Learn & gain insight: click here, read about my experiences in the academic setting.
In 2014, I titled a video: Men in Dietetics; I interviewed students and graduates (anyone who studied nutrition). Also, I interviewed myself (collecting frequently asked questions (whether online or in-person). Note: I did interview women as well.
Review video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMnVMrGwVG0&t=11s
Stereotyped and labeled as a typical male) in a predominately female major / industry.
W/ that noted, in 2014, I discussed the reality of being (stereotyped and labeled as a typical male) in a predominately female major / industry. During that time...even up till now, I dislike to focus on my gender and the inequality of-it-all; I feel others go through more challenges and are oppressed / marginalized.
W/ that said, I learned that...talking/writing about my personal experiences can help others, too.
Now, this is not just limited to gender - politics plays a profound role here. Therefore, I created a series: Men in Dietetics (to give cis-men and trans-men a voice). This topic of discussion is rather controversial, and often enough, some people prefer to be politically correct (think about it, one's career can be at stake). Also, some individuals are easily offended (especially folks who work in the dietetic industry, over 20+ years to be exact). Note: I realize a new generation will rise to prominence.
I often refer to some of them as...hand picked to suit an agenda (an industry shill).
One main thing I try to point out to anyone considering dietetics...
1. it's an industry and politics is very much involved.
Simply, a person who is interested has to be part of it all (that includes a "student-slash-dietetic group" or any other group that is associated w/ dietetics)...almost in every sense, too. The average person has to brown-nose just to get pushed and placed somewhere to do something (this starts from freshmen to graduation).
As an example, there's a camaraderie surrounding the following: promote dietetic stuff...act as a (puppet) spokesperson of some sort...mainly to get approval. If a person doesn't follow...s/he is not useful.
Early on, I attended dietetic seminars of some sort (topics: obesity, weight management, sports / fitness). Years prior, I started my journey as a coach / personal trainer and already had insight into what's effective and sustainable. During the seminars, I was dumbfounded. I could not connect or agree w/ whatever rhetoric.
In one of my classes: I recall some dietitians pushing bariatric surgery as a fix for weight loss and were expecting students to send that message to the public - I made it clear that was ludicrous, and I would not send that message. When I went through a line of questioning to better understand bariatric surgery...the RD really could not entertain or was clueless. As a result, I felt it was in the public's best interest for me to put-aside whatever was asked - therefore, I would not send the message that bariatric surgery is a fix.
I witnessed mediocre females get by and hypocritical females attack one another (mainly for status). Some men in dietetics who seek approval eventually become a puppet and brown-noser.
Note: this article does not define every professor or adviser I may have encountered. If you would like to learn more, watch my video channel.
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