Relational Aesthetics

Relational Aesthetics Introduction Nicolas Bourriaud came up with the term â€Å"Relational Art† in 1995. He defined it as artistic practices that include the whole human relationships together with their social environment as their point of origin. He did not consider art to a private and independent aspect without a context. Bourriaud gave art a whole new outlook where artists no longer have to create art from hidden ideas, but they can create art that incorporates a social surrounding. This is where individuals come together and take part in a group activity.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Relational Aesthetics specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In this art, the act is seen as between a community and art, as opposed to an individual viewer and the object of art. The meaning of a certain piece of art is shared collectively by the society in relational aesthetics, and it is not limited to the space of individual perception and idea . This means that art has a clear and open display that is easily understood by the community around. This is because the community finds aspects they can relate to in the art. Relational aesthetics keeps art within a level that the society can understand and takes it off the high levels of complicated processes. Such processes lead to the production of dry, academic, mechanical, and superficial works of art that are empty of meaning, emotions, and integrity (Rosati, para. 2). When art is not able to reach out to the society, it is of no use since it cannot have any physical, moral, spiritual or psychological impact on the viewers. Such art does not take into account the societal factor. This threatens the survival of culture. The nature of relational aesthetics Relational aesthetics is a public and social art by nature. The basic nature of its existence is founded by the interaction between people in the society. Relational art removes the serious edge out of art. It creates an env ironment where people can enjoy themselves in art and creativity when this art is allowed to flow limitlessly. This art seeks to bring people together in the society by bringing art to a level where they can all relate. Unlike the normal art, which was only for those that understood its complexities, relational art exists in simplicity and familiarity. It is an art about aspects of life that relate to the ordinary individual. Relational aesthetics seeks to maintain the culture in a society. This is because it portrays issues that are within the society. The artists using relational art bring out themes that are familiar to the society. This is done in works that are easy to interpret. This is the factor that makes relational aesthetics social and interactive since the society can relate to such works.Advertising Looking for essay on art? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Many modern artists have developed a keen intere st in Bourriaud’s concept of relational aesthetics and have embraced the concept. One such artist is Maurizio Cattelan. Cattelan is an Italian artist based in New York. He is popularly known for his dark humor shown in his work that is mostly of a satirical nature. His view towards art is that it can be used for fun at various systems of order in the society. This has earned him the reputation of an art scene joker. Cattelan has adapted Bourriauds concept of relational aesthetics, which is depicted in all his works. Two of his works such as La Nona Ora and HIM will be discussed in this work. La Nona Ora-The Ninth Hour The La Nona Ora is a sculpture that is made up of the effigy of the Pope John Paul II clad in his full ceremonial attire, lying beneath a meteorite that has crashed through a glass ceiling and is about to crush him. It is one of his most popular sculptures. Maurizio Cattelan La Nora Ora-1999 Adapted from: Lambe, 2012 On face value, this sculpture conjures up hu mor in those viewing it. It begs the question of how the representative of god on earth would be crushed by a meteorite from the heavens.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Relational Aesthetics specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Maurizio makes use of relational aesthetics to bring out is views and opinions. Growing up, life was not all easy for him. He came from a poor background, and he grew up with a negative attitude towards authority. In Maurizio’s world, ceilings of control and authority should not exist. That is why he found his niche in relational aesthetics where art gives the artists the freedom to express their feelings and opinions. This is because artists do not need to hide their feelings behind abstract ideas and other complexities of art. The above sculpture is extremely direct. It is a remarkably straightforward demonstration of the conflicting views of religion and science. Unlike the normal art, where the viewer has to look for some hidden meaning behind art, relational art is direct and easy to understand. The relational aesthetics aspect in Maurizio’s sculpture provides a chance of interaction between people. According to Wilcox, relational keeps its awe for a realm where it truly belongs which is the interaction between human beings (p.339). The La Nora Ora created such a large wave of awareness that people had already seen its pictures even before its official public showing. This is because it touched on issues that were relevant in the society. Members of the society can relate to the piece of art. Most conventional art works are usually reserved for certain scholarly group that understands the depths of the artist’s concept. Relational art is open to everyone as it is easy to understand and touches on concepts that are familiar in the society (Wilcox, p. 340). HIM Cattelan’s him is a child-size rendition of Hitler on his knees in prayer. This sc ulpture, like all his works, is a satirical depiction of Hitler that has a spooky edge to it. The fact that Hitler, with all the atrocities he inflicted upon the innocent in history, can also kneel and pray arouses many emotions among the viewers who look at the sculpture. Maurizio Cattelan â€Å"him† 2001Advertising Looking for essay on art? