Juvenal's Satire and Social Problems in US

Obesity

'How big and how many are his dessert dishes?’

Obesity is a huge issue found in the United States. One of the greatest cause to obesity is the oversized food portions. In the quote found in Juvenal’s Satire III, this question reflects the exact cause of obesity. Asking how BIG the dishes is taking into account how much food is placed on the dishes. More importantly, it talks about “dessert dishes”. A great rising concern that stems from obesity the increase in processed foods which contains high levels of sugar in them. Many eat these on a regular basis as their staple diet leading to obesity. 

Although during the Roman times, obesity may not have been issue but they did have a practice of overeating and throwing all their food up so that they could eat more. This is a huge concern as it is essentially an unhealthy practice of eating and shows the inability to control portion sizes. Not only does this impact on health but on the mindset as well. In Juvenal’s Satire III, the context in which this question was posed was a way to judge a man’s wealth. How much food they could serve showed wealth, worth and power. Although in American society today, portion sizes may not be a measure of wealth but there is definitely a norm that larger portion sizes brings more satisfaction to the person. How much they can eat shows how much they enjoy the food. 

So in both societies bigger portion sizes are seen as better, people want it and more satisfactory to the soul.

Same-sex Marriage

One prolongs his eyebrows with some damp soot staining the edge of a needle, and lifts up his blinking eyes to be painted; another drinks out of an obscenely-shaped glass, and ties up his long locks in a gilded net; he is clothed in blue checks, or smooth-faced green; the attendant swears by Juno like his master. (Juvenal’s Satire II)

In recent years, the problem of same-sex marriage has been accelerating in the United States. Many states has not officially legalized marriages between the same gender. This is a problem especially due to the attack on values and concepts of marriage. In Juvenal’s Satire II describes men dressing up as women - in fact, it goes into deep description of the way he does the eyebrows and ties his “long locks”. Although it is not directly related to same-sex marriage but it shows a direct attack on the social norms and values in society. Making themselves look more feminine was not an ideal social norm in the Roman time. More than just the appearance itself, it shows how gender roles are shifting, changing and being twisted. One problem with same-sex marriage is it causes a lot of confusion as to what roles of a husband, wife, mother and father should be like as either gender can assume that role. This confusion has an impact on the development of children, on religious institutions and how we perceive our identity in our society today as well as in Roman times. 

Poverty

It is no easy matter, anywhere, for a man to rise when poverty stands in the way of his merits: but nowhere is the effort harder than in Rome, where you must pay a big rent for a wretched lodging, a big sum to fill the bellies of your slaves, and buy a frugal dinner for yourself.

Poverty is another huge social problem in the United States. It is not that children are starved but many families are living in a situation where their wage cannot support themselves at all. What they are earning is not sufficient to buy food for their family, to pay for rent and to provide an education for their children. In Roman times, poverty was a huge concern as well. “It is no easy matter, anywhere, for a man to rise when poverty stands in the way of his merits: but nowhere is the effort harder than in Rome, where you must pay a big rent for a wretched lodging, a big sum to fill the bellies of your slaves, and buy a frugal dinner for yourself.” 

Many were struggling with being able to keep up the most basic living as well. Wealth was very important in the Roman times, yet many struggled, as illustrated in Juvenal’s Satire III, where many lack sleep because they have to work, many suffer from health illnesses and how society viewed it. Not feeling good enough for society was a huge problem because the worst kind of poverty was being “exposed to ridicule”. Being poor was not viewed kindly. Likewise, in society today those who are poor may be seen as being lazy, not working hard enough, doing drugs and many other negative concepts tied to them. 

It is clear to see that poverty was a huge problem in both societies, both having to go through similar problems and especially the way society view those impoverished. 

Education

• "What can I do at Rome? I cannot lie; if a book is bad, I cannot praise it, and beg for a copy; I am ignorant of the movements of the stars; I cannot, and will not, promise to a man his father's death; I have never examined the entrails of a frog…”

Education was another huge issue in the United States. The quality of education, the high dropout rates, the huge gap in education levels between ethnic groups are all huge concerns within the aspect of education. 

