Return to Nature
Many Americans live unnatural lives. Sleep deprivation has become the norm. Chips, cookies, and candy are marketed as real food. Electronics have blurred our vision. In other words, we have disturbed our natural rhythms. I firmly believe we as a society need to “return to nature.” Yes, we need to eat more vegetables and exercise at least half an hour a day, but the source of our nutritional deficiency lies within the complexities of both our legislatures and our personal habits.
In my college course, titled “Soul Food,” students will venture into the world of food politics. The course would begin with a discussion on how things like the 1950’s convenience food trend, the creation of the cubicle, and an extended work day have caused us to veer off course. From there, we would focus on the power of food libel laws, food lobbyists, agribusiness, and the practices of both the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture). Additionally, I hope to invite father-son nutritional duo Dr. Colin and Nelson Campbell to speak about their work striving to restructure our food culture on the legislative level.
Students will question the legitimacy of nutrition labels and the influence politicians have over supermarket shelf items. I want students to confront their unhealthy habits, analyze the culture responsible for those habits, and become catalysts for a nationwide food revitalization. This course will give them the necessary tools to break the cycle.
In addition to what we consume, I think what we listen to impacts our quality of life too. To set the tone for the class, students will listen to portions of rapper Kendrick Lamar’s music. In many of his songs, Mr. Lamar boldly questions the system and whether the system works for the people. By the end, each student should have developed a sense and practice of healthy skepticism.
As a burgeoning physician, the health of my fellow citizens is of great importance. Everyone deserves to live his or her own best life, but that starts from our diet. With the bastardization of the food quality we have been exposed to, living a healthier life has become arduous. However, with increased awareness, I hope my course will incentivize students to kindle a new food culture, one that rewards our bodies rather than destroys them—a culture that makes our lives natural once again.
Date originally published: 06/27/2022