Where is the Line?

You probably have heard the news talking about the idea, but it is official now. The Los Angles City Council has unanimously approved the BAN of fast food in a 32 square mile area of its poorest area of South LA. That's right, a ban of McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, and the others that dot most cities and towns throughout the US. The reason for the city councils move: people are obese.

It is no secret that America has been getting more and more obese. There are many theories as to why, but one of the biggest is the diet of the average American. Today we eat out approx 1030% (yes, truly one THOUSAND percent) more than Americans in 1950. Apparently the food we eat out is not healthy either, hence the weight gain. The residents of South LA are some of the worse with over 30% of residents considered obese, compared with only 14.1% of residents elsewhere in LA. Fast food restaurant account for nearly 68% of the restaurants in South LA, leaving the residents with few alternatives. Also, fast food is cheaper compared with the cost of fresh fruits and vegetables.

The council is hoping the ban will encourage restaurants offering healthier foods will move into the area. Many disagree that the ban will cause any alternatives to relocate to south LA. Many more agree that this the city is overstepping its boundaries. One resident was heard saying "...what's next? Are there going to be guards at the door saying 'you're too fat. You can't have a cheeseburger.'" He brings up a point too. I agree that fast foods should offer more healthier options, but at the same point, it is not the restaurants problem. If we as a whole stopped buying the Big Macs or Double Whoppers, there may be a shift to other items, but the restaurants are in the business to make money, and if we buy the high fat and high calorie items, who can blame them for selling them?

I think things need to change, but it is a scary thought thinking the government is stepping in and telling people what type of restaurants are to be allowed. Rather than banning restaurants, how about education in schools about making healthy choices? How about encouraging families to cook at home together and enjoy meals at home as a family? I think that is the answer. There was a cartoon in the article that I read about this too, where going back to prohibition days, instead of underground parties with alcohol, there are piles of french fries and cheeseburgers with a miniature golden arches illuminated in the background. Is that what it is coming down to?