Post 5: Horwitz

There are many ways to develop arguments, especially when discussing a social concept such as the role of eating in people’s daily lives. Horwitz discusses the variation in eating styles of different cultures, focusing primarily on the stereotypical eating habits of Americans. Horwitz brings up the points of how Americans eat less at meals and snack throughout the day much more today than in the past an attribute to the increase in obesity and the cultural differences in eating together. The author points out how Americans are much more on the go and snack during the entire day while taking quick lunch breaks and are decently full by dinner time, leading to a reduced intake during the major meals of the day, but an increased intake during the day. The stereotypical eating habits of Americans are seen in this article as solitary, unless collectiveness is forced. This change is a disappointment because of the social cohesion food can create.  Horwitz argues the above points by using many examples and focusing on one. The author gives multiple examples of people eating on the run and not eating together, however, the astronaut example was the major focus. This example was the focus because it exemplifies Americans eating alone and other cultures eating together. This snacking and solitary eating is becoming somewhat of a reality in our fast-paced lives.

            Reading this article made me take a look at my own life and eating habits. My conclusion was that Horowitz is correct with the point that Americans snack much more than they used too, because I snack fairly regularly. However, try to make the food better nutritionally than chips and other typical snack foods. The other point, on the solitary eating habits of Americans, seems to be much less accurate for my life. Solitary eating does occur when homework needs to be done and I grab a quick bite to eat, however, dinner is a meal I especially try to eat with friends. This extends the prior conclusions of the class that food is a social tool. As many people would much rather eat with friends so they can talk and joke while eating. Eating solitarily is good when work needs to be done, however, when there is time to relax and eat with friends it is a much more enjoyable experience. This seems to be the point of the astronaut example, allowing them to eat alone when work needs to be done, however, promoting group meals when time permits to foster relationships. Food is an incredible thing; it nourishes us and brings us together.