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Adapted from: Lambe, 2012 Relational aesthetics provides limitless options for an imaginative artist. Cattelan uses this aspect of relational art to the maximum. The him sculpture is a projection of how he provokes and challenges the restrictions and limits that contemporary systems have. He does this mainly through humor and irony. The child-size feature of Hilter, the attire, the pose, and look on his face is subject to different opinions and interpretations. Such a piece of art is direct and simple; hence the public finds it easy to interpret these works of art. The concept and theme of the work is also direct, and the public can relate to it. This is an aspect of relational aesthetics that sets it apart from the conventional art. Maurizio Cattelan’s work often combine sculpture and performance, as depicted in the him sculpture where the child-like Hitler is performing a prayer. His work also subverts the traditional rules of culture, symbolical theft and acts of insubordi nation. Relational aesthetics has a way of allowing artists like Cattelan to tease the art world and expand their imaginations to unimaginable extremes. Cattelan has mastered the art of teasing the art world. He applies irony and satire to his works and addressing issues that affect the society without taking sides. The artist seeks to bring out the reality of all situations in all its complexities without necessarily supporting any ideologies (Lambe, para 5). Conclusion Nicolus Bourriaud made a significant contribution to the art world by coming up with the relational aesthetics concept. This concept has seen the success of many modern artists including Maruchio Cattelan who has embraced the relational arts fully in his works. Cattelan bases his works are of a relational aesthetics nature that seems to have blended in remarkably well with the society. His works have a terrific gallery value and they sell even in the worst economic downturns. This shows that relational aesthetics is more acceptable in the society than the traditional art, which was complex for most people to comprehend. Relational aesthetics has helped artists like Cattelan express their creativity without limit and restrictions hence explore the deepest canyons of art and present it to the society. This presentation is not hidden and masked in complexities. However, it is in a simple way that viewers will find intriguing and enriching. In a way, it opens the viewers’ eyes to the issues that affect the society. All this is presented from an objective view that supports no ideologies. Lambe, Claire. The Last Word – A Report on the Retirement of Maurizio Cattelan. 2012. Web. rollmagazine.com/the-last-word-%E2%80%93-a-report-on-the-retirement-of-maurizio-cattelan/ Rosati, Lauren. Providence: Relational Aesthetics and the Underground. 2008. Web. Wilcox, Alana. The State of the Arts: Living with Culture in Toronto. Toronto: Coach House Books, 2006. Print.

Prevaricate vs Procrastinate

Prevaricate vs Procrastinate Prevaricate vs Procrastinate Prevaricate vs Procrastinate By Ali Hale Two commonly confused words are prevaricate and procrastinate. They are similar in being quite formal, Latinate, words but have different meanings. Prevaricate means â€Å"to deviate from the truth† (Merriam-Webster). It is not quite so strong as â€Å"lie† but implies an intention to mislead. It is often, but not exclusively, used in reference to politicians: â€Å"It is one of the known indications of guilt to stagger and prevaricate in a story.† (Edmund Burke) â€Å"McCain will sometimes surrender to the cheap ploy or prevarication when the moment demands it, but it is often with a smirk or a wince, some hard-to-miss signal that he knows he’s up to no good.† (Matt Bai, The McCain Doctrines in the New York Times) Procrastinate means â€Å"to put off intentionally and habitually† (Merriam-Webster). The term is often used in advice on time management or self-improvement, and can also be a noun (â€Å"procrastination†). People who habitually procrastinate are â€Å"procrastinators†. â€Å"Everyone experiences the desire to procrastinate. For one reason or another, nothing is harder than doing the one task that needs to get done.† (From How to procrastinate more productively) â€Å"Procrastination is not a problem of time management or of planning. Procrastinators are not different in their ability to estimate time.† (From Why We Procrastinate in Psychology Today) Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:50 Synonyms for â€Å"Leader†225 Foreign Phrases to Inspire You20 Classic Novels You Can Read in One Sitting

Using Image And Video Can Affect Student Learning Outcomes Essay

