We talk about how cultural groups can be defined, in part, by what they eat. The conflict in Darfur (Sudan) also plays out with regard to food and resources. Hunters/Gathering vs. Farmers each vie for the same resources and the tension over this spills out into larger conflicts. The Museum of Food has a great introduction (and photos) of this. Can you think of another conflict that starts over food and becomes something more?
In Darfur, it's clearly a day to day struggle to maintain good health. In a way we're both concerned about the effect our nutritional intake on our health but we have laze fair approach. In the U.S. there is often great concern over what is considered healthy but that doesn't mean people are going to make the sacrifices that living a healthy life style entails. Naturally, controversy over fast food is inevitable because (1) It is fast (2) It is cheap (3) It is consistent and has become familiar for many. However, there has been progression. Disclosures have been made about the actual nutritional info on the food and chains offer "healthy" substitutes. But recently Taco Bell's "meat/meat fillers" have received a lot attention and turned into a very large law suit. What people don't know is that the filler is so much cheaper because most soy beans have a patented genetic ID which Monsanto company taxes farmers on at the end of the season.It is very hard for a small farm to make profit under the circumstances. Monsanto's soybean seeds get swept over to neighboring farms during suitable weather conditions and then overtake the other crops of soybeans. I believe focus on genetic food trait patenting will become the next great controversy. Monsanto clearly say on their website that they create the seeds, the traits and the chemical protection for your crops. They also talk about the rate of farmers suicides in India and how it is a mystery. Monsanto created the seeds, created the traits and created the chemicals to maintain those crops. Those crops went into famine, is Monsanto in not some way responsible for their inferior product?
ReplyDeleteRicardo Pina
ReplyDeleteI believe that it is safe to say that what is put on the dinner plate has contributed both positively and negatively to relationships and marriages. Ive witnessed food becoming the catalyst and fuel to many argument and fights between spouses and couples. God forbid you tell your italian girlfriend her red sauce needs work and ive had friends who couldn't stand the curry i put in the food. I wouldn't be surprised if you could trace many divorces back to the fact that she couldn't cook.