A Purely Objectivist Account A Production of Radio Free Bellamy ©2005

Two answers to the question, “What is a social problem?” The objectivist’s answer: Social problems are objectively harmful conditions that can be empirically identified through scientific research The constructionist’s answer: Social problems are socially constructed threats that are defined and maintained by claims- making activity

A classic example of a socially constructed threat: The “Killer Drug” Marijuana Sociologists who favor the constructionist perspective on social problems often point to claims about marijuana use during the 1930s as a classic example of a socially constructed threat. Even though there was virtually no scientific evidence about risks of marijuana use, claims that the substance is a “powerful narcotic” whose use leads to “Murder! Insanity! Death!” convinced the public and law-makers that the “Killer Drug” was a national menace.

Now for an example of an objectively harmful condition: The “Perils of Peanut Butter” Beware! Young and Old—People in All Walks of Life! This may be handed you by the friendly stranger. It contains the Killer Condiment “Peanut Butter”—a powerful nut product in which lurks Murder! Insanity! Death!

Epidemiology of Peanut Butter Abuse: Paving the Grand Canyon This shocking estimate of the extent of peanut butter consumption in the U.S. comes from the website of the leading brand, Skippy: The Skippy website also indicates that the average American child will eat 1,500 peanut butter sandwiches by the time he or she graduates from high school. This figure far exceeds the lifetime prevalence of the use of marijuana and other illegal drugs by high school seniors in the U.S. (see

So, what’s the problem? For starters, peanut butter can cause deadly allergic reactions! According to the New York Times Magazine, millions of Americans are allergic to peanuts and peanut products—it is the most common food allergy Allergic reactions to peanuts include anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal Children are especially likely to be allergic to peanuts, and peanut butter has been banned from lunchrooms by a number of school districts

Prevention: Just say “No!” Prevention efforts have begun to target the hidden problem of peanut allergies by teaching kids how to say “No” to peanut butter. For instance, promotes a book titled, No Nuts for Me! --“an engaging story told by a very active little boy who doesn't let his nut allergy get in the way of having fun.” We can only hope that peanut poisoning prevention programs (PPPP) will work better than DARE.

Peanut butter abuse is associated with other risks to physical and mental health Peanut butter consumption may be a contributing factor in the national obesity epidemic. Only two tablespoons of regular creamy peanut butter contain 25% of the government recommended Daily Value of Total Fat! Small children who ingest raw peanut butter as a wholesome “treat” run a risk of choking. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics ( peanut butter consumption is not recommended for children under the age of three (or under the age of four for chunky peanut butter). Although it is rare, some adults suffer from a phobic condition known as Arachibutyrophobia, an abnormal and persistent fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of the mouth (

Last, but not least, read this story about a more ominous threat from

…a warning from Saddam!

So, is Saddam right about the link between peanuts, aflatoxin, and cancer? Yep. Aflatoxins are common, naturally occurring mycotoxins that are produced by two types of mold that grow on peanuts and grains, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Aflatoxins are carcinogenic to both rodents and humans. The FDA allows low levels of aflatoxin in peanuts and peanut butter because they are considered “unavoidable contaminants.” However, the effects of long-term exposure to aflatoxin, which may even grow in unrefridgerated jars of peanut butter, have not been extensively studied. Aflatoxin B1 is the one of the most potent liver cancer forming chemicals known in lab animals, such as rats who were fed contaminated “nut meal” (peanut butter?). Other evidence indicates that aflatoxin is a leading cause of liver cancer in humans in Africa and China. Inhalation of this toxin is also related to a condition known as “Farmer’s lung,” whose symptoms include irritation, fever, wheezing, cough, and ulcers.

..and, what about the plan to use aflatoxin as a Weapon of Mass Destruction? According to the U.S. Defense Department, Iraq admitted to producing 2,200 liters of aflatoxin and filling four Scud warheads with it during the Gulf War (although Iraq did not use them). For more details, see

The End? That’s entirely up to you…