Old wisdom says, “We are what we eat”, but until recently I rarely thought about it much. When I was reading Fast Food Nation and Omnivore’s Dilemma, I had all kinds of emotions, starting from horror (is THIS what I am eating?), shock (why didn’t I know about this before?), shame (that we allow it to happen), apathy (what can I do against such a gigantic machine?) to anger (It’s wrong and it needs to be changed). I cannot say that the information was totally new to me, but the realization of how everything is actually intertwined was overwhelming. It was as if I was looking at a mosaic, standing so close that I could only see one small piece of it. Suddenly, I feel as if now I have stepped back and can see the whole picture! When I tried to reflect on my own thoughts and feelings, I realized the turmoil of my emotions came from the realization that the food industry (to be more precise – food corporations) not only poison the planet, destroy ecosystem, exploit, discriminate and devaluate its workforce, but use US (meaning consumers) to achieve it’s goal. It was painful, but I realized that if I allow it to happen (and I do, because I am supporting this process with my consumption) it means that I am the oppressor, I am the one who is responsible for the degradation of this planet. Schlosser writes, “hundreds of millions of people buy fast food every day without giving it much thought, unaware of the subtle and not so subtle ramifications of their purchases. They rarely consider where this food came from, how it was made, what it is doing to the community around them.” (FFN, p10) Yes, I am one of them.
The Earth Charter talks about the interdependency of all beings, about the protection of biological diversity and the natural processes that sustain life. According to Pollan, our agricultural diversity came down to a monoculture of corn, which degrades the soil and all living beings around it. It’s not just one crop from many, but the only one - it’s majesty - the king Corn. Corn is “responsible for pushing out not only other plants but the animals and then finally the people, too” (OD, p.38). Of course corn couldn’t do it by itself. Responsible are those, who consider “efficiency” as the most important characteristic for industrial farms, and simplification as the way to achieve it.
“In fact, the whole history of agriculture is a progressive history of simplification, as humans reduced the biodiversity of their landscapes to a small handful of chosen species… By contrast, the efficiencies of natural systems flow from complexity and interdependence – by definition the very opposite of simplification. ” (OD, p. 214).In the Earth Charter principle 10 reads – “ensure that economic activities and institutions at all levels promote human development in an equitable and sustainable manner”; principle 12 – “ uphold the right of all, without discrimination, to a natural and social environment supportive of human dignity, bodily health, and spiritual well-being,…eliminate discrimination…honor and support the young people of our communities…” What can I say? Our food industry is far away from these standards. Not only it doesn't support it, but it is the main cause of discrimination and oppression in our modern society’s workforce. In the review of Fast Food Nation Andrew Roe writes,
“Schlosser presents a litany of charges against the fast-food companies and their practices: marketing to children, establishing the indentured servitude of franchising, manipulating a minimum-wage workforce (primarily young, unskilled, recent immigrants) by withholding medical benefits, perpetuating turnover to deter unionization, yet taking full advantage of government subsidies for nonexistent "training." These are just a few of the greed-is-good tactics employed to keep profits high.”I believe that everything in the world is interconnected. The present environmental and ecological problems are direct consequences of the social problems we, as human beings, create. The goal of nature is not to make a profit, but to have balance and harmony. Yet we haven’t managed to build a society on anything other than the hierarchical organization of power. As Social Ecologists claim, “the domination of nature by man stems from the very real domination of human by human” (Murray Bookchin).
The alternative is a society founded on the notion of interconnectedness and interdependency – “we are one human family and one Earth community with a common destiny” – says the Earth Charter. For me this document is a call for action; “the choice is ours: form a global partnership to care for Earth and one another or risk the destruction of ourselves and the diversity of life. Fundamental changes are needed in our values, institutions, and ways of living.”
When I was reading Fast Food Nation and Omnivore’s Dilemma I couldn’t help but have a sinking feeling inside me; not only are we treated as cattle, we are acting as cattle. It is time to stop conforming to those who put money before the well being of our society. It is time to rebel against those in the food industry who are poisoning our people. We must retreat from the idea that we cannot do anything, and at the very least, begin a campaign of awareness. Note: The pictures used in this post is courtesy of Save the Kales - http://savethekales.wordpress.com/2010/06/16/political-optimism/
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I agree that these books can be very disheartening. They point out ways that we are destroying the planet, the life forms that exist on it, and as you point out, our very humanity and freedom to think on our own is almost shut out by this system. However, while I recognize the severity of the situation we're in, with a large percentage of the food industries currently controlled by a small number of powerful corporations, I'm going to have to agree with Kety and take a optimistic outlook on this. If we join together and stop "acting as cattle" as you so delicately point out, there is a way to challenge the current system. It's hard to imagine a world where corn is not king and McDonalds is not one of the largest corporations in hundreds of countries, but we see evidence of people challenging these systems already. There are independent farmers who grow actual organic produce and slaughter there animals in as humane a way as possible (free from factories and feedlots.) People are joining co-ops in order to purchase their food from less corrupt avenues. And most importantly, those people are telling their families, friends, coworkers, students about these realities and educating each other about what the current food industry could mean for the world around us. Don't get me wrong, we have a long way to go... But the ball is in our court now. We have the knowledge and what we do with it can make all the difference.
ReplyDeleteKety, first of all I really like when you say "I am the oppressor, and I am responsible for the degredation of the environment." I say this not because I think of you this way... BUt because this was the feeling that i had after the readings. I also agree that the information can be overwhelming, however, I much more would rather be overwhelmed with the truth behind the food dilemma discussed in OD and FFN then ignorant to it altogether. Since the introduction to the perspectives brought up in the readings thus far, my daily routine and the attention i pay to what food i purchase has significantly changed. Seeing how many things are connected to this issue has forced me to take a bigger step to do what i can to combat these thigs that do feel overwhelming.
ReplyDeleteKety, your post hits on many crucial points to how our world is interconnected. It is connected in the way we eat, and where the food we eat comes from, as well as how the people who pick to the people who serve our food are treated. This cycle is able to continue because of consumption. We consume these products because of how they are marketed to us, and because of the false information we receive about what is good for us. You say, “I cannot say that the information was totally new to me, but the realization of how everything is actually intertwined was overwhelming”. I felt the exact same while reading both texts, for I, too, felt like I was contributing to the harsh conditions suffered by our workers and our animals used in food production. I felt poisoned by the unnatural “food” I have been putting into my body over the years, without wanting to realize the ramifications of my decisions. You also point out how the Earth Charter gave you hope that it is not too late to change our toxic habits and save our planet. Even though the principles outlined in the Earth Charter may seem unrealistic now, it is surely a guide to point us in the right direction and to lead us away from the harmful actions we’re contributing to now. You end your post with a beginning to a solution through campaign awareness, and I think your right. This class is great education, these books are great sources of knowledge, and as we continue in our course, we will be sources of knowledge to educate others on the real cost of their eating habits.
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