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that a show like Man v. Food is so popular when so many people suffer from hunger and obesity?

“Why Is It…?” was designed by Dr. Steiner to address readers’ questions about human behavior from a social psychological perspective in order to inform and stimulate dialogue about the ways in which our thoughts, feelings and behaviors are influenced by the presence of other people. Dr. Steiner holds a Ph.D. in Applied Social Psychology. In addition to working as a university professor over the last 15 years, she conducts individual and group consultations in matters of social relationships and behavior. Readers are invited to submit their questions anonymously in one paragraph or less to Dr. Steiner at [email protected].

Q: Why is it that a show like Man v. Food is so popular when so many people suffer from hunger and obesity?

A: For those who are unfamiliar with this program – a bit of background is in order.

Man v. Food airs on the Travel Channel on Wednesday nights (10 pm EST). In this “Reality” show, the host, Adam Richman, travels around the country bellying up to outrageous food “challenges” posed by a variety of restaurants. These food “challenges” test challengers’ ability to chow down enormous quantities of food in a limited time frame. Examples include eating a 12lb. hamburger, an 11 lb. pizza, a 7 lb. breakfast burrito, or a 3 ft. bratwurst in 60 minutes or less.

As Richman attempts each challenge, he’s surrounded by cheering crowds of diners as he aspires to stuff the mega-portions into his mouth within the allotted time. When he succeeds, he reigns victorious, boasting “In the battle between Man v. Food – man won!” In cases where he fails, the food is simply discarded.

In researching your question, I found that the show (originally airing in 2008) has received the “highest-ever ratings” pulled by a Travel Channel program. Even the Green Bay Press-Gazette quoted a reporter stating that “it’s all in good fun” – when referring to the program’s content. But while millions of Americans settle in front of their televisions to join in the “fun” – staggering rates of hunger and starvation plague individuals in our nation and around the world.

Statistics from 2008 (the year the show began) reveal that 17.3 million households in America suffer from malnutrition and hunger – and since 2000 – these rates have doubled! World-wide, over 100 million suffer from starvation and 15 million children die of hunger annually. Most shocking is the statistic that every three seconds, someone dies from starvation, meaning that, in the time it takes Richman to cram down a meal that could easily feed a family of four – hundreds of people will have died from lack of food. Simply put – during each 30-minute episode of Man v. Food 600 people die of starvation!

In the face of such startling contrasts, your question is a substantial one. Why is it, indeed? With the Haiti crisis representing only one of many – how can Americans glorify and boast such gluttony in the face of such life-threatening deprivation? Are we really so insensitive and oblivious to the plight of our fellow humans that we allow ourselves to consider this flagrant and hedonistic decadence as a form of entertainment?

It was surprising to learn that Richman holds a B.A. in International Studies and an M.A. in Drama – leading me to conclude that anyone well educated in international affairs would require a healthy dose of dramatic “acting” to engage in such outlandish behaviors in exchange for monetary gain and celebrity status.

But the question targeted in this column is not really about Richman’s conduct or intent – but rather why this show is so popular in the face of such turmoil. Further research revealed that the U.S. government has now replaced the term hunger with very low food security when labeling those faced with dangerous levels of malnutrition. This shift in terminology stimulates public perception to liken hunger to some underlying personal deficiency – insinuating that the hungry are somehow “nutritionally challenged.” However, it’s estimated that 1/3 of all American food ends up in landfills – and if only 5 percent of this waste was salvaged – it could feed over four million people daily! Therefore, it’s not that the hungry have “very low security” – it is that we, as a society, appear to have “very low sensitivity, accountability and compassion” for those in need.

Even with the hunger issue aside – America boasts the highest rate of obesity (and obesity related diseases) on the planet. It’s no coincidence that the sponsors of Man v. Food are none other than diet aids, medical insurance, and antacids! When viewing commercial programming, one must learn to see with a critical eye. We’re deliberately encouraged to gorge ourselves into states of physical and moral illness in order to serve the profit agenda of corporate interests (as they provide the products and treatments for overuse of those products). Until, and unless, we wake up to this realization – in the battle of Man v. Food – we will all remain losers.