"Let's Move"

Michelle Obama plans to express to our nation the importance of nutrition and exercise with her campaign “Let’s Move” and her ability to set an example for the country. The use of using the correct contraction to enable the community to feel connected with the White House is a smart tactic to create a feeling of unity. Instead of saying how only the public should participate in the movement, the use of “Let Us” allows the country to feel as if we are all in this together. Her initiative is to encourage healthy eating habits and exercise among children. Obesity is a “big” problem in kids because their fat cell numbers increase during their growing years. In childhood and adolescence, the fat cells can multiply at a more rapid level. This biological influence combined with the environmental pressures of fatty foods, portion sizes and lack of physical movement is the reason why obesity is so high in not only America but internationally as well. Mrs. Obama has two children of her own, a further connection to the movement that creates a relation between the President’s family and the public. Obesity has been linked to various other diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Michelle Obama is trying to make children and parents aware of this epidemic. Her program suggests getting up and “moving.” Michele Obama not only preaches her beliefs but practices them as well. She planted a garden in the White House to ensure that her nutritionist and chef use fresh ingredients such as fruits and vegetables in their family dinners. She even has her own beehive for fresh honey. In addition to eating healthy, she is also active by taking part in activities such as hula hooping and yoga. It is so important to exercise because it helps burn the excess fat. What Mrs. Obama tries to explain in her interviews is that you don’t need to eat healthy foods all the time but can indulge in moderation and when combined with exercise. She says how she loves French fries, a food that is normally deemed unhealthy but in small portion sizes and in moderation, she can consume these indulgences if she continues to be physically active. By exemplifying the suggestions she puts forth, she is creating a model for parents and children. The title of the program is the perfect example of a carefully chosen Rhetoric in Civic Life.