Dominant DIscourses regarding Contemporary foodways in the U.S.

There are growing concerns about the way food is produced in America and the diets of many American's. According to the New York Times, as many as 1/3 of all Americans are obese and obesity is now the number one health challenge facing children throughout the United States. Even in NY City a recent article in the NY Times reported that 22% of all New Yorkers are obese.  In many communities, especially poor communities of color, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure are pervasive and contributing to shorter lives and disability.  Communities like East Harlem and Chinatown have some of the highest diabetes rates in the nation.

As a result of these problems, the dominant discourses about food are gradually changing. Instead of food being promoted largely as a source of pleasure, more and more articles and advertisements are warning the public about the health dangers associated with poor nutrition. An example of a story warning the public about health dangers associated with poor nutrition appeared on CNN on Bill Clinton's health. His doctors had told him that he had arterial blockage and has since only eaten vegan friendly foods, which has resulted to him losing 24 pounds.