Using Image And Video Can Affect Student Learning Outcomes - Essay Example With experimentation during learning, students have a feeling of ownership of their learning and enhance the motivation to learn even more since most students see experiments in science as being much enjoyable compared to classes without practical tests. A student can make logic out of a topic, the reason the methods of practice creating a real phenomenon in the learning environment. Through practicing and seeing problems, students are motivated to develop a critical attitude towards issues enabling them to come up with real-time solutions for them. Practical work can up a student’s ability to conceptualize scientific facts and theories especially if the actual experimentation can illustrate and ultimately affirm the theory. As students participate in practical work, they involve themselves. Experiments in science also play a great role in molding manual dexterity skills and comprehensively enhance a student’s higher-level skills such as observation, measurement of scie ntific units as well as being deductive, predictive and conclusive. Experiments also play greater roles in boosting the students’ critical attitude. This ability to positively criticize existing scientific facts is what always leads to new discoveries in science. Students are also likely to give a scientific process a deeper scrutiny and cleverly come up with better ways of tackling experimental procedures. The habit of seeing problems and seeking for their solutions is always installed on the students through scientific problems.

Hogarth print and the enlightenment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Hogarth print and the enlightenment - Essay Example With his new art, he was able to reach countless audience by making engravings of the paintings and selling them at low prices1. He therefore created art for aristocratic patrons as well as the public sphere that came together through the print medium to reflect on issues of general concern. Generally, Hogarth’s work brought dynamic influences on the public sphere which developed into an entity able to generate new ideas and challenge beliefs that were supported by the state. His first ‘modern moral subject’ called A Harlot’s Progress was produced in 1732 and was succeeded by A Rake’s Progress produced in 1733-34. Hogarth’s masterpiece, Marriage a La Mode was painted in 1745. His other print series included Industry and Idleness produced 1748 in and The Four Stages of Cruelty in 1751. This paper is going to mostly dwell on the print Marriage a la Mode and how it might have conveyed the ideas of the Enlightenment to the British public2. Marriag e A La Mode Marriage a la Mode was by far the most enduring and popular of Hogarth’s moral subject series. The print tracks on a doomed marriage between a daughter from a wealthy man from lower social class and a son from a high status but financially troubled family3. This marriage is arranged by two opportunistic fathers; one, a rich representative of the London city who craves social status and aims to acquire it by marrying off his daughter and the other father, Earl of Squander who was a spendthrift nobleman and needed cash desperately which he finally gets it by marrying off his unprincipled, dandyish son. Since there were no considerations of love or even compatibility, the marriage is led into a path of self destruction. The print contains a set of six paintings which were subsequently made into engravings4. Plate one: the Marriage Settlement The scene establishes the just concluded negotiations for their children’s marriage between the Alderman who is seated a t the center and the Earl of Squander seated at the extreme right. While squander wants money to fund his overly exuberant lifestyle, the alderman is dying to achieve a higher social status for his family that he had to buy his way into aristocracy5. In the meantime their children are depicted to be indifferent and miserable at the proceedings. Viscount Squanderfield the son of Earl has just returned from the continent and is dressed in the recent Paris fashions. He has a black spot on his neck, an indication that he might be having syphilis. Alderman’s daughter on the other hand is being soothed by Silvertongue, the lawyer, though she looks inconsolable. The chained dogs make clear the fact that the couple’s marriage is loveless and ill-matched6. The Tete a Tete The scene is set in the west end of London in a Palladian style house. It is past midday as depicted by the clock far right on the wall, and still the viscount seems to have returned from a night out and is sl acked in a chair, tired and bored7. A dog is shown sniffing at some woman’s cap in his pocket. His wife as it seems, has also been awake all night apparently playing cards, but her satisfied stretch and sly look indicate that she too had been having sexual engagements and dissimilar to her indifferent husband, was at that moment enjoying the freshness of life as a stylish woman of leisure. Using a pocket mirror, she appears to be bespeaking to someone out of sight, perhaps her lover who as it looks like, had to exit in a hurry as a result of the

Comparing Two Dance Movements Essay Example for Free

Comparing Two Dance Movements Essay The two musicals that I will be comparing are Oklahoma and the West Side Story. Their dance movements, by comparing them both, I would say that they are both in different worlds, as West side story is based in the city and Oklahoma in the countryside so there are many differences however there are also many features of both the musicals that are similar. The dance scene in West Side Story is based in a gym with two different gangs, the Sharks and the Jets. These two sides are trying to out dance each other (mambo style), but the main part is when Maria and Tony meet each other. This is an important part of the musical as we now learn that from their first meeting that they are both attracted towards each other and the audience is expectant for more of this love story, however in Oklahoma we do not see Curly or Laurey as the dancing is the main part and the rivalry between the cowboys and the farmers is the main focus. This is the only thing we actually learn from the dance scene as it is the only time in the musical were the rivalry between the two lifestyles are shown in depth. In both of the musicals there is mentor that helps to calm the tough tension and attempt to have coalition between the two sides. The composer changes the music to establish the difference of this character with the other