What message are we really giving? (was CSPI)

January 9, 2009

Monika, was able to express some sentiments I have. In the end, is it our

intentions that are going to matter, or is it the harm we made because we

weren't careful to assess the potential mixed or even harmful messages? My

idealistic self asks why is it that people and organizations resort to

sensationalism (e.g. exaggerating the effects of a food), scare tactics, and

arrogance (e.g. elevating their status by making others look stupid. They

are the experts, you know) to get a " well intentioned " message across? Are

there better ways to accomplish the same thing? They get attention they

want, but in the end, how much is their message discredited and trusted? I'm

speaking in generalities here. This is not just for CSPI, it is for RDs, and

any other person and organization in this world. I like a lot of the

information that CSPI provides. I don't agree with everything they say or

do. I have also found this with other organizations (and there are some that

are worse) and all I wish is that I didn't have to deal with the muck of

name-calling, finger-pointing, ridiculing, etc. when trying to get to the

really useful and objective information. I spend so much time teaching my

children to be kind to one another, not to be egoistic and to value and

respect others, only to have to deal with this junk among adult

professionals.

I also have to express my appreciation for this group. I have been

encouraged at how the group members have been able to have different views

yet be able to discuss it with civility. I have learned much from all of

you.

Enjoy your weekend,

Renata

>

> We get so caught up in trying to be the experts, and to know

> everything, and to be sure the public knows we know how to correctly

> spell every antioxidant name correctly, that we forget that for the

> average American, it's really about " what should I have for dinner

> tonight? "

>

--

Renata Mangrum, MPH, RD.

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