I have to admit, at home I enjoy getting some of the “light media” I generally ignore at school. But today, the USA Weekend insert caught my eye. Accompanying the cover title “How Long Will You Live?” was an array of mug-shots. Some celebrities, mostly regular people. Under the photo, each person’s healthy practice was listed, along with his or her projected life expectancy.
“Flosses daily. 95 years.”
“Works out almost daily. 99 years.”
“Has a positive outlook on life. 102 years.”
In its “Special Report,” USA Weekend failed to take into account longevity’s most important determiner. Place of birth.
An identifying “American” would have been sufficient explanation for an expected long life.
“Haitian. 53 years.”
USA Weekend isn’t to blame. The magazine rightly assumes readers are looking for ways to improve their quality of life. The article wasn’t written for the millions of people whose only option is fetid drinking water—forget about the best vitamins for their children. How could USA Weekend write for these people? They can’t even read.
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