The Media Encourages Negative Social Behavior Towards Gluten-Free Dieters

[Scott Adams]

Gluten-free, food allergies and celiac disease have reached the media in the form of jokes and ridicule. This is a serious development because the media influences viewer's day-today reactions to various social situations. In many ways, TV becomes a role model for social interactions. DeVault (1991) says that "an enormous body of science, literature and even humor tells us how a middle-class man and woman might 'do' family life" (p. 16). This is the fundamental reason why the media jabs about gluten-free and food allergies are so impactful. What we see on TV, we emulate in life. If 'doing gluten free' is something to be ridiculed, as with the examples below, then those of us with food allergies need to unite our voices to be heard in public forums to change this practice.

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[Jmg]

It's a good article and an interesting approach. Just on this point about why food sensitivities trigger so much negativity, I  think it's because they jar with the non sufferers view of the food as safe and desirable. How can something be wrong with it when I eat it without a problem? Because no-one wants to think their food is dangerous this quickly turns into a negative judgement on the person with the food sensitivity. 

 

[sheilaroysheila]

I live in Portmouth hant's and yes! i have come across people who think i am being ackward or it's not a real complaint, it's all in the mind etc etc.

I sometimes travel away with my friend and the hotels say they will cater for allegies...(Laugh out loud) last four times. I was only offered gluten free toast . Chicken and veg  but all the patatoes had some form of coating on them The meat came out with either sauces or gravy When i asked if it was gluten free sauce or gravy and could they please tell me did they cook in vegetable oil  I began to feel as if I was being difficult and faddy The catering staff do not all understand about gluten and how all food for someone being Celiac needs to be all free from. I get reduced to eating a lot of eggs while away,plus veg ,fruit Also i go searching out the local supermarkets looking for something nice to eat. Why is it so difficult.