Similarly, in Rome this quote shows the lack of education in many people "What can I do at Rome? I cannot lie; if a book is bad, I cannot praise it, and beg for a copy; I am ignorant of the movements of the stars; I cannot, and will not, promise to a man his father's death; I have never examined the entrails of a frog…” Many people become ignorant of what is going on in the outside world as they are unable to afford an education or able to continue their schooling. There is a sense of blindness and inability to progress or have greater opportunities. 

This same effect is from he quote as being unable to praise a book or get a chance to read one. As a result you become ignorant in society. It is hard for them to take part in voting, or even understanding the minds of the upper class. In what was considered one of the greatest empires in history, education was very important. Their government was seen as one of the greatest as every men over 18 could vote. But with the lack of knowledge and intellect it really is hard to be able to participate in it. 

Not being educated in the world today also leads to similar consequences of being withdrawn from society and unable to take part in society today. Education opens doors of opportunities, pulls them out of poverty and enables them to have a better understanding of politics today.

Immigration

The large influx of immigrants into the United States is another great concern that the government has. Unable to control and monitor who is coming in and out can be potentially dangerous and detrimental to the society today. Many wanted to immigrate for better job opportunities, for a better future. Likewise in Juvenal’s Satire III, it describes that“One comes from lofty Sicyon, another from Amydon or Andros, others from Samos, Tralles or Alabanda; all making for the Esquiline, or for the hill that takes its name from osier-beds[8]; all ready to worm their way into the houses of the great and become their masters.” Many wanted to move for better opportunities.

Just like in the Roman Empire, being a Roman citizen was a huge privilege because they could vote. Many who were offered this citizenship was able to see an improvement in the quality of life and better technology.  America is seen as a place of greater development, a place where they could have higher prospect of earning more money, essentially a better quality of life. Being a free country just like how Roman Empire had one of the best government systems, both were seen in their respective periods of time as great nations that many aspired to be part of.

This could cause to a huge problem in controlling who wanted in and out and who wanted the citizenship. Although in Roman times, citizenship was fairly strict but the image that both countries embodies and the power they had was very similar. Both societies were seen as great sources of wealth and higher standard of living - places where people wanted to move to. 

5 Challenging Social Problems in the United States

1. Obesity

America has one of the highest obesity rates in the world. About a quarter of the 2-5 year olds are overweight or obese and more than 2/3 of the US adults are overweight. In fact according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, studies have shown that 13% of the global total live in the United States when only 5% of the world population live there. United States has the highest proportion of obese people.

This is a huge health epidemic. Obesity is affecting all age groups, and across all income. 

The effects of this is huge. Apart from being prone to having heart disease, respiratory problems but it will lead to increase in eating disorders, depression, and in terms of economically - a higher dependence on the healthcare system and health insurance. Healthcare costs will become a huge burden for many families. It will cost the government billions of dollars a year and predicted to rise as the obesity population continues to increase. Productivity in business will also go down as absences due to obesity-related problems go up. 

This is a huge concern as it will impact the future economy and the future generation - mentally, physically, financially, socially and emotionally.

2) Same-sex Marriage

Same-sex marriage has been one of the most heated topics and most searched on the internet at the moment. Not only is it a threat to societal and religious values, but it has been correlated to a decline in fertility rates and have a direct impact on society and its economy. 

The change in the definition of marriage between man and women has been correlated with fewer marriages and fewer birth rates. This is in turn is a great concern for the government because of the ability to maintain the economy - shortage of workers, aging workforce, decrease in demand of goods and services. 

Apart from the negative impacts on the economy, same-sex marriage has caused great conflicts, debates in society. The focus of marriage has shifted its focus from children to what the the adults want. Studies have shown that children are raised best with one mother and one father. With the social norms changing, this will have detrimental effects on the growth and development on the child as well.

3) Poverty 

With American being one of the wealthiest nations, poverty rates are extremely high. Although children may not be suffering from starvation but many families are struggling with the problem of being able to afford healthy food and having to skip meals resulting in malnourishment. The biggest problem is many are employed but still struggle and are unable to pay medical costs, transportation costs, childcare, food and rent. Low wage work and unemployment are major issues with the government. Over these past years, poverty line has not improved and even though creation of jobs seems to be the way out but the prevailing wage is not going to increase unless tax increases as well. More supports are needed in food stamps, food banks healthcare and childcare as well. All these problems are all culminating creating a greater financial burden on the government. The cycle doesn’t seem to end and seem to continually just repeating itself in history. 

