The Effectiveness of Pollan's Argument

The question of what to eat or not to eat has not been a serious issue until the past century. Most people relied on their culture, family, and common sense of what works to make this decision until recently with the advent of nutritional science. Michael Pollan reveals problems with nutritional science and presents information on healthy eating in his book In Defense of Food. Michael argues that the diet taken on by America, often called the Western diet, of processed foods is unhealthy and most likely the cause of most of the chronic illnesses that people suffer from who eat the Western diet. He also argues that the large industries and misguided nutritional science are much to blame for this and that returning to a more natural diet will help restore our health and the food environments we disrupt. Pollan’s case is delivered in a way that appears logical, feels personal, and offers much support and appeal to his argument.

Michael Pollan uses a tone that is very appealing. He speaks in a personal way, as if he is on level with the reader. He speaks as if he is a friend and an advocate of food for both the simple and learned. As if having a conversation with the reader as a friend, Pollan relates his argument in first person. This style of writing brings the argument to the reader and involves them in the thinking process and revelation of facts. The reader then feels inclined to let down his or her guard and be receptive to the information Pollan has to present, which is a very good strategy for a persuasive piece of literature. He asks questions in a personal and applicable manner and his suggestions are presented in a way that seems helpful and insightful. Pollan also includes the reader into “we” and “us” once he presents his argument, which shows an assumption that the reader is now part of his movement and ideals, or at least considering his stance. This is also a disarming tool, if one is not offended by this assumption. Pollan’s tone makes him feel more as a friend than a persuasive writer and drives home his point, making it feel closer to home and urgent, proving to be an effective tool.

Pollan also uses great form to present his argument in an effective manner. Michael’s stance and information is presented in an organized and logical structure. His exposition begins with a rich introduction, laying out a summary of his stance, raising questions, and presenting facts about food, the Western diet, nutritionism, and the food industry. He also presents his motto “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly vegetables.” This serves as an effective way to ensnare the attention of the reader by presenting a bite of his argument to leave a taste and longing in the reader’s mouth for more. Pollan fleshes out enough to present a logical case that appeals to the reader’s common sense, yet leaves the true meat of his argument for the proceeding chapters. The first section of the book deals with the issues of how the Western diet became what it is, defining the science and ideals that brought it about (nutritionism and reductionist science for specific examples), and bringing forth facts, problems, and fallacies of said ways of thinking and acting. The second section of the book deals with bad science, health issues, research, and the steps that nutritionism has taken to lead the Western diet to where it is. In these sections Pollan virtually bombards the reader with fact after fact until it is nearly unbearable, and then he seems to take a short break where fresh air is offered between chapters and lighter subject matter, before going into another torrent of information. This method provides an ever building and overwhelming wall of evidence that persuades the reader to at least consider his argument, if not believe it, yet it is done in a sincere and personal manner. Michael also presents his subjects and information in a logical order, either chronologically or subjectively, much in the way of laying bricks for his “wall of evidence,” slowly and solidly building up. The third section of his book presents a “where the rubber meets the road” set of information. Here Pollan clarifies and thoroughly explains his suggested lifestyle and way of eating, which he sums up in the motto “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” He offers a chapter for each phrase and thoroughly explains each with many points, applications, insight, and information. He doesn’t seem to push his suggestions onto the reader, but instead seems to presents his suggestions with open-endedness. Pollan’s form here seems to be that of suggesting a new lifestyle to a friend, it is almost as if he is liberating the reader from a poor lifestyle of eating. This section is almost like a breath of fresh air after his copious amounts of information and is welcomed by the reader who has just had his or her mind flooded with facts. It provides means of application for all of the information and when the reader is contemplating the forms of application, he or she is cognitively thinking of ways that they would work out in his or her personal life. This further embeds the argument into the reader’s mind and serves as another effective literary device.

In conclusion, Michael Pollan’s argument is made effective by his use of strong literary skills, logic, form, and tone. His effective presentation offers the reader a healthy and insightful view whether it is believed or not and is a quality piece of literature.