characters. In Oklahoma when the mentor appears the clear ‘umcha’ is not there anymore and not many brass instruments are being used, and there isn’t as many instruments used which could show the composer trying to show the authority of this character, but towards the end of his phrases are burst of brass instruments playing which gives a sarcastic tone, maybe showing how the people thought of advice. In West side story the composer has a different approach to the mentor. He uses a lot of brass instruments to give a silly approach to the activity organized by the mentor. It is like a fanfare which is catchy and is in simple time 4/4. The composer portrays him like this because as he tries to solve the conflict between the two sides, the mentor acts like a kindergarten teacher trying to stop children fighting. In terms of the lyrics or singing, Oklahoma is the musical that has the most singing and underscoring, this is probably because adding lyrics would help to convey the ar guments between cowboy and the farmer,  also the mentor sings as well to try and bring coalition. In west side story there isn’t much underscoring or singing, except the occasional shouting of words when they are dancing, this would be to show the support of their ‘team’ when dancing against their rivals. The musical styles with both of the dance movements are completely different, this is probably due to the different areas that they live in and the composer would use the dance music that would be related to the culture or the style of music where they would have come from. In west side story the dance style is mambo, and mambo is originally from Cuba and came over to America, so the dance doesn’t really go with the culture of the Brazilians or the Americans but however because it became popular in night clubs, resort hotels in the heart of New York and Miami, so by using this style of dance and music the composer wants to convey an ‘night out’, although in Oklahoma, the music is very much to do with their culture and style as it is countr y side music which the composer portrays very well. The main instrumental types he uses is the strings and the brass instruments. The strings are using a technique called the fiddling which is playing a series of notes very quickly and under this is the brass playing the ‘umcha’ part. The music is in simple time of 4/4 and is a catchy tune as nothing complicated is uses, just simple chord progressions which are all characteristics of folk/countryside music. The banjo is also used which is an instrument that you would use for country music as well. In West Side Story Bernstein makes the mambo piece quite busy and lively by including polyrhythms and many brass instruments and percussion instruments, this shows Bernstein trying to relate to the fast beats of the mambo but maybe of the business of the city. The part of the percussion is composed to be played very fast and is very complicated, this also helps to create a ‘lively city’ feeling. Towards the end of when the Sharks have just finished their dance section in preparation for the Jets dance section Bernstein by adding the percussio n that would play music that coincides with the Jets. For example, percussion is used and it plays in major second which is what the composer usually uses for the Jets so as well as showing them visually you can also know musically that it is the Jets, this also happens at the start of the gym scene when there is just the Jets dancing, and there is a music theme from the opening Jet song which was the . To distinguish both of them, the music for the Sharks the string instruments are used more  often and they style is more South American. The rhythm is still fast however there are not a lot of layers and the third beat is emphasized in some cases on the suspension note (falling to the resolution) this helps to create a salsa like feel in comparison with the Jets music with many syncopated rhythms and the instruments that they use are brass and percussion mainly and this gives a harsh type edge, which again might be to promote their modernisms. The difference is also set in Oklahoma between the farmers and cowboys. When it is the farmers section, it is mainly the violins fiddling as the ‘bass’, with the brass playing the main melody of ‘the farmer and the cowboy and also there is the ‘umcha’ again which gives it that country feel, however in comparison the cowboy’s music has a more syncopated rhythm and this time the brass are playing a clear bass. The composer has been almost adventurous in how he composed the music for the cowboys (towards the end, when the two dance separately) as the tune from the song is not played and sound like a separate tune. I would also say that the farmer’s music is more conjunct as the violin’s fiddling isn’t jumping around too much but in the cowboys section the brass melody jumps occasionally. Towards the end of the dance scene in west side story, this is when Maria meets Tony the music changes completely, with no connection to Jets or the Sharks music (however he still does have the augmented fourth just before they sing), and this shows how the composer wants the audience to feel both of their chemistry as though it is in a completely different world and he does this by completely reducing the pace, no more fast rhythms and it is striped of many instruments, leaving just a few percussion and the woodwind. When looking at the two musicals, you can see how both of the the composers use characters to move the story along, and both composers differentiate the opposing sides by altering the music however altogether, in my opinion, these two dance scenes are completely different because each composer has his approach to what he thinks the music should sound like in accordance to the story of the dance and the surroundings which it is based in.

