Project Text: Glory Cruz

Glory Cruz

English 113B

Professor Reynolds

May 9, 2012           

                                    Project Text: Why I’m Fighting Childhood Obesity

“Why I'm Fighting Childhood Obesity,” by Michelle Obama, informs the reader on her initiative on getting rid of childhood obesity. The First Lady has started a nationwide campaign called “Lets Move,” with the goal to solve the problem of childhood obesity within a generation. It is a well written, detailed, and straightforward article acknowledging her purpose to reduce obesity in America. She adopts a motivational tone in order to apprise parents around the world about the food choices affecting their kids.

                  She uses her role of the First Lady to have people acknowledge that even that high of society cares about the world. She has used her own personal thought of obesity and argued why her campaign can make a difference. I believe her campaign can become successful if we all take initiative in putting our effort into it. As a mother, Mrs. Obama tries to relate to other parents by using sympathetic tone. If parents see the effort Obama is making parents would be inspired to do the same for their children. In this case parents have more of a say in what their children should be eating. In her article, she mainly writes her point of view and uses little evidence, yet she is persuasive. "Let's give her credit," Nestle said. "She has no real power. She has no legal authority. She's a wife, and yet she has managed to take this issue and bring it to national prominence” (CBS News).

Michelle Obama describes how “Let's Move” “is about families making manageable changes that fit with their schedules, their budgets, and their needs and tastes. It's about giving parents the tools they need to keep their families healthy and fit, and getting more nutritious food—more fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and less sugar, fat, and salt—into our nation's schools. It's about helping grocery stores serve communities that don't have access to fresh foods, and finding new ways to help our kids stay physically active in school and at home” (Obama).  As for this, parents should lead by example and maintain a safe environment for their kids. They should teach them how to eat at home instead of eating at a fast food restaurant. Yes, it may be difficult for parents to eat at home with such a busy schedule, but they should try to make an effort once in a while.

She has convinced me that our actions to stay active have changed. She does this by mentioning how things have changed for example, back then they would walk to school, now kids get rides to school. Rather than playing or running outside, kids today tend to be inside watching TV or playing video games. Obama writes, “Research recommends that children 2 years of age and older engage in 30-60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. With cuts in the physical Fitness programs at school, this means even less activity for children” (Jackson). As of today we can see the difference and tell why obesity has risen over the past years. We are less active now than many years ago and we eat more food that is worse for us because of the additives.

As she addresses her point of view in the article she informs parents on how they can help their kids in order for them not to become overweight. Mrs. Obama use emotional appeals throughout this article to appeal to parents to care for their kids. “But I'm confident that if we each do our part, and all work together, we can ensure that our kids have not just the opportunities they need to succeed, but the strength and endurance to seize those opportunities: to excel in school, pursue the careers of their dreams, keep up with their own kids, and live to see their grandkids grow up—maybe even their great-grandkids too” (Obama). Using emotion she points out to parents to accept the change in order to see their children living a well and healthy life. She can relate to it since she has two daughters. Obama uses ethos as she states, “We are in charge, we make these decisions,” she states that the parents are the ones in control of the way children eat. She is trying to advise the parents to help make a difference in their kid’s foods choices in order to have a healthier generation.

Mrs. Obama emphasizes good nutritional advice for the kids of America. In a sympathetic tone she suggests eating a good diet rich in fruits and vegetables and staying away from junk food. Her advice has been taken as “National legislation has changed the face of school lunches for 32 million children. Walgreens, Wal-Mart and a number of other chains have agreed to build 1,500 stores in food deserts in the coming years, bringing 9.5 million more Americans better access to fresh and healthy foods. More than 5,700 groups have partnered with the USDA to spread the word about the new My Plate food-selection diagram and get simple nutritional information to families across the country” (Kane).  Healthy food for everyone will become a better lifestyle. Bringing healthy food across the world’s stores is a great approach for human beings to see what is out there in order to maintain ourselves healthy.

Many people are obese due to an unhealthy lifestyle such as too much junk food and lack of exercise. Being obese can trigger off a lot of health problems such as high blood pressure, heart problems and kidney problems as well as a stroke, a heart attack, and diabetes. “Fact is, there are 186,300 people under the age of 20 who have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. About one in every 400 to 600 children and adolescents has type 1 diabetes. Two million adolescents (or 1 in 6 overweight adolescents) aged 12-19 have pre-diabetes” (Williams). That is why the first lady’s campaign is aiming to reduce the obesity in America in order for children to stay healthy.  

The writer creates an informal, straightforward, and detailed diction through the use of simple ordinary language for her audience. The writer also creates a motivational tone through the use of informing us to maintain ourselves healthy by staying active. Pathos is presented throughout her article, as she engages parent’s attention to take action for their kid’s health. “Lets Move” will present the tools and information to parents to help make healthier choices for their families. 

Works Cited

 Jim Williams HealthKey.com Contributor November. Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times, 09 Nov. 2009. Web. 27 Feb. 2012. <http://www.latimes.com/features/health/diabetes/sns-health-diabetes-children-with-diabetes,0,623394.story>.

Jackson, Cathy. “Helping Kids Stay Active - Tips To Increase Children’s Fitness." Get Into Shape Stay Fit. Web. 28 Feb. 2012. <http://www.shapefit.com/helping-kids-stay-active.html>

Kane, Jason. "As Michelle Obama's Anti-Obesity Push Turns 2, It's Time for a Check-Up." PBS. PBS, 09 Feb. 2012. Web. 29 Feb. 2012. <http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2012/02/second-anniversary-of-lets-move.html>

"Michelle Obama Marks 2nd Year of Obesity Campaign." CBSNews. CBS Interactive, 09 Feb. 2012. Web. 28 Feb. 2012. <http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-57374184/michelle-obama-marks-2nd-year-of-obesity-campaign/>.

Obama, Michelle. “Michelle on a Mission." The Daily Beast. Newsweek/Daily Beast, 13 Mar. 2010. Web. 29 Feb. 2012. <http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2010/03/13/michelle-on-a-mission.html>.

Oliphant, James. Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2011. Web. 27 Feb. 2012. <http://articles.latimes.com/2011/feb/26/nation/la-na-michelle-obama-obesity-20110227>.