Patel (2007) emphasises the power of large corporations to control
consumers’ food choices. Such corporations are guided by the motivation profit,
corporations that sell our food shape and constrain how we eat and how we think
about food (Patel, 2007). For example,
supermarkets restrict the variety of apples to a specific few varieties due
their look, their taste is mostly unobjectionable, they can stand transport
over long distances, their skin will not tear or blemish in the distance
between the orchard and the aisle and they take well to the waxing technologies
and compounds that make transportation possible and keep the apples pretty on
the shelves (Patel, 2007). Many virtual networks are run by large corporations,
too.
The virtual network of Townsville Free Stuff is controlled by a
local Townsville administrator, but is subject to the large corporation of
Facebook. SNS, such as
Facebook, have also exhibited influence in shaping our lives such as how our social
boundaries evolve through language (Schoon & Cain, 2011).The Oxford English
Dictionary named “unfriend” the word of the year in 2010. Oxford defined
“unfriend” as a verb meaning to “remove (someone) from a list of friends or contacts
on a social networking site” (Schoon & Cain, 2011, p 70). Slang terms and
new phrases from social networks are routinely added to our language (Schoon
& Cain, 2011). As for control over our lives, previous blogs have covered
rules and regulations and Facebook’s control over our profile through human
engagement with software. Facebook has
the share control over user’s profile and privacy settings through its guide
questioning within its software. It also
has the potential to influence and shape our lives through advertising of
businesses and apps.
While Facbook’s purpose is
social networking and Townsvilles Free stuff is stuff exchange, there is a role
for food and food accessories within this virtual network. As shown by my last blog, one member collects
items from Townsville’s Free stuff to add to the community gardens he builds,
which not only builds the gardens but form part of his identity, builds a
community and networks within reality. Stuff given away on Townsville’s Free
Stuff include items that go with food – for example bbq, platters, containers.
Muffin stands, a frying pan
and a table to eat off, along with a toaster, kettle, refrigerator and a
cocktail cup are a few of the latest offerings. Photos of all food accessories
are on the site so as to give the audience an idea of the condition the items
on offer. So far, I have not seen any
recipes or cookbooks on offer
Advertising is banned on
the network site, however, the Facebook does provide some advertising down the
right hand side of the page. The
advertising changes all the time and varies as to what is advertised. Advertising includes suggested other similar
sites, friends/people I might know, apps I might like, and general advertising
that has at times included exercise and weight loss businesses, links to win
shopping vouchers at supermarket to name a few.
Obesity, regardless of affluence
or poverty has become an issue highlighted in both readings this week. Evidence
shows that food advertising does indeed affect people's diet (Atkins and
Bowler, 2001). Patel (2007) states that the ‘perversity of the way food comes
to us is that it’s possible for those who cannot afford to eat now can become
obese’ (p 5). As obesity has become a
social issue, advertising to resolve this issue have appeared on social
networking site such as Facebook.
Alcohol has very little
role in the virtual network. The only
reference I have seen to alcohol on Townsville’s Free site is the reference to
abide by local by-laws on the selling of alcohol.
Reference List
Atkins, P., Bowler, I. (2001). Food in Society: Economy, Culture,
Geography. New York: Oxford Press.
Patel, R. (2007). Stuffed and Starved: Markets, Power and the Hidden Battle for the World
Food System. Melbourne: Black Inc.
Schoon, E., Cain, C. (2011). Facebook Boundaries. Context, 10 2, 70-71.
Image credit
No comments:
Post a Comment