To my mother drinking soda is as much of form of rebellion, as drinking alcohol may be to other mothers. Any intake of high fructose corn syrup would result in a lengthy lecture of my rotting insides. So, when I heard that my health nut of a mother was upset about Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s attempts to ban the distribution of soda, my attention was raised to the many issues and controversies this ban is taking on.
Personally, I’m never craving a big gulp from 7-11, despite my occasional desire to rebel against my mother. Granted, I come from a small hippie town in California, where kombucha and coconut water replace the popularity of Coke and Pepsi, but even in my experience in living in New York City, there is no misconception of the health hindrances of soda and how it factors into the obesity epidemic.
Bloomberg believes that this action is just one step towards fighting obesity, one of the biggest problems this country holds.
“We’re not taking away anybody’s right to do things, we’re simply forcing you to understand that you have to make the conscious decision to go from one cup to another cup,” Bloomberg said.
Despite Bloomberg’s positive intentions, the reactions against the mayor have been strong. An overnight online poll from the “Today” show revealed that 83% of the respondents believed that this ban will not curb the obesity problem.
So why is it taking precedent over other issues? When confronted with this proposing question, Bloomberg answered, “Education is better, and crime is down, and we’ve created more jobs than ever in our city.”
Somehow, Bloomberg is under the impression that there are simply no other residing issues at hand for New York City. If you have simply solved all of New York City’s issues, why continue your self-implemented third term, Mr. Bloomberg?
Yes, there is undeniable need for solutions to the obesity epidemic, but having the government micromanage citizens health choices, is only going to result in one more angry New Yorker grasping a big gulp screaming outside of city hall to regain his freedom. If someone is maintaining an unhealthy lifestyle, that is simply their prerogative. Our mayor isn’t able to force anyone to maintain a healthy lifestyle by limiting soda sizes. If a soda drinker wants to drink 32 ounces of soda, they will find a way to drink that soda.
There are however, actions being taken to create awareness of the food industry, such as the bill to implement labeling food products that contain GMOs. Bloomberg’s ban on the other hand, is dictating citizen’s health choices, instead of creating awareness of one’s ability to take a stance in their health choices.
If this ban is implemented in March 2013, before we know it we will be denied the ability to purchase mass amounts of red meat or even the ability to purchase more than one doughnut at a time. So Mr. Bloomberg, if you’re planning on outlawing the purchase of multiple Krispy Kremes, know that you are taking away my cherished forms of rebellion, and you will be hearing from me personally.
