'Downsizing Supersize" and "Why Shame Won't Stop Obesity” Reading Response

Our required reading for this response were the pieces "Downsizing Supersize" by James Surowiecki and "Why Shame Won't Stop Obesity" by Dhruv Khullar. In "Downsizing Supersize", Surowiecki discusses the proposal of a ban on soft drinks over 16 oz. I find this proposition very interesting, and potentially a very good idea on how to lower the amount of obesity in the United States. I feel, personally, that there are not enough restrictions surrounding the fast food industry and the amount of control they have over people's lives. Of course, there are ways to get around the ban by buying two drinks, but the average person, as argued by Surowiecki, will not choose to do this. People are driven by a certain mindset that follows the norm, so if the norm is set higher, people will follow that (and if it is set lower, they will follow that, too). I agree with Surowiecki's argument that people will follow what is set as a "standard", and if the fast food industry complies with the proposed bans, America could get a lot thinner a lot faster. The second piece, "Why Shame Won't Stop Obesity", talks about how people need to stop fat-shaming people who are overweight because most of the time these people are not making their food choices just for fun. Khullar argues that people overlook the convenience and low price tag of a meal at McDonald’s over a more healthy option. It's not only about the price, however. Khullar also brings up the lack of actual healthy options in the lower income areas. It is much more likely to see a fast food joint than a fresh apple, and more convenient for the people who live there as well. The people who are making these purchases are doing so purely for the need of food, not the desire for fast food or the lack of interest n eating healthier. Overall, the two pieces talk about why some people are stuck in an obesity tunnel and why we as a country need to change our ways and habits to help the general public make healthier choices.