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Welp, this young man pretty much just did my job for me. [closes piano, grabs folder and walks off stage]
In all honesty, there are some really amazing points in this video – namely the lunatic farmer (who I’ve seen on two separate documentaries thus far), advertising and the point about GMOs (genetically modified food… yes, this is real) – but aside from all of that… look at how aware he is and how convinced he is that this is the answer for him and his life. I fully believe he did all that research, learned all that information and happily decided he was over the food manufacturing system. I ain’t mad at him. Thoughts?
7 comments
I love this kid
I thought that was a great video.
I just want to point out, however, that arguments such as “a study published this year says that [insert food here] has been shown to cause [insert deadly disease here]” are often very misled.
I think that people tend to jump on the “scientific study” bandwagon far too quickly without examining what it is that the study really SHOWS. Just keep in mind that scientists are human (I say this as I am a graduate student) and are not immune to “bending data” to fit an argument, if you follow my meaning.
Most studies that are used in such arguments are “correlation” studies. Which just shows that there is a high prevalence of X when there is Y (for example, a recently touted correlation in the dental field about periodontal disease of the mouth with heart disease and low birthweight babies). These studies DO NOT PROVE that one thing causes another, only the study found that these two things are found together in higher than average numbers. To say from such a study that one causes the other would be to make an argument such as this:
“With a decrease in the number of pirates, there has been an increase in global warming over the same period. Therefore, global warming is caused by a lack of pirates.”
I think we can all agree the above argument is absurd. Therefore, to take a correlational study and turn it into a “one causes the other” judgement is equally absurd.
Anyway, below I posted a link to an article that I feel is very accurate that talks about both sides of the “genetically modified food” coin:
http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.php
As always, love your blog and read it constantly!!!!!
Wonderful points!
The ONLY reason I haven’t discussed GMOs – or the salmon issue – is because I’m still researching. I know that I avoid them personally, but I’m not here to encourage people to do what I do.
I’m going to touch on this again, because there’s another study (ironic?) that actually validates what it is you’re saying here about “correlationism” and “nutritionism” in our eating habits and lifestyles. Just know that it’s coming. 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing that. You rock. 🙂
I avoid these foods myself. Correlation does not equal causation. However, things like HFCS and BPAs have a pretty strong record of not being good for humans. While I appreciate the argument that scientists are human too, as the list of ingredients in processed foods grow I do not have 100% faith that mutating foods into less than healthy forms for the sake of profit is impossible.
Not to mention, the information about water run off and nutrient deficient soil is all verifiably true–so that also means less nutrients within the produce.
Finally, I have no problem obstaining considering that other countries with longer life spans and far greater general health within their populations have outlawed GMO foods.Organic apples and Irish butter for me.
Good points. It is better to err on the side of caution especially since GMO producers so strongly resist labeling foods. If there is nothing bad about it and it is all good; there is nothing to hide. Moreover scientific studies are sponsored by someone it stands to reason to ask who benefits from the outcome when reading the study results.
i eat way too many fruits & veggies (i’ve been transitioning to eating them exclusively but i can’t seem to kick my addiction to greek yogurt!) to buy organic. it is SO MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE!
honestly it sometimes feels like the journey to becoming a clean eater will never be over because nothing is ever good enough. who can keep up?
Don’t feel bad. There are very few things I buy organic.
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