The Omnivore's Dilemma (Ch 12-13), They Say I Say (Ch 4-5), Writer's Resource (p. 21-51) response + outside source

Chapters 12 and 13 of "The Omnivore's Dilemma" (Pollan) decribed the food and collective processes of Joel Salatin, the grass farmer who sets the high bar in being "organic." Salatin raises a variety of animals for meat on a large grassy field farm, but looks to raising grass first (as this sustains everything else). Few to no artificial processes exist; the animals are kept in barn-style pens at night (not cages as elsewhere), and are put into pasture in a rotating daily schedule. No fertilizers or vitamins are used, and much of the labor is done manually. Any farm products are then distributed into local markets (less than 1/2 day's drive away). Explicit detail was given to the nature of the livestock at the time of slaughter; chickens, for example, were killed in the most moderate numbers by hand (being bled out) before being plucked and drained by the few machines on the farm, and finally being cut open and removed of organs completely manually. All this was done under a small awning in a seperate field, using the sun to disinfect. The meat was then sent to local businesses, farmers markets, or the farm's main store itself for sale. Truly, the definition of "organic" is set by Salatine, who lives this concept in every concievable manner.

The mission for Salatin, it seems, is to be organic as possible without being condemned by the public eye. This organic system (self sustaining pastures, livestock, and distribution solely to local markets) is of great benefit; the animals are healthy naturally, are allowed loving human contact (by farmers, customers, or gawking visitors), are fed and rotated that the grass is well kept by preening and growth control, and have better taste/quality in the end. Additionally, less is spent on advertising (local trust and word of mouth are relied upon), and community bonds are strengthened by not only eating locally, but eating better as a result. As with all things, there are downsides; costs of food are higher (non-industrial farming aims for quality, not quantity, in market), the buying market is more limited, and the government constantly hounds Salatin for killing animals in the sun rather then in enclosed facilities. It all comes down to a great question literally plaguing the nation today; would one rather have satisfying higher-cost food, or food that, while cheap, never seems to satisfy? Salatin personifies the first, practicing and defending it with heart and soul.

Chapters 4 through 5 of "They Say I Say" (Graff) detail how to make one's arguement in accordance with the main point presented, and outside reference. Essentially, one needs to put their arguement into the form of a prompt summarizing the values they are trying to express; here, "what I say" is presented, response and much of the paper's backbone coming forth. One needs to make their arguement while not straying off target, and move outside resources to agree/disagree with the main point to ultimately prove it, all in a simutaneously personal and professional manner. Though some distinguishment is needed between fact, personal opinion, and outer research, overall flow is crucial.

Pages 21 through 51 of "A Writer's Resource" (Maimon) entailed how critical it is in any writing undertaking to have solid connection between the point put forth, its portrayal, and its reception by others. Many different errors can occur that may disrupt the connection between reader, author, and point, ultimately rendering the project a waste. Circular reasoning, for example, puts forth only the author's view in backing a point, not taking others into account and dissuading them as a result (good on author's part, bad on that of display and outside reception). This is not limited to literary works; visual aids need to keep strong bonds between, presenter, point, and audience. Unconsciously adhering to, say, bandwagon (assuming common knowledge on something when really the knowledge is diverse or unheard) is an error on a creator's part, which affects what others see and interpret (reception and portrayal may be acceptable, but author is wrong). Being critical overall is a necessity in any writing/explanatory feat.

Outside Source:
Piaget, Jean. "Ads For Unhealthy Foods Increase Children's Consumption 45%."
http://www.spring.org.uk/2009/11/ads-for-unhealthy-foods-increase-childrens-consumption-45.php

Jean Piaget's article "Ads For Unhealthy Foods Increase Children's Consumption 45%" explained how the rising amount of fat in the American people can be attributed to rise in advertisement of fatty foods. Through several surveys and tests, it was found that more people were likely to buy/consume advertised food than non-advertised (explaining the popularity of McDonalds vs that of, say, vegetarian living), especially those of younger years. The latter concept is used by businesses with a vengeance; younger customers will likely stay with one company's products as they age, creating dependable business clients, as they spread good news to friends and kin, and of course stay long with the company. Through advertising, an unconscious mental association is forged between a product and its desire by a person. An example is advertised low fat yogurt; through commercials and other advertising, it becomes mentally asscociated in a strong manner with food. Thus, when someone hungers for a snack, they will likely go for low-fat yogurt, benefiting the product's producers. Advertising is powerful, and large companies (like McDonalds or Yoplait) with large advertising budgets can get the most word out in America's capitalist society, securing both their own position and that of public health.