Opinion For HE109
OK so I just wrote my first paper for health class. We had to read a essay written by President Kennedy in 1960 and write our opinion of the paper. I really enjoyed the essay and think every American should read it(click here to read it). Enjoy my opinion below and let me know what you think about the topic.
Opinion: The Soft American
I couldn’t agree more with the sentiments expressed by President Kennedy. I look back at my youth and how little physical activity was emphasized by my parents and my schools. When I reached 10 or 11 and stopped riding my bike and playing outside and started playing Nintendo and other such games my parents didn’t mind as I was not outside getting into trouble. Flash forward to high school, I had no interest in track or other sports and would routinely not show up or participate in gym and yet I still got an “A” and passed the class. I feel that if physical fitness and the benefits of it had been more important in the home and classroom I and others of my generation would be in better shape today.
I actually think that more than President Kennedy’s ideas needs to be done. The culmination of each of the phases of school such as the passing from elementary school to middle school and then to high school and graduation should require a physical fitness exam that must be passed. Also any schools who’s students are not making the cut physically should risk having there funding cut from both the sate and federal levels. If the schools feel the pinch in there budget they will make the time to further the physical education and development of there students. Outside of school we need to have more opportunities for parents to go outside and do things with there children. Activities such as community marathons or mini Olympic style games would not only further the physical fitness of Americans but would be positive community events.
While I agree whole heartedly with the article “The Soft American” more must be done. We are fast becoming a nation of expanding bellies and McDonalds addicts. If more people thought and felt as President Kennedy and myself Americas fitness would be in much better shape. Without a heightened level of importance I don’t see the slacking of American fitness reversing its downward spiral.