Why Education is Important :: Education

Many students around the world today focus mainly one thing while they are in school; Career and income, but how do you achieve that? How does one get the career they want and the income they yearn? The answer is education several countries are known for their exceptional performance in academics and the pressure related to their education. Among those countries are China, India and Japan. These three countries share a lot in common; exceptionally bright students and a very rigorous education system that showers students with pressure from parents to perform exceptional in school. Anita Desai, who is the author of Studies in the Park, shows us how the much education is important in India. Studies in the Park is about a young man named Suno. Suno is ready to apply for college, but before he goes into college, he must pass the entrance exams for his college. Suno undergoes pressure from his parents to study hard and pass the entrance exams. Suno is always reminded from his pare nts that he expects good results from him and he should just be studying. Suno starts to get fed up with all the talks and his loud home, so he tries and find a new place to go and study; The Park. At the park he meets other students who are just like him; tired of all the noise at home and fed up from their parents nagging at them to study. Anita Desai’s Studies in the Park undoubtedly connects with the importance of education worldwide, pressure placed on students for education and the pressure for incentives offered for education globally. Many students are constantly faced with the same problem everyday: Education. Desai showed emphasis on the pressure that students from India face and how expectations rise every year. Desai’s story may have been a replica of her very own young life because she focused on one’s own belief in education and the freedom to choose for one’s own future career. Firstly, Students that are living in highly populated countries understand the importance of education far greater than students that are living in countries with extra amenities and a lot of neighborhoods. In Desai’s Studies in the Park, the main character Suno was always told by his parents that education was thought that Suno’s parents had is very similar to Obama’s thoughts.

Child Obesity Problem Essay

Abstract.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Child obesity has been a serious issue in America. Approximately a 1/3 of children populations are overweight or risk becoming overweight. Children are eating unhealthy foods with minimal nutritional value and the physical education programs are being cut of the school day. Since these are the major causes of obesity they spell doom for America. The Bill no S. 100 also known as Healthy Students Act of 2007 was introduced by Barbara Boxer the California Senator who is also an advocate of children and families. (www.govtrack.us). It advocates for the health of children in schools by promoting better nutrition and increased physical activities. American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the American Heart Association (AHA) support it. Major causes of obesity are lack of physical exercise combined with poor diet. A balance must be struck so that calorie intake does not outdo calorie utilization. Children need to burn up calories through physical activities. They should not over rely on inactive leisure activities like watching television, surfing the net and playing video games Childhood obesity is associated to various health effects like hypertension, diabetes and respiratory diseases illnesses for instance diabetes and high blood pressure. It is therefore an important national bill that will help save the children of America. However, its implementation could be delayed due to the legislative process that could take time. Again the taxpayers who are expected to fund it might oppose it. The Healthy Students Act of 2007 Bill no S. 100 is a bill that encourages the healthy of children in schools by promoting better nutrition and increased physical activities. It is a national bill that was sponsored by Barbara boxer of CA on January 4th 2007. (www.govtrack.us)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The bill requires the establishment of a pilot program providing grants to school districts or non-profit organizations for use in promoting healthy food alternatives under the school lunch and school breakfast programs. It amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a student loan forgiveness program for nurses who agree to employment as full-time nurses in elementary or secondary schools for 3 complete years. It also amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow corporations a tax deduction for the charitable contribution to a private foundation of exercise or gymnasium equipment for use by elementary and secondary school students.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The proposed policy is a federal legislation to be enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives. The legislation is very realistic and can therefore be successfully implemented. The federal government is expected to sponsor it. Currently it has been referred to the committee of finance and is in the process of deliberation. The proposal affects all people as it focuses on schools, which are heterogeneous in terms of gender, color or race. Members of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the American Heart Association (AHA) who supported the Healthy School Act in New York State support the policy. The American Diabetes Association is the nation’s leading 501(c) 3 non-profit health organization that provides diabetes research, information and advocacy. The American Heart Association is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to build healthier lives free from cardiovascular diseases and stroke. (www.americaheart.org) Barbara Boxer who introduced it supports it. She is the current senator of the state of California. She has been an advocate of children and family and it would suffice to say that she represents Californian as well as the children. The AHA and ADA represent the promotion of healthier lifestyles for children. They are concerned about the increased health risks associated with changing lifestyles for Americans and are focused to promote the good health of children.