A Commentator’s Manifesto
January 13th, 2008Editor’s Note: All commentary pieces represent the author’s opinions. These are meant to spark a discussion of the issues at stake. We encourage you to use the comments feature to post your response to this commentary.
Although I have yet to read Michael Pollan’s new book In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto, I have no doubt about the great impact the book’s message can and will have. Pollan argues, among other things, that nutritional science just doesn’t know it all, but many processed foods are still touting health claims. We need to make food a higher priority. For a society obsessed with eating healthily, Pollan’s advice is indispensable.
That is why I am disappointed with Pollan’s decision to cancel his appearance on Comedy Central’s Colbert Report. The Colbert Report has a large, almost captive, viewership of young adults who need to hear Pollan’s message, and now they may not ever hear it.
Pollan canceled his appearance because the Writer’s Guild of America has not yet settled with Comedy Central, and appearing on Colbert’s late-night show would require him to cross picket lines of fellow writers. While the writers union’s cause is just and worthwhile, there are more important things at stake here: the health of millions of individuals in our society.
Speaking about Pollan’s interview on a Canadian radio show, blogger Peter (aka Nosher of the North) summed up the potential effect of Pollan’s interviews: “I hope what he said will cause them to think about their food choices and the consequences these choices have on their bodies, the environment, and the people who produce them.”
Pollan is, first and foremost, a writer, not a food activist. Thus, his priorities lie with fellow writers and not with those who wish to change the Western diet. However uncomfortable he may be leading the food revolution, he is the current face of this movement and needs to step up to the plate with his message. I hope he will.
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