4) Education

Quality of education is deteriorating in the United States. The United Staes is spending more money on education than any other country yet the result is not improving. Apart from quality of education and school systems is the racial differences between minorities and White people. A larger percentage of white students are expected to graduate and to excel better at school. Statistics has shown higher drop out rates and higher suspension rates in minorities like Blacks and Hispanics. This is a huge problem as United States are not able to help the majority of its children receive a proper education. 

5) Immigration 

Illegal immigration has been another huge concern. With hopes of better job opportunities and being able to better living standards, many illegally immigrate to the United States. Statistics has shown hat 1/3 of the people are undocumented. 

This has huge impact on the economy due to reduced job opportunities, lower wages for local citizens and a higher costs -  education, healthcare. Another huge impact is security. With a big influx of people moving in, it is hard to keep track of terrorists and drug traffickers as well. Safety is being threatened and government cannot keep track of it. 

Role of Men and Women in Ancient Greece vs. The Family: a Proclamation to the World

Using specific examples from the literature, compare the roles of women and men in ancient Greece to the roles outlined in The Family: A Proclamation to the World. 

How are they similar? How are they different? What is the effect on society as a whole when there is conflict between the genders?

Throughout the centuries, gender roles have been a critical factor to understanding the society and the way people lived. The Athenian times was no exception to this. Through the various Greek mythology books and works, we are able to get an understanding of how men and women were treated differently in contrast to the beliefs we share with today as members of the church. 

In the Family of Proclamation it states that “Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny.” Even though men and women, husband and wife, have different responsibilities but they are considered equal. “Each individual” is equally loved, cherished, valued by the deity. The Deity or more specifically God has always been the central point of our beliefs, and being able to be HIS sons and daughters shows how we see male and female on the same level - which indicates equal opportunities, equal rights, and free agency. It shows that each person is important - what they were, what they had, what they could offer - no matter if we are a son or a daughter. 

In contrast, in Homer’s Illiad women were considered as “prized possessions”. Chryseis and Briseis were given to Agamemnon and Achilles as presents for winning the war. As a result of Agamemnon having to return Chrysalis back he demands for Achilles’ prize. Women were seen as something that they could give, take and even exchange. If one didn’t have any, then they would want a replacement for it. They were not treated as someone who had a voice, who could make a choice - not like a daughter of God with their own individual divine nature or “eternal destiny” (from the Family Proclamation). They were not cherished individually for who they are but seen as something for enjoyment and a representation of men’s honor. The women themselves weren't important it was the fact that the women were alluded the connotation of  winning, success, fame, strong which is why they valued it. Agamemnon didn’t seem to care if he got Chrysalis or Briseis as long as he had one.

Although the Illiad portrayed females in a bad light, Homer portrays women differently in his other book - the Odyssey. When Odysseus goes to the underworld, he was able to visit the people that had passed away. He allowed each spirit to drink of the blood to talk with him. Homer includes the names of each individual - many of whom were women. Having their names included in the texts shows how women had an identity. He recognized them as a unique person. Unlike the Illiad, the women were able to share their personal experiences and struggles. Having Odysseus listen to their stories showed that he did regard them as separate individuals. To some degree, it shows that women did have some sort of value during the Athenian times - not completely but they were recognized as an independent person with a part to play.

The relationship and the interaction between Odysseus and his wife, Penelope, is another evidence of respect to women. However, more importantly than that it portrays the idea of a working relationships where both men and women need to fulfill their individual responsibilities. Women are needed just as much as men and although they have different roles but both are regarded just as highly. One such example is Odysseus’ refusal to stay with the beautiful nymph in exchange for the gift of eternal life. Despite all the glory and honor behind it, Odysseus rejects all this and sets back on his long journey to return home to Penelope (his wife). Not knowing when he could go back and knowing that he would still face challenges in the future would be he still chose Penelope. The gift Odysseus was given was something that only the Gods had and the Gods were highly regarded at that time. Honor and glory came with it, but Odysseus refuses it all. On Penelope’s side she refuses to marry any suitors even though her husband has not been back for 20 years. Not knowing when he would be back she still rejects every single of them. This strong relationship between the two shows not only love for one another, but represents mutual trust, mutual respect and love. It is a relationship that can only be nurtured through equality, love and the understanding that they were both equal. Their relationships reflects the teaching of the Family Proclamation, it states that “HUSBAND AND WIFE have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children.”

