I want to like Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution, truly I do, but after watching the first episode on Sunday, it may be tough. I could start with the title, but won't; instead, I'll begin with the premise. Jamie Oliver is going to change the way Huntington, WV eats through schools, in homes, and workplaces. Where better than the CDC (Center for Disease Control) named "Unhealthiest City in America"to begin a study on our country's poorest eating habits? How better to attempt a community intervention than cameras blazing, british hosting, town criticizing, limited information providing, reality television? Our country's relationship with food needs therapy, that much is true, but I'm not sure this is the best way to face our problems.
What I found unsettling about the show's approach was the lack of tact used when reaching out to the city. Every community runs differently, whether large or small, rich or poor, fat or skinny. They each carry their own attitudes, values, and beliefs. Before expecting to gain the trust of the people, an outsider must analyze, interpret, and understand what the community holds near and dear; only after will trust be gained and the outsider's expertise or opinion be taken seriously. The producer's and Jamie did an awful job assessing the environment before storming the city with their TV cameras and big ideas. Deservingly, they were shown little respect by the people. As a result their first obstacle became reeling in trust from the mistrusting rather than gaining appreciation for the gradual changes from the believers.
America's poor relationship with food is being highlighted for the nation to see, BUT it must be taken lightly; it's still TELEVISION. The show does not cover all of the information necessary to make thoughtful and smart interpretations of the problems we're facing. For example, very little was given on the actual difficulties facing the "lunch ladies" in terms of available food. An email from a colleague pointed out some of the flaws in the school lunch program. Yes, on the show Jamie brought in raw chicken and cooked it in the school cafeteria. No, chicken (in that form) is not available for schools to order and serve. Jamie made a very small mention of this by noting this type of change is going to be hard and will need come from the powers that be (USDA), but I'm unsure if someone less engaged with the issue would make that connection. The US school lunch program needs a complete overhaul to begin feeding our children real food. I can only hope Jamie's Food Revolution remains focused on its goal (establishing healthful eating habits) and doesn't get sidetracked by America's love affair with dramas that end happily (Jamie vs Huntington, WV).
As an end note, due to my restraint from earlier comment on the title, our food revolution has been taking place all over this country for years, this just may be the first time prime-time television took part. There are countless people and organizations working to ignite change in our food system and policies everyday, many of them I have linked beside this post. Take a moment, look at their initiatives. They may be right in line with the changes you wish to see.
The show is on ABC, two hours, tonight 7pm CST. Watch for yourself. I would love to hear your impressions.
What I found unsettling about the show's approach was the lack of tact used when reaching out to the city. Every community runs differently, whether large or small, rich or poor, fat or skinny. They each carry their own attitudes, values, and beliefs. Before expecting to gain the trust of the people, an outsider must analyze, interpret, and understand what the community holds near and dear; only after will trust be gained and the outsider's expertise or opinion be taken seriously. The producer's and Jamie did an awful job assessing the environment before storming the city with their TV cameras and big ideas. Deservingly, they were shown little respect by the people. As a result their first obstacle became reeling in trust from the mistrusting rather than gaining appreciation for the gradual changes from the believers.
America's poor relationship with food is being highlighted for the nation to see, BUT it must be taken lightly; it's still TELEVISION. The show does not cover all of the information necessary to make thoughtful and smart interpretations of the problems we're facing. For example, very little was given on the actual difficulties facing the "lunch ladies" in terms of available food. An email from a colleague pointed out some of the flaws in the school lunch program. Yes, on the show Jamie brought in raw chicken and cooked it in the school cafeteria. No, chicken (in that form) is not available for schools to order and serve. Jamie made a very small mention of this by noting this type of change is going to be hard and will need come from the powers that be (USDA), but I'm unsure if someone less engaged with the issue would make that connection. The US school lunch program needs a complete overhaul to begin feeding our children real food. I can only hope Jamie's Food Revolution remains focused on its goal (establishing healthful eating habits) and doesn't get sidetracked by America's love affair with dramas that end happily (Jamie vs Huntington, WV).
As an end note, due to my restraint from earlier comment on the title, our food revolution has been taking place all over this country for years, this just may be the first time prime-time television took part. There are countless people and organizations working to ignite change in our food system and policies everyday, many of them I have linked beside this post. Take a moment, look at their initiatives. They may be right in line with the changes you wish to see.
The show is on ABC, two hours, tonight 7pm CST. Watch for yourself. I would love to hear your impressions.
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