Half the world is starving and the other half is on a diet?

Question

Is it time to start a riot?

Answer 1

Very interesting question.... can I get political too?

I am a large woman. No getting about it and it has nothing to do with "big bones" or height. Last summer I think I was the last white woman in southern India, a land of the long dark slim tamils. I ate lightly there, because the heat completely killed my appetite.

Fruit was in overabundance and often free. The delicious jackfuit was just left at the side of the road for one to grab. I lost all interest in meat although my companion indulged every meal. The clothing I wore was very loose and light because of the heat. When I got home I found I had lost 40 pounds. So I think there is something to be said about changing places!

I have never regained my previous interest in chocolate. It was killed in India for some reason and never returned. That is a good thing. Actually I know exactly why I cut the stuff out. In North America we are bombarded with junk and food and candy. It is under our eyes 24/7 and full of additives, just bad for us.

Everywhere you turn! Advertised constantly. North America is food obsessed. It is not the same in India. There are lots of treats, but it is not everywhere. Food is what you pick up from the street vendors on your rounds of the day. Usually what you then prepare to eat. This is, of course, provided your servant has not already done your shopping.

This year I plan to fast for Ramadan as well as I can considering age and health. That would be a good way to work into a regular fasting if my doctor gives permission.

But it is true, there is such an uneven distribution of wealth on the planet. It really does boil down to politics, who eats and who does not. Denying food is unnecessary and cruel but it is done on a large scale every day. It is a common form of genocide and so unnecessary. Not considering what this world is capable of doing when managed with care and concern... and responsibility.

In the days to come food will become an even more precious commodity. According to a study I read on Wall Street, many of the big companies are looking to corn as an alternative source of alcohol for smaller vehicles. (John Deere being one). This will put a serious strain on corn used for food production.

Temperatures around the globe could raise 2 to 12 degrees Fahrenheit by 2100. This will result in more intense heat waves, stronger tropical storms and a rise in sea levels that will swamp low-lying cities and farmland. When I was boating through rice fields in India last summer I wondered how these people would survive even a few inches rise in water. Most of the farmers live at sea level.

Corn will be used to create ethanol. The technology is already in use. If corn is used to provide even 10% of the nation’s automotive needs, it would use 35% of America’s corn crop.

Since 25% of all food prices are affected by the cost of corn, we could face a corn vs. food situation. Farm leftovers can be used to create cellulosic ethanol for fuel. Farm equipment companies should do well because farmers will be rethinking harvesting techniques. They will also retool their machines for the new fuels. Monsanto is working on creating more drought resistant crops.

This will mean less variety of course. Hold on to your heritage seeds folks.

Yep, food is politics. And that is barely the tip of the iceberg. However, most of us who have to diet because we were just plain careless, lazy and made stupid decisions. The people who are starving because the decisions were made for them and they are helpless.

Support things like the Grameen Bank of Bangladesh if you want to make a difference. It is a microloan bank for the poor that gets them businesses to truly improve their lives for the better. And consider adding an extra row to your garden for the local food bank come harvest time.

Answer 2

Humanity's a complicated thing, mate. Instead of complaning (like i always do) try to make a difference. start the riot from your hometown. People are bound to join soon enough.

Answer 3

actually,there are about 20 million starving people,and about 100 million obese people,yep,the obese outnumber the starved!

Answer 4

I guess if yer on a diet .... move to where they are starving and if you are starving ... try to move to where it takes will power to keep from eating yourself to death ....

Answer 5

People are dieting because they take advantage of the food that they get.

Answer 6

lol people should stop caring so much about how they look and just be themselves. Just think of those people who are starving!

Answer 7

It means the whole world is not eating right.

Answer 8

Its time to start fasting.