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.