The recent unveiling of a controversial new food pyramid by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sparked significant discussion on the “Daily Show.” During his appearance, Kennedy introduced an upside-down food pyramid while presenting new dietary guidelines. He stated that the pyramid had previously been inverted, claiming, “we just righted it.”
Controversy Surrounding the Inverted Food Pyramid
Jordan Klepper, a correspondent on the show, humorously critiqued Kennedy’s unconventional food pyramid. He expressed skepticism about the orientation of the pyramid, remarking, “I’m pretty sure this one is upside down, unless I’m misremembering every pyramid photo I’ve ever seen.” Klepper illustrated his point by showing images of flipped Egyptian pyramids.
Criticism of Dietary Guidelines
- Klepper commented on Dr. Mehmet Oz, who is now involved with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
- Oz suggested that, in a “best-case scenario,” individuals should avoid alcohol entirely.
- Klepper quipped, “Ah, great news, we’re not in the best-case scenario right now.”
The comedian did not stop there. He poked fun at the promotional strategies of the Department of Health and Human Services. This included the use of Ben Carson, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, as a spokesperson for the new guidelines.
Humor and Promotion Strategies
In a clip shared by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Carson is seen drinking a glass of milk. He calmly exclaims, “It’s good stuff,” while a humorous edited image shows him with a milk mustache, captioned “Drink Whole Milk. #MilkMustacheMoment.”
Klepper humorously questioned the effectiveness of this campaign, saying, “You’re making Ben Carson drink a glass of milk? The drink that famously helps us fall asleep at night? Are you insane?”
Watch Klepper’s full critique in his monologue on El-Balad. The dialogue surrounding Kennedy’s new food pyramid raises questions about dietary recommendations and their communicative strategies.
