For some time now, we’ve been hearing about how the United States’ citizenry is too big and, frankly, too fat. But to take it one step further, two retired generals are now stating that our youth are so fat that it is causing a national security crisis. Essentially the generals argue that the fat spread is undermining the future of the US military, citing that 25% of the young people today are “too fat too fight.” The BBC article discusses how over the years, it will only continue to get worse unless Congress enacts laws that forces for more strict diets with less sugar, salt, and fat.
In looking at how this is applicable to our course studies this semester, we can’t help but to note how this can analyzed through classical rhetoric. In terms of topoi and kairos, this is both a special topic and this is an opportune time for this topic to be discussed. As topoi, the discussion of this topic continues to come up over the course of more recent years. It’s apparent that it is something that is becoming increasingly important to people across the globe. But in addition to this reality, it being such a topic makes this the best time to discuss solutions. Overall, the generals have selected the most perfect time to bring this up. Yet, it’s not only in application to the actual topic itself. It’s also the fact that the United States is currently deploying troops all over the world. And if the cream of the crop is going to be too creamy in the future, then there’s nothing that is going to be able to be done.
I agree with you on the kairos and topoi approach you spoke about. It is a special topic and an appropiate time to discuss solutions to this "issue". I really don't feel it is that big of a deal that two generals should be discussing it as a national security threat. There has been fat people in this country since the beginning of the United States. Whether they pass laws to force people to eat healthier or not it will not change anything unless the people show initiative themselves in wanting to live a healthier life. On top of that, passing laws to force people to eat healthier is an invasion of people's rights honestly. You cannot tell people what or how to eat. This is just outrageous to say the least.
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