On January 17, 2012 Steve Kelley posted a political cartoon in the New Orleans times, playfully expressing the problems we as Americans have with Health Reform in relation to the rise in obesity during the past decade. In the cartoon a family prepares for their day accomplishing daily rituals like reading the news paper and preparing lunch for their children. The newspaper in the cartoon reads "Hostess Bankrupt. May spell end of twinkies, Ding Dong, Ho Ho's." For many families, breakfast time is used to socialize and talk about current events. The mother rebuts with, "Discouraging economic news, but a step forward in health reform." In this statement the mother is saying it is sad to see this large company disappear, especially after so many years of business. However, we can't help but wonder whether, this bankruptcy would improve the current weight issue. Between this front page newspaper article and the conversation between adults, Kelley accomplishes this satirical attempt to promote the current problem with obesity in the united states.
I think the idea of bankruptcy and health reform is very interesting. I'd like to believe that while big companies - like hostess in this cartoon- are going bankrupt that the american people will lose weight since they won't have hostess as an option for food anymore. I'd also like to believe that with a failing economy, people would spend their money more wisely and not on junkfood. However, I think that people turn toward's food when times are rough. Fast food restaurants are receiving more business than ever because foods cheap, and fast. While depressed, food is being turned towards for a boost. And once you're in a habit of eating junk food, it's really tough to break, especially when you have other things on your mind, such as finance.
ReplyDeleteI find the irony of the situation not that Hostess has such a grip on our health situation, but that the American People have so many problems that Economic jokes can merge with Health Care jokes at the mere mention of a Twinkie.
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