These are the main points to reflect on. Please write as an essay, do not make lists or write this as a list. This should not be like the proposal in that way. Please write it like a paper with appropriate essay-like headings/formatting. 

We’re looking for depth in your reflection of how the conversation went. Per the syllabus, this essay should be 600-800 words.  We’re looking forward to hearing your thoughts! 

1. Whom did you choose for your dialogue, and why?
2. Describe the dialogue. (Where were you?  What topic did you choose to talk about? How did you start?  How long did it last? How did it end?)
3. What was it like to try and dialogue outside of the classroom about a topic you chose with people you chose?
4. What is a moment from the conversation that reminded you about something that happened in class? Please know you can (and maybe should) keep the details of the conversation out of this response, we just want the lessons
5. What did this experience teach you about the benefits and limitations of dialogue?

easy to understandinggood grammar

1

Zhang

Wenjia Zhang

COMN 2000

Professor Cody Walizer & Neda Kikhia

Feb 19, 2021

Personal Dialogue Proposal

1. After serious consideration of what I would like to have my dialogue about, I have decided to talk about obesity, a major menace in the United States. Obesity has become a significant health issue in the United States. The number of obese individuals is rising every year. Obesity is a slow-motion crisis that is striping health. This issue is a matter of public health, social and political issues. Further, it is fraught with conflict as race and class. I want to focus specifically on the stigma surrounding obesity, the effects on an individual, the role of the government and media, and how it is a personal responsibility. Now, holding this conversation with an obese individual can be challenging. I know this because I have firsthand experience with obesity.

I am interested in people’s views about obesity because it is happening in the 21st century, even with so much knowledge. I also would like to discuss personal experiences with obesity. Further, obesity has become a healthcare plan during the COVID-19 pandemic and created a greater need to rethink how we view and treat obesity. I agree there is much progress in better understanding the science of weight regulation and treatment options, but discussing weight with a healthcare provider, friend, or loved one remains a challenge. I hope to gain a broader understanding of how obesity view in this dialogue.

2. I chose this topic because obesity is a health problem that we need to talk about without blaming who should have done better. The primary cause of obesity is lifestyle habits like unhealthy eating, lack of physical exercise, and other unhealthy habits. However, we cannot ignore that some people are fighting more significant battles that lead to these habits. Further, the impact of this menace feels by everyone. Looking at the statistics on obesity, it is devastating, depressing, and terrifying. However, I believe that an individual has a more prominent role in fighting obesity because it all starts from personal choices influenced by other factors. Therefore, I feel it is crucial to be informed and talk about this topic even when this conversation is hard to hold. I want this dialogue to help me understand a broader range of what people believe about obesity and how personal choices cause it yet affect everyone in society.

My stake in the matter is I am part of society experiencing the impact of obesity, and I am very familiar with the feeling of being obese and being stigmatized. I hope the future generation has access to healthy eating and can make informed choices without influence from media advertising. My stake in this is I have been directly affected by obesity, being obese at some point in my life.

This topic is increasingly salient for me to talk about, especially advocating for healthy lifestyle habits. I would indulge in junk eating and carbonated drinks at any time of the day without a care in the world. Now that I have changed my lifestyle choices, I do not regret my past indulgence, but I would not want someone else to experience what I went through during that phase of my life. Further, this topic is essential because whenever a conversation about obesity arises, I am always interested in providing my opinion. Unhealthy lifestyle habits can become an addiction because junk food tastes better or carbonated drinks quench the thirst better than green tea. Thus, I know talking about this topic is essential for future generations as well. I realized that overweight people care about their weight, whereas, in reality, they are still doing to lose some weight. Unhealthy lifestyle habits can become an addiction because junk food tastes better or carbonated drinks quench the thirst better than green tea. Thus, I know talking about this topic is essential for future generations as well.

3. Looking at my identity, I am Chinese. In China, most people’s aesthetic is usually thinner more beautiful. However, I was bully for being obese before. I was lucky to have not experienced extreme harassment and bullying because of my weight. I still remembered I spent nights crying, depressed, and feeling like giving up in life. Thus, I decided to try all the way to lose weight. However, some people succumb to the stigma and bullying.

My experiences have influenced my opinion on how people treat obese individuals. I was overweight for a period of my middle school and high school. Since I can remember, my weight was never a topic frequently discussed in my family. It was rarely mentioned directly to me. I know some families make their children incredibly aware that they are overweight, hiding snacks and counting calories. I believe this causes a whole different set of extremeness in body image. I have several experiences, like being the first one on the bus after school then I can avoid bumping into anyone through the tiny school bus aisle. In 8th grade, I have a group of skinny friends who could share clothes, and I could stand around while they do it. These friends did not tell me directly I did not belong.

4. For this dialogue, I chose my mother, my high school friend, and a nutritionist. I feel my mother will benefit from a family perspective. Issues like how to ensure the child does not feel isolated. I want to see how much she remembers about me overweight that period. My high school friend will be friends with a fat person and ensure her decision without other people’s views. I am interested in knowing how she viewed me and confirmed I do not feel left out. The nutritionist will provide information about a healthy lifestyle and obesity in general. He has played a critical role in my journey.

5. To prepare for my dialogue, I will be going to ask all parties to do several things. First, all of us need to know what we are talking about based on experiences, feelings, and knowledge. Second, I will show them a PowerPoint presentation that describes the differences between dialogue, debate, and discussion. there are four people in this dialogue, therefore, it can incline towards a debate. So, it is important to clarify that. Third, I will provide them with my questions a day before the dialogue for them to think through their beliefs, experiences, and their opinions on this topic. I emphasize on the power of silence and listening without interruption. This way we will have a meaningful conversation. For community agreements, I will present the ones we came up with as a class and present them during the dialogue. I hope we have a meaningful conversation.

6. The Dialogue Questions:

1. What is your view about bullying and harassment of overweight individuals?

2. How do unhealthy lifestyle habits affect obesity and how can we overcome them?

3. Have your views changed over your lifespan and what influenced the change?

4. What was your view about obesity growing up?