Tim Wise Article Blog

“We may all bleed the same color—as they say in homilies—but some of us bleed a lot more than others.” According to Tim Wise, the antiracism activist who made this powerful assertion, this statement sums up the state of the union in regards to racial matters. Through boycotts and demonstrations members of various races, be they part of the minority or the majority, have come together in order to create a more perfect union; one free of oppression and equal to all. Unfortunately, despite all efforts, there still exists a distinction between the rights and abilities of members of different races. Racism and privilege are two concepts developed through the beliefs of a nation, as well as on an individual scale. By analyzing the history of the United States, and its present state of affairs, one will be able to construct an informed view of how each race of the present is affected by the actions of our countries ancestors, and how these issues can be handled and addressed.
Racism and privilege can be defined as an act that systematically treats a group of individuals differently based on their race, where the privileged are the racists. As race continues to be a defining quality for people in our nation today, racism and privilege are still factors towards people of different ethnic groups racism is still rampant in our country today. As the very educated and knowledgeable source on racism and privilege, Tim Wise, states, “Racism is an ideology that says certain people, by virtue of their race, are either inferior or superior to others of a different race, with race usually being defined by skin color.” This definition of racism applies to the United States today as we have become a melting pot of the races and every day people come in contact with many different races. If racism was thought to be nonexistent today, it is extensive in reality. So many races have come together in this country, and privilege is still being blamed on the whites. Tim Wise defines privilege as “any advantage, head start, or protection the system grants whites but not people of color.” This definition by a scholar and expert on the subject of racism and privilege just goes to show that even with the vast amount of races in America today, whites are still considered the privileged and the ones considered the racists.
The United States of America has made large strides towards racial equality over the years, but there are still high levels of injustice produced by lines drawn between those born of privilege and those born of strife. Being of mixed heritage, I have the ability to form a view of the racial state of America, through the eyes of not only a minority, but also slightly from the point of the majority. As a young child I knew that I was not completely like the African American side of my family, or the Caucasian side; I knew that I was a blend of both. I was informed, however, very quickly from my black side, that no matter how much white I had in me, if I had even a drop of black blood in me, I was black to the “white man.” Hearing this statement as a young child struck me very hard, as before that I have assumed that I was just as whiter as I was black. Even back in 1997, years after the civil rights movement, black people still had the mindset of us against them. Them being white America. Now as a young adult that can better construct my own views of the world, I am proud of my white side, but still in the back of my mind I believe that I am not one of “them” and I never will be. The races will never be as desegregated as we desire to be.

This article relates to paper three due to the correlation between food communities and racial groups. Both provide a sense of belonging to those involved, while both segregate those that are not. Whether it is unintentionally or intentionally, both publics classify themselves as well as classifying others groups. The perpetual continuum of “white supremacy” and “black minorities” is existent because of humans declaring themselves as such. Tim Wise seeks to decrease the amount of separations while maintaining the uniqueness and difference between various backgrounds to fulfill the American culture.

They Say, I Say Ch. 8-9

Credible authors are imperative when writing papers for English 101 because resources are a way to take one’s paper to a new level, which is exactly what the course is about: improvement.
When forming an educational body of writing, research, proofreading and editing tactics are vital to the overall performance of the paper. Because writing styles vary from individual to individual, consistency via paper format, word flow and punctuation allow pieces to captivate and be read by a broad range of audience. For example, the paper written for Paper One in English 101.21 was written in first person because it was a personal account and the author’s beliefs. Whereas, Paper Three’s argumentative tone creates a noticeably opposing author voice. However, the same general formation of paragraph composition is found in both; thus, making both college-level writing. Even though they do not serve similar purpose, both fulfill the paper requirements and use pertain an appropriate nature. When I wrote Paper One, I did not use any scholarly journals, electronic nor book-based facts because the criteria focused around my food beliefs and habits. Whereas, Paper Three required scholarly evidence and data to further support my thesis.
Choosing educationally-savvy and useful articles is difficult due to the amount of false information, especially found on the Internet. Because I want my papers to reach their fullest potential, I make sure that every research I use has an author. First and foremost, the knowledge that an accredited person was willing to put their name on a piece of work is reassuring. To double check the credibility, I often research the author’s other work as well. In addition, I do not stop at one source for a research paper. To dapple into the phrase, “Two heads are better than one,” the more viewpoints in one paper allows variety and a fair “Nay-Sayer” argument. Just as important as trustworthy authors are using resources that answer what is required of the paper. In other words, all evidence, statistics, and quotes should be based around the overall topic.