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   To support their positions the three parties have their arguments. Senator Boxer proposed the bill because children are eating unhealthy foods with minimal nutritional value and the physical education programs are being cut of the school day. AHA is concerned with promoting healthy lifestyles and lowering cholesterol levels through diet and physical exercise as well as preventing children from having cholesterol related health problems when they grow into adulthood. Americans should not be surprised by this policy. First, obesity in children is an issue that has attracted their concern and the dietary guidelines provided have been amended from section 9(a) of Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C 1758 a))   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This proposal is likely to be opposed by the local taxpayers. To fund proposal taxes may be imposed on them reducing their disposable incomes. Being forced to pay higher taxes may see them oppose the bill. Costs would be incurred as the programs to grow own food in schools and hiring of more physical education teachers would be incorporated. Another challenge that the bill faces is the legislative process, which may delay. The committees may reject them for instance the senate finance may hinder its proceeding from one position to the next.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Obesity among children has been increasing at alarming rates. People have adapted sedentary lifestyles and are not keen on the nutritional requirements of food. Convenience plays an important role in determining the food that one consumes. Approximately a 1/3 of children populations are overweight or risk becoming overweight. Childhood obesity is associated to various health effects like hypertension, diabetes and respiratory diseases. The major cause of obesity is lack of physical exercise combined with poor diet. (www.mayoclinic.com).   A balance must be struck so that calorie intake does not outdo calorie utilization. Although obesity in children affects people of all races, gender or color it has been observed that Africa American and Mexican American children are more likely to be overweight compared to non-Hispanic whites. It therefore suffices to say that people of color or the minority groups are more affected by obesity. Children of poor families are also more likely to be obese.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Regular consumption of pre-packaged food, fast food, soft drinks can cause obesity as they have quantities of calories and sugars. Consumption of vegetables and legumes is beneficial as they can help check on weight and cardiovascular diseases. Children are a critical population that needs more nutrients than human beings for their growth and development. Improving on the diet and exercising levels can help protect children’s health both at the current levels and in future. (Www.mayoclinic.com).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Physical exercises help burn out excess calories in the body. This helps reduce chances of acquiring illnesses for instance diabetes and high blood pressure. They also contribute to healthy bones and muscles. Children need to burn up calories through physical activities. (www.kidshealth.org).   They should not over rely on inactive leisure activities like watching television, surfing the net and playing video games. Families must play an important role in ensuring that their children stay healthy. Parents have a major role to play in influencing their children’s health. Parents are responsible for shopping and cooking in their homes and they determine the lifestyles to be adapted.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   They also set examples of the eating patterns as well as exercising patterns that to be adopted by their children. Parents should engage their children parents should engage their children in physical activities like swimming and jogging while at the same time ensuring that they provide healthy diets. Incorporating fruits and vegetables in their diets will be beneficial. Parents can also ensure that their children take food that is enough or that they eat with moderation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Mayo Clinic website section on childhood explains the signs, causes and problems that are associated with childhood obesity. It also provides ways by which families can control and prevent obesity in children. (www.mayoclinic.com). Another important website that addresses the costs and consequences that obese children face as well as their potential future with obesity and the weight related health care issue is the Junk Food Science. The Kids Health website provides important in-depth information to parents on how they should maintain their children’s health. It addresses the issues related to childhood obesity and its effects. Obesity in America organization website addresses the obesity issues. It focuses more on medical reasons for obesity.