Show respect to young, old alike
Q. Would you please talk about two things in your column? The first is pretty straightforward. I became curious about chemical additives in our food when I read that the FIFA team from Norway brought their own food to the U.S., rather than let their team eat American food. I asked you to post it on social media, since your platform is a lot larger than mine. I was curious. I hoped others were concerned and I’d find out more. It turned out many people were, which was encouraging, but a few adults’ comments were rude and disdainful. Which led me to my second concern. It doesn’t apply to you, Mary Jo. You respect people my age. But I wonder why so many adults treat teens as if we have no problem-solving skills and cannot think for ourselves. – 15-year-old
Mary Jo’s Response: I’d like to look at your second concern first.
I’ve been honored to serve teens for over five decades. During that time, I’ve witnessed some of the disrespect you mention. Even when I was a teen, a long time ago, I felt ignored among certain groups of adults. I share to underscore that, despite living in very different times and cultures, some things held true in my adolescence and in yours.
However, I was also fortunate to be surrounded by adults who respected me and sought my opinion. My parents, my immediate family, my teachers, my youth minister at my church – all of these adults not only heard my concerns, but they also endeavored to respond to my questions and ease my curiosity.
I tend to look for the good in humans, although I’m not naïve. It may help to realize not everyone who is biased about young people is aware of the prejudice. Unconscious bias is an automatic, unintentional preference or stereotype that affects how people perceive and interact with others, often without being aware of it. A type of unconscious bias is ageism. Ageism is discrimination based on an individual age. The two life seasons typically held in disrespect are the young, especially teens, and the old/elderly. In both situations, I find it comforting to know most people are kind and respectful to others throughout their lifespan. I also try to react with respect, not assuming my gray hair will make someone dismiss my thoughts. It may help you to do the same. Interact with adults who hear you and honor your voice.
As to your first concern, I’m not a nutritionist, but I did some research on the issue of additives in food. It’s complicated. In some areas, it appears we are not as protected from chemicals as citizens of other nations, especially some European ones. In others, assumptions and “unconscious bias” may be coloring our perception of reality.
For example, I searched the rationale for Norway’s actions. It was not what I thought.
I found this quote from the Norway team’s head chef Aron Espeland. He said the practice is standard for elite athletes and aims to maintain consistency in players’ diets and offer a comforting “taste of home” during the demanding tournament. Mr. Espeland explained: “When athletes are competing at the highest level, consistency is important. The players are used to certain products and flavours, and familiar foods can contribute both to nutrition and overall well-being during a demanding competition.”
I’m sure we can research and find the truth about chemicals in foods. Let’s both do so, and I’ll address our findings in next week’s column.
Have a question? Send it to Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski’s email podmj@healthyteens.com.