Kellogg's Blog

In regards to the Kellogg’s executive decision to laser their logo onto individual cereal flakes, I view it as more of an advertising tactic rather than claiming ownership of their property, as they are suggesting. As mentioned twice, the imprinted logo will not change the product’s taste because Kellogg’s wishes to maintain their global popularity. Because this nutritious breakfast food is found in 128 billion bowls per year, Kellogg’s wants to thank it’s buyers and reassure them “to be under no illusion that Kellogg’s does not make cereal for anyone else” (Mail 2009).
I think this article will be useful in Paper Three because it is very controversial. While some readers may find comfort in Kellogg’s label, other readers, like me, will view it as a marketing tactic. I do not understand the need for the logo to be on every flake. If the logo is already on the box, I think buyers are aware of the brand they are choosing to buy. Also, I think this a form of subliminal advertising. For example, when watching the news tonight, I saw a “Papa Murphy’s Pizza” logo in the corner of the weather section. Companies are advertising in places without human recognition of it, yet subconscious minds are still interpreting the message. I think Kellogg’s is taking advantage of this advertising tool if they decide to imprint their logo on every flake.





Mail, Daily. "Kellogg's Will Use Laser to Burn Logo on to Individual Corn Flakes to Stamp out Fakes." 13 Oct. 2009. Web. 8 Mar. 2010.

Blog #7

Norman Borlaug’s research definitely shows through this article regarding biotechnology and antiscience zealotry. His devotion and knowledge to his career is evident, resulting in his Noble Peace Prize Award in 1970. Borlaug anticipated great strides through biotechnology, primarily through food and fiber resources. Due to its presence in agriculture, transcience crops and the use of biotechnology have paved the way for medicine improvements and public health (Borlaug 487). Focusing mainly on transcience plants such as corn, cotton, soybeans and wheat, just to name a few, Borlaug suggests that the growth of these crops will decrease environmental damages and herbicidal growth.
Also, he provides logical explanations for the use of genetically modified foods. For example, he said, “Genetic modification of crops is not some kind of witchcraft; rather, it is a progressive harnessing of the forces of nature feeding the human race” (Borlaug 489). As a reader, I agree with all of his statements made about GMO crops. Arguing against those opposing crossbreeding of genes, he says how “Mother Nature” took matters into her own hands long before humans invented genetic engineering.
Later, Borlaug praises the headhunters of the environmentalist movement, whom, at the time, seemed like lunatics. Borlaug wrote, “This movement has led to a legislation to improve air and water quality, protect wildlife, control the disposal of toxic wastes, and reduce the loss of biodiversity” (Borlaug 488). Because of those “extremists”, current advances are being made agriculturally, but, more importantly, daily choices made by the human population are changing. A societal shift yearning for healthy food and compostable means is the present and future. With this mentality, long-term environmentally-sound ideas will become a reality.