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Obesity in children increases their healthcare expenditure compared to non-obese children. Obese children are more likely to have laboratory-screening tests as medical staff belief that they are at greater risks. Their blood pressure levels or lab values for cholesterol are higher than for normal healthy children translating to the increased costs. They are screened for blood pressure, sleep apnea and orthopedic abnormalities. (Junkfoodscience.blogspot.com).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Advocacy groups that can be useful in combating obesity in the US include the Endocrine society and The Hormone foundation. The Endocrine society is the world’s largest and most active professional organization of endocrinologists in the world and it is dedicated to promoting excellence in research, education and clinical advancements in the endocrinology field. The hormone foundation is an affiliate of the endocrine society and its very important in disseminating information. It has established programs on childhood or pediatric obesity. It works hand in hand with the Congress and Federal agencies that impact policies dealing with obesity. (www.obesityinamerica.org).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Parents should be create time to prepare nutritious foods for their children. They should not opt for the quick fix that can harm their children’s health. Obese children can have problems with their self esteem as they can be teased or bullied by their classmates. Obesity in children causes psychological problems to them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Overweight children can have bone and joint problems. They increase their chances of developing asthma and they can experience shortness of breath making physical activities more difficult. They have restless or disordered sleep patterns that can affect their development. Tendency to mature earlier is also reported in overweight children and overweight girls tend to have irregular menstrual cycles and fertility problems in their later days. A stitch in time saves nine and adverse overweight effects can be counted if appropriate measures are taken.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Schools have contributed to the increased numbers of obese and overweight children in America. Lesser time is allocated to physical education programs and some schools have cut it altogether. Sedentary lifestyles in children have consequently aggravated. Although genetics may contribute to obesity in children, the impact may be reduced if physical exercises and strict dietary measures are followed. It could be difficult to establish if an obese child born of obese parents is obese due to the genetic factor or due to the family lifestyles. (Www.kidshealth.org).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Parents should set good examples by adhering to appropriate diets as well as participating in exercises. They should not reward good behavior with sweets as they have high sugar levels. Educating the children about the importance of healthy diets is necessary. Children could rebel if ultimate elimination of sweets, snacks or candies is done. They could find ways to access such foods in absence of their parents. Again imposing a specific physical activity on them should be avoided and a variety should be included.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The media plays an important role in favoring ‘unhealthy food’. children who see people favoring foods in fast foods or in cartoon shows have the mentality that such food is appropriate. They urge their parent’s to offer them such foods.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Children should eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. They also ought to get 30-60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercises each day depending on their age. (www.kidshealth.org). Grains provide energy needs for the child and includes whole meal bread, cereals and pasta. They give children energy to play and carry out important activities. Vegetables provide minerals and vitamins needed for good health. They also provide fiber that is important in aiding digestion. Milk is important as it provides vitamin A, D, calcium and proteins. Fats should be used sparingly on children. (Www.kidshealth.org)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Although the bill might never make it out of the committee or could be revised and incorporated in an already existing bill, I think this is a very applicable policy that can help save American children the consequences of obesity. Disseminating proper information to people through the media can work to curb child obesity. People should also take their own initiative to fight child obesity. References: Mayo Clinic staff. 2007. Childhood obesity. Retrieved on 23rd February 2008 from   http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/childhood-obesity/DS00698 Sandy Szwarc. 2007. Retrieved on 23rd February 2008 from   http://junkfoodscience.blogspot.com/2007/01/fat-children-burdens.html Endocrine Society and The Hormone Foundation. 2008.Retrieved on 23rd February 2008 from http://www.obesityinamerica.org/aboutus.html The Nemours Foundation. 2008. Kids Health. Retrieved on 23rd February 2008 from http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/ GovTrack.US. 2008. S. 100: Healthy Students Act of 2007. Retrieved on 23rd February 2008 from http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=s110-100