the perfect outlet for me to build that confidence.

But please, don't get this confused with the attitude of being all about self-image. No, I am not narcissistic, no, I do not judge others based on their appearance (or at least I try my hardest not too, but who doesn't instinctively?), and no, I am not a chronic health nut. The "contents of my refrigerator" extend beyond refrigerator doors; from local sushi bars in Columbus, to crowded Thai restaurants in New York City, all the way to tapas bars in Barcelona and beyond. Those famous words, "you are what you eat," apply to me because what I eat embodies the cultured aspects that make up who I am; the creative portions of myself that I can express through food. Food itself provides a window of opportunity to expand my interests and discover more about the world. I know this, because traveling and spending time in foreign places really broadens your perspective on what food can really represent. It's something that we eat every day, but never really take the time to think about; something that I love, and I'm beginning to understand plays a significant role in the make-up of who I am. I'm not restricted to a single refrigerator (I'm not really a big fan of restrictions anyways); the world is open for me to discover new tastes.