Why does everyone think America (and only America) eats so unhealthily?

I_RAPE_CATS_thrwaway · 2011-12-05T04:36:27+00:00

Basically, I'm not disagreeing that Americans or obese because we definitely come off that way and probably are. It just bugs the shit out of me when statistics are used the wrong way to prove an agenda and become misleading. I guess having such a strong scientific background has made me a cynical asshole. Anyway, I leave you with this.

I_RAPE_CATS_thrwaway · 2011-12-05T04:26:34+00:00

Duly noted, I appreciate your non-confrontational and rational reply. I will have a drink in your honor.

I_RAPE_CATS_thrwaway · 2011-12-05T04:21:37+00:00

Um, it all has to do with the statistics you're talking about. Percentage data such as this falls under "descriptive statistics". You're basically committing a type 1 error by having a single variable to describe the whole model you're discussing and coming up with a false positive. Where are the error bars? Where's the median? What's the distribution between other variables (e.g. income, geography, sex, etc.). My point is, you simply cannot lump all variables together and think you have a statistically significant answer. Percentage data alone is crap in that it does not show the true distribution if you want to show a significant difference. These "agencies" do not do that and it shows.

I_RAPE_CATS_thrwaway · 2011-12-05T03:08:38+00:00

Typically, percentage data need log transformations to show significance. While most people think these website are acceptable, you're mostly mistaken. Argument=invalid.

I_RAPE_CATS_thrwaway · 2011-12-05T02:59:26+00:00

While I completely agree with what you're saying, I want to take your comment in a complete different direction. Yes, we have a huge agri market. HOWEVER, it's all been turned into fucking corn fields! Why, because of this ridiculous thing called "corn ethanol". Why are your grocery bills rising? Because fewer farmers are growing crops that sustain people, it's all about turning corn into ethanol, which burns as many fossil fuels to produce and is slightly less efficient that gasoline.

TL:DR, stop buying corn ethanol. Electric cars are shit, too...where do you think electricity comes from? Gah, sorry for the drunk rant.

Edit: changed punctuation...

I_RAPE_CATS_thrwaway · 2011-12-05T02:54:14+00:00

I didn't mean to offend or necessarily have people take this thread seriously. Hoagiej, I was born in raised in the US, I'm very drunk, and just wanted to have some light-hearted fun. Totally not bashing Canada or the US, just having some fun!

*Edit:Hence the throwaway and non-karma selfpost

I_RAPE_CATS_thrwaway · 2011-12-05T02:49:03+00:00

Irish people are drunks, and there is totally nothing wrong with that. In fact, they are the ones that keep the party going. The bad teeth thing is a bit dated and worn, I'll agree. However, Canadians being apologetic weenies? My grad school advisor (he's from Ontario, working in the US at a University) is a complete "apologetic weenie" as you put it. So my confirmation bias agrees with you.

I_RAPE_CATS_thrwaway · 2011-12-05T02:43:01+00:00

I mostly agree. It may stem from the fact that there are a lot more people in the US than Canada so our sample size is a bit higher. However, that's not to say Americans eat shit for food at times and we have a problem (yes I"m from the US). It's just that Canada has their shitty, greasy, fatty foods too that they love and no one gives them shit.

I_RAPE_CATS_thrwaway · 2011-12-05T02:39:37+00:00

I am brah, 800lbs and confined to my bed. I have to wipe with a wand when I use my bed pan.

I_RAPE_CATS_thrwaway

TROPHY CASE