My second time having seen this traumatizing film, I was slightly less disturbed than the first time I saw it. Not in the sense that I found the material any more acceptable but rather it came as less of a surprise. Throughout the semester, we have watched multiple films that bring to light terrible truths that government would rather stay silent. Corruption in the food industry is one of those unfortunate tragedies.
Walking through the food aisle, I see brand upon brand. Each has its own unique labeling and packaging. Looking closer, I find similarities on each box. Contrary to what they would have us believe, there aren't five million separate little companies each producing one product. Triscuits do not have an entire factory dedicated entirely to the manufacture of Triscuits. Nabisco is a subsidiary of Mondelez International, a mega-food powerhouse. There is no little man in the fight. This is an all out war of superpowers.
Speaking of superpowers, one instantly comes to mind: Monsanto. Obama recently ruled in favor of the Monsanto Protection Act. The act essentially prevents any kind of legal action against the company over their controversial development of GMOs. Read more here at MONSANTO. Whats more?!