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Sylvester Graham Born July 2, 1794—Died September 11, 1851 Temperance Movement through Dietary Successes and Lectures on Sexual Desire

Graham had a lot to say when it came to the American society. It seemed that every notion he procured had to do with sex, or alcohol. Be blamed these scandalous habits on poor diets of Americans. Because of these poor diets, Americans were sexually stimulated. He believed that, “Anything that inflamed the stomach had to do with lust,” (Porn Flakes). Graham was also convinced that diseases were effects from sexual desire. He saw the world as morally unjust and inappropriate. On his wedding night, he decided to write a book about how wrong sexual desire was.
 * Criticisms on American Societies**

Graham had a few strong and serious goals. His main goal was to promote a proper diet to Americans in order to control their sexual urges. He firmly believed that a poor diet caused the body to want sex. He also wanted to eliminate teenage curiosity due to their apprehensive “self-manipulation,” (Graham). Continuing, Graham was in favor for reducing alcohol consumption. He believed that alcohol was for medical purposes only and firmly disapproved of drinking. Graham recognized the unhealthy living conditions and filth that Americans were living around. He wanted to improve the hygiene drastically.
 * Goals Graham Hoped to Achieve**

Due to American’s improper diet, Graham suggested that people turn to vegetarianism. By doing so, meat would not produce sexual urges and allow Americans to obtain nourishment and not pleasure. He claimed that vegetarianism would absolutely cure sexual urges and alcoholism. Some may know that Sylvester Graham invented the //Graham Cracker,// which was made up of whole wheat and water. He believed that white bread and such was impure and that the chemicals used to make the wheat white, caused sexual urges. Moderation of food was emphasized in Graham’s thinking too. This moderation of food also applied to sex life. Sylvester suggested that **married** adults should have sex no more than twelve times a year. He claimed that a hard mattress, open bedroom windows and cold showers and baths would dramatically reduce the sexual urges of Americans. Sylvester also ventured on journeys, in which he lecture Americans on how morally wrong it was to have sexual urges and that the only purpose of sex was reproduction.
 * Methods Used to Improve American Life and Obtain Goals**

It is widely believed that Graham reformed the dietary foundation of America. Although he did not completely renovate the American society, he influenced others to continue his legacy. He promoted Americans to make their own bread using whole-wheat flour. This of course caused conflict with bakers because no one bought their products then. Continuing, Graham’s lectures frightened people into reforming. He wasn’t joking around. Many of his constituents at these lectures changed rapidly. He also managed to write a book about lecturing teenagers about sexual urges and how they should NOT embrace them.
 * Successes in Promoting Reformation**

It is completely understandable where Graham was coming from in terms of the dietary problems and hygiene issues. At this time in America, diets and hygiene was not addressed too often. Promoting economic stability and surviving were the most important issues to Americans at this point in time. The issues Graham was addressing were important and should have been recognized. While his opinions on sexual urges were valid to a certain extent, Graham was trying to prevent premarital pregnancies and bastardy children. He was a little out there for some of his reasoning, however Sylvester Graham was trying to benefit Americans as a whole during this movement.
 * Goal’s Practicality in the Time Period**

Due to Graham’s harsh opinions and dietary suggestions, it doesn’t seem appropriate to involve the Federal government. It would not make sense that at this point in time, the government’s main concern was not dietary routines but rather preventing sectionalism from going further. However, perhaps the Federal government could sponsor pamphlets regarding dietary issues. The president should not get involved in any way. Involving the executive branch could cause issue for political parties and elections. It was extremely wise that the president stayed out of the many issues that Graham brought to the table. The German and Irish population turned to drinking as a hobby, so promoting legislation could resort in losing votes. Maybe legislation regarding limitations on alcohol consumed at a bar could have been brought up. Other than that, too much government involvement in terms of morality would be ridiculous and probably cause conflicts between state and individual rights.
 * Federal Involvement and Executive Branch Authority**


 * References**
 * //William Metcalfe//: William and Sylvester both honed in on vegetarianism. William was the first advocate proclaiming vegetarianism and influenced Graham deepy. The two helped form the National Vegetarian Organization in America
 * //John Harvey Kellogg//: Kellogg was also a fellow advocate with Graham and Metcalfe for that matter in terms of the National Vegetarian Organization. Kellogg promoted sexual abstinence and always discouraged sexual activity to prevent STD’s. He took matters into his own hands in order to prevent “self pleasure” sometimes resorting to using acid and circumcision to cause pain. Graham supported most of these decisions.

Works Cited Burrows, Edwin G. "History of Vegetarianism - Sylvester Graham (1795-1851)." //International Vegetarian Union//. International Vegetarian Union, 2011. Web. 04 Oct. 2011. .

Graham, Sylvester. "A Lecture to Young Men on Chastity ... - Sylvester Graham." //Google Books//. Google, 2011. Web. 04 Oct. 2011. .

"Porn Flakes - John Harvey Kellogg, Sylvester Graham." //Stay Free! Home Base//. Stay Free!, 2011. Web. 04 Oct. 2011. .

Schneider, Louise E. "Graham, Sylvester - Nutrition, Body, Diet, Health, Water." //Internet FAQ Archives - Online Education - Faqs.org//. Advemeg, 2011. Web. 04 Oct. 2011. .