The theme of love really allows a glimpse of how both are equal entities and both are critical to establishing a successful marriage and life. 

In addition, the Odyssey illustrates the roles men and women have as a father and wife. Fathers are responsible for protecting the family - in which Odysseus goes to war to fight and he comes back to fight off all the suitors that have been taking advantage of their hospitality. Penelope fulfills the role of the mother as being the dutiful wife who raises their son alone. Both are completing the duties that God has commanded all of us to fulfill as mothers and fathers. Each have our own distinct responsibility but nonetheless both are regarded as equal beings essential for a home to be established. Here, the roles of men and women mirrors the values that we still continue to follow today and what the prophets continue to remind us of.

The roles of Men and women are very important because it does affect how society was seen. We can see this especially through the Illiad with Agamemnon’s choices. In consequence of Agamemnon’s childish desires of refusing to give up his prize, it resulted in a plague among his people. Because he wanted a prize the resulted in near destruction and turmoil. He even had a falling out with Achilles causing Achilles to step down and not fight. Conflicting gender roles can cause much confusion, anger, great separation between society. 

However, for Odysseus, as a result of mutual love and respect, in accordance to the Family Proclamation , it resulted in a happy reunion, and peace was restored back to the household. In many ways Odysseus’ household is a microcosm of society - evidence that when everyone understands their roles, when they fulfill their roles and when it is motivated out of love,  appreciation, consideration - unity is brought back. 

There is clear evidence through the comparisons between both books the effect it has on society as a whole. Gender roles really do play a huge part in so many of our lives. The Greek’s idea of the responsibilities between men and women were not far off when it came to the Odyssey however the Illiad showed the complete opposite. Written but the same author, but with conflicting ideas - it may have demonstrated the condition of Greek ideas of gender roles - that it was still evolving and changing. Women still struggled with not finding equality and still trying to find a voice. There was an ongoing struggle between how women should be treated. In contrast, to the Family Proclamation it is all clearly outlined exactly our individual responsibilities, our identity and the regard to equality between the two. We are very blessed to have it today to understand our path and how we should live our lives. The Greeks never had that but God today has revealed this to us so that we don’t have to question anything because we understand who we are and how important we are . 

EPITHETS

Lover of Cities

I was born and raised in Hong Kong. I lived in the very heart of the city, only 10 minutes away from the financial centers. I am a city girl through and through. I enjoy the bustling streets, I love skyscrapers, I love being able to go to the other side of the island in minutes, I love being able to have such multicultural foods and people. There is always something very exciting every minute. 

Capturer of Moments 

I love photography. I am not trained but I love to take photos. I mostly take photos of food but I love capturing special moments as well. I believe that every photo really does tell a story. I am not very good at keeping up with a journal but through photos you can remember that moment. Whenever I look at a photo even food photos I remember what happened that day, where I was. I love being able to remember all these special memories especially ones that involve family and friends. 

Healer of Souls

Healing has always been a huge part of my life - whether it is having to find ways to heal my own health or when I was serving my mission and healing those around me by sharing the gospel. 

I want to be a naturopathic doctor someday so that I can heal people through natural medicines, lifestyle changes and natural therapies. I am a strong believer that being healthy will make us happier and will heal the soul.

Lover of Cooking

I love to cook. I grew up in a culture where food was what brought the family together. Every celebration, every festival all revolved around food. Growing up in Hong Kong also allowed me to grow up with a wide palate - Singaporean, Thai, Korean, Indian, Mexican, Italian. As a result, I started to teach myself to cook a variety of dishes for my family to try. Cooking is still huge part of my life, I love to cook for my family and friends. I find food very fascinating especially how happy people are when they eat good food.