Critical pedagogy – using writing as a political statement can encourage students to become fired up about writing – targeting a specific audience about a subject they feel passionate about. What on earth does McDonald’s have to do with a discussion about teaching writing? Well, watching “Super Size Me” provides some food for thought.
Would using “Super Size Me” encourage students to write, using critical pedagogy? In my English class, we watched part of the documentary with this question in mind. Again I was struck by the message of the film and felt my stomach turn at the idea of deep-fried, greasy foods – especially at the idea of eating nothing but these deep-fried, greasy foods for a whole thirty days! It seems like anyone must feel the same. (Of course, the feeling of repulsion did not extend to this weekend, when I thoroughly enjoyed a McDonald’s hamburger and fries.)
I would think students, upon viewing “Super Size Me” would have some clear opinions. School districts, and even Prince Charles apparently have. In an article from The Buffalo News, named “Goodbye Junk Food” a school districts attempts at providing a more balanced diet for their students is assessed. Interestingly, the article was written by a high school junior, so obviously some students do feel strongly about the subject of obesisty and junk food.
The high school, Clarence, has exchanged pop machines for water and juice and traded candy in for healthy snacks. Even the pizza and tacos still offered at lunch are healthier, using whole grains. There are also many more vegetable or salad options. Students would be happy about this, right? Thinking back to my high school days, I highly doubt it. The article affirmed my doubts.
“‘People should feel free to buy what they want. It’s not wrong to have healthy choices but it’s not giving them options,’ said Amherst senior Tracey Miltner.”
These students, who have directly seen the after affects of the growing concern about obesity in the U.S. and “Super Size Me”, would respond strongly to an assignment to assess the validity of such school actions. Knowing the rebellious nature of high school students, any change implemented would have its detractors, especially if this was a top-down movement.
“‘It’s funny because now that we’re banned from it, it’s like our school has formed a black market of it, and we’re putting more effort into getting the bad stuff. Kids are selling pop out of their lockers and Skittles out of their backpacks,’ said Shannon Smith.”
Hmm. I remember buying fries for lunch in high school. It felt so good to be able to make a meal out of whatever I wanted – and fries were cheap too. It was a rare treat for me. Most of the time I brought my lunch – a sandwich, fruit cup, and cookies or chips. I would imagine I was a pretty typical eater. If I were a teacher at one of these effected schools, I think that this controversy over food changes would be a perfect opportunity to use critical pedagogy in the classroom.
How does everyone feel about the changes? What are injust about them? What is good about them? Can you think of a better route the school district could have taken? Is it possible to make everyone happy?
“Super Size Me” provides ample food for thought.
“Goodbye, Junk Food” by Allison Eck. The Buffalo News. read full article