Janelle Sims Blog #6

Within this week’s reading, Pollan attempts to make a sustainable meal that has each edible food kingdoms: “animal, vegetable and fungi” (Pollan 277). He tells his audience the overall full-course meal then moves to explain the continuing reality of “hunting and gathering.” Because of factory labor and growing farm production, hunting and gathering is neither an economically sound nor a time-efficient process. Through Pollan’s meal, he hopes to “briefly [rejoin] the shortest and oldest of food chains” (Pollan 281). Next, he reflects on his attempt to catch wild pigs in the woods. As a reader, I felt that Pollan was surprised at his reactions to his hunt. “But here it is: I enjoyed shooting a pig a whole lot more than I ever thought I would’ (Pollan 337). When he explained his shock of enjoyment, I felt that he said it in a tone that made me interpret a sense of shame and embarrassment. Perhaps the “animalistic” persona does not usually correspond with his rooted persona of an “eco-friendly, organic inducing” activist and author.
Apart from that, his ultimate wish is to create the perfect meal. Along with that, he is also hoping to have his dinner be a representation of the perfect society. The efforts taken to make a healthy, compostable and delicious meal are all efforts to better their personal health and the community. Even though his meal preparation was hours long, he still did not find himself pleased with his outcome. However, he did find the relevance between the natural world and a present-day family dinner to be refreshing.

Janelle Sims Blog #5

This week’s reading in “Omnivore’s Dilemma” mimics the book title while primarily addressing the “normal” American diet and controversy of eating animal flesh. Pollan describes the first tool for food consumption is taste. He states that the overbearing influence of taste is so important, that humans do not always chose the more health-wise dinner option and merely let their stomachs do the talking, rather than feeding their physiological well-being.
Although not written by Pollan, an excerpt from Harvey Levenstein is found on page 300 that I challenge. Levenstein writes: “that taste is not a true guide to what should be eaten; that one should not simply eat what one enjoys; that the important components of food cannot be seen or tasted, but are discernable only in scientific laboratories; and the experimental science has produced rules of nutrition that will prevent illness and encourage longevity.” Then, in the following paragraph, it seems to me, that Pollan suggests that other countries solely eat nutritional entrees with minimal pleasuring tastes; while, America indulges only on greasy foods. With the continual fad of organic dining, I do not entirely disagree with this statement; rather, I feel that it is an extreme accusation on the nation. Though my travels abroad are limited, the statement saying that taste is a minor detail is false. In fact, a majority of the food I have had on vacations has been delicacies in my book.
Also, grease, fats, and sugars are present in entrees across the globe. Blaming America in this manner is too negative and, therefore, not effective. This excerpt reminds me of the American Heart Association telling the nation that the average adult should exercise for an hour a day. With that much of a time commitment, most adults do not even attempt going for a walk because they feel like it is unattainable. Whereas, the initial amount of 3 times a week seems more realistic, so more people put forth the effort.
Giving the needed information for a healthier future is one thing, but diminishing the nation’s state in the process is another.

Janelle Sims Blog #4

The excerpts from “The Omnivore’s Dilemma” this week shed a more positive light on the organic farming industry as opposed to previous chapters that have been read thus far. Admittingly, I am guilty of mocking organic food companies on account of their stereotyped poor-tasting entrees. In this reading, Pollan challenged that very skepticism through an unannounced visit to the healthy and “sustainable” Polyface farm.
In fact, the company celebrates the idea that “(they) do not call themselves organic- (they) call themselves ‘beyond organic.’” The company’s comparison to a “modern-day Indian” seemed mildly dramatic at a first read. However, once the explanation complimented their reasoning, I found a respect for the brand. “Just because we can ship lettuce from the Salinas Valley, or organic cut flowers from Peru, doesn’t mean we should do it, not if we’re really serious about energy and seasonality and bioregionalism” (Pollan 133).
Polyface’s commitment to rejuvenating the Earth as well as human health is apparent in chapter ten especially. Using the “S curve” and natural essence of sun energy demonstrated the farm’s choice to not take the “easy way out.” By the end of his visit on Tuesday afternoon, Pollan distinguished the fact that he had different views from Joel, a Polyface staff member. Pollan understood that one cannot just do “one thing” to the environment; all life is connected and codependent on another species. Because of this realization, I think his scientific questioning was turned into a partial reality check of a new perspective on the world, which can be even more impactful than mere statistics or data sometimes.

English 101 Blog #3

The course reading for this week delved into the realities of slaughterhouse “norm” without holding back for any weak stomachs. Vivid imagery and grotesque slaughtering, I believe, should turn me into a Veggie. Even though these realities will not stop me from disposing a hearty steak, I did find a personal reaction to Pollan’s experience at the slaughter house.
Opposing the previous reading about the equality of organic and non-organic farm sizes, Pollan’s visit to the Polyface farm explained the company’s personal choice to cap their chicken population. Polyface employer spoke “It’s not just the land that couldn’t take it, but the community too. We’d be processing six days a week, so we’d have to do what the industrial folks do: bring in a bunch of migrant workers because no one around here would want to guy chickens every day. Scale makes all the difference” (Pollan 230). Reading this, I admired Polyface for emphasizing the health of their product, but also civilians in their community. As a result, their choice has provided the respected authority of the company. Polyface’s success is exhibited through the great lengths, literally, consumers travel to retrieve chicken that make them feel safe, clean, and personally fulfilled knowing that the animals lived a humane life.
While I am still a happy carnivore, I do appreciate Polyface’s respect for animal lives. Their antagonism against animal cruelty speaks volumes of their ethics and should be accredited.

"Omnivore's Dilemma" Chapter 9 Blog #2

Within this reading, Pollan defines the ascending of organic foods. With an intention for nutritional content and economical success, the first organic farmers did endure crop failures. However, once the original farmers suggested emulating nature’s beauty by incorporating elements of both trees and prairies into potential farm designs, a perpetual cycle of redistribution into the Earth was created. Even though I do not eat organic foods, I do appreciate Pollan’s research because I feel very strongly about the need for recycling to ensure the future of the planet. Taking the effortless moment to separate recyclables from waste is truly a long-term, positive benefit. Just as Pollan gives the image of sky-high greens and rolling hills into the horizon, I find even more reason to continue my recycling habits.
Very opposing to the first half of the chapter, I was shocked to read about the size of the organic farms in California. In addition, I was curious to realize that small farms are more productive than large famers. Therefore, they are more profitable as well. Above profit, organic-living is simply better for an individual. When Pollan said it cost him thirty-four dollars for a dinner of a family of three, I was pleasantly surprised. If my family orders enough pizza for all of us to eat, we are lucky if the total is thirty-four dollars. In addition, I feel that it is plausible to assume that they also ate the meal together. Whereas, when the Sims household orders dinner-in, we all grab pizza and go back to our respected television sets. Through this, Pollan tells his readers that the price of organic food is more than health-related.

Janelle Sims Blog #1

In his recent work “The Omnivore’s Dilemma,” Pollan declares the significance of corn adaptation and rise of synthetic nitrogen in the application of corn in today’s food production. Page forty-two states, “The discovery of synthetic nitrogen has changed everything-not just for the corn plant and the farm, not just for the food system, but also for the way of life is conducted.” Because of the present economic abundance of fossil fuels, the nutritional values of most American diets have plummeted. With an emphasis of corn on farms in chapter two, Pollan addresses not only the nutritional dangers, but also the environmental hazards. Pollan’s purpose of this novel is to provide his readers with the hard-hitting, gruesome realities of mass production and the resulting effects on human health.
When it comes to the topic of McDonald’s, most humans readily agree that it is not a source of healthy eating. Where this argument usually ends, however, is on the question of the manner in which people use or, in some cases, abuse the delicious fast food chain. Pollan speaks of his personal family dinner out to the world-wide burger joint in chapter six. Within this chapter, he candidly speaks of the corn and high fructose corn syrup levels found in the McNuggets. The results are disturbing; which is precisely his objective.
Personally, the excerpts from “They Say, I Say,” have been more than beneficial. In the above paragraphs, I used examples from the text to approach my writing in a new direction. With the bright and relatable tone, the paradigms shown are easily transitioned into my writing which is an incredibly useful source.