Body Ritual Among the Nacirema mocked the American people for their unnecessary routines and habits for getting ready in the morning, and for placing such a high priority on physical appearance and personal hygiene. Horace Miner even called out Americans for visiting the dentist, or the "holy-mouth men," twice a year, despite the fact that their teeth will inevitably decay and rot.
Reading this made me think of my late great-grandmother, Margaret "Tat" Heintz, who I was named after. Grandma Tat was an activist. At her funeral, pictures were displayed of her protesting and volunteering her time for reform. A newspaper clipping of her fighting against adding fluoride in the public water stuck in my mind.
Fluoride is a chemical used in toothpaste and other oral products to create strong and healthy bones. For those without access to proper oral care, it was added to the tap water to reduce tooth decay.
However, too much exposure to fluoride has been linked to bone disease known as skeletal fluorosis, thyroid problems, and tooth discoloration, especially in children. It can be given to newborns when formula is made with tap water including fluoride. Fluoride can also cause acne and reproductive issues.
This concept makes me question how many invisible substances, chemicals, and additives are in my food and my health products. What are the companies and industries that make these products telling me, and how much of it is the truth? While fluoride is beneficial in preventing tooth decay, is it still okay to put into everybody's public water, even without their say? Do Americans need to ask more questions about the products that they use, and the routines they follow?
Wow, I really like your personal anecdote! You also bring up an interesting point with additives, I think more transparency between consumers and corporations would go a long way in finding the middle ground.
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