Eisenhower's and Pollen's Worries About The Future of Modern Society

As many aspects of modern society are rapidly, us humans need to find out what is logical and moral. In Michael Pollan’s An Omnivore’s Dilemma, we find many similar topics that were stated in Eisenhower’s “Farewell Address,” such topics that grasp problems in the modern societal world. Pollan writes about his quest in seeking about the definite truth of mass food production. In the first section of An Omnivore’s Dilemma, “Industrial Corn,” Pollan explains the rising role of corn in food production and its importance in our everyday lifestyles. Likewise, in Eisenhower’s “Farewell Address,” Eisenhower states the possibilities of future changes in the government due to many changes during his time in office. In consideration of Eisenhower’s “Military Industrial Complex” speech, the former President’s worries about the future reflects in Part 1 of Pollan: “Industrial Corn” as these worries predicted start coming true such as: the stability of the lives of modern and future generations, the misuse of technological advancement, and the abused morals in the industries.

In Eisenhower’s speech and Michael Pollan’s book both state that modern generations are becoming more spoiled as promised future generations are torn apart metaphorically. Pollan believes that because the food industry is changing very rapidly, the future generations may be eating more artificially processed foods than modern generations are already are due to greed of money from the top food producing companies. After taking his wife and his son Isaac out to eat McDonald’s, he describes Isaac’s feelings and thoughts of the chicken nugget: “For Isaac, the nugget is a distinct taste of childhood, quite apart from chicken, and no doubt a future vehicle of nostalgia” (Pollan 112). As many young children witness cheap and tasty processed foods, they start to no longer expect the need for natural superfoods. Similarly, Eisenhower declares in his speech, “We cannot mortgage the material assets of our grandchildren without risking the loss also of their political and spiritual heritage. We want democracy to survive for all generations to come, not to become the insolvent phantom of tomorrow. ” Eisenhower worries about how national problems we face today will continue to burden the lives of the future generations and wants to make sure that those conflicts will soon come to an end. Yet, he states that in order to fix all conflicts, balance must be achieved.

Pollan and Eisenhower stress this topic because they both know that if current nationwide problems keep occurring and get worse, the generations of tomorrow may not have a such bright future. As stated by Eisenhower and Pollan, technology proves itself once again to change society rapidly and spread influence across the globe. Even though both writers point out the positive and negative side of technology, they both also mention that in general, technology is neither a good or bad tool. In his book, Pollan expresses that world peace is compared to simple actions people make, whether they’re farmers, locals, or CEOs. The world would truly be at peace if this were true, but unfortunately it is not. An endless cycle of stress is given to businesses affected by extreme competition between different brands, farmers affected by the pressure to mass produce yields of corn, customers affected while shopping at a supermarket to which is cheaper, and even animals that are affected by the complete switch in their diet. Pollan states, “It is very much in the interest of the food industry to exacerbate our anxieties about what to eat…” (Pollan 5). Pollan is concerned that these problems may have been caused due to the technological advancements. This can be compared to the beginning of Eisenhower’s speech, how he thanks the radio and television stations for assisting him in publicizing his final message nationwide. Ironically, he later says, “We yet realize that America’s leadership and prestige depend, not merely upon our unmatched material progress, riches, and military strength, but in how we use our power in the interest of world peace and human betterment. ” Eisenhower implies that although the nation is technologically advancing, we will always depend on the “world peace” that Pollan talks about. Both Eisenhower and Pollan believe that in order for this constantly occurring conflict to cease, technology should not be misused or abused but instead, to use it ethically and helpful towards positive causes.

The threats of future generations being harmed and the misuse of technology lead to a chain of abused morals in both excess food production and military strength. Pollan explains to the reader about how companies harvest the maximum amount of crops in the cheapest way possible by using GMOs and makes the food artificial instead of all natural. Pollan writes, “The economic logic behind corn is unassailable, and on a factory farm there is no other kind. Calories are calories, and corn is the cheapest, most convenient source of calories on the market” (Pollan 75). Farm animals are forced to live under harsh conditions, fattened up as fast as possible with the consumption of corn, then slaughtered and fed to humans. By applying the same industrial logic, certain companies have also fed cows their own rendered bovine meat and bonemeal in order to fulfill a cow’s protein intake, which is cannibalism.

Similarly, Eisenhower proposes that in order to create a balance, all citizens and the governments should learn to trust each other. Eisenhower says, “America’s leadership and prestige depend, not merely upon our unmatched material progress,riches, and military strength, but in how we use our power in the interests of world peace and human betterment. ” Eisenhower states that even though the U. S. manufactures strong weaponry and hosts a firm military, the government does not morally justify their own power. Both Pollan and Eisenhower point out the negative outcomes of the greed for money and power, and their final answer is to establish a balance between two levels of power. Michael Pollan and Eisenhower both explain similar concepts that occur nationwide and how these conflicts can further hurt our country. Applying the same industrial logic to military power and food production, they agree that saving the current and future generations, using technology wisely, and applying positive and justified morals can create this “balance” that Eisenhower keeps on going on about. The final lesson is to pave the way and forge better lifestyles for the generation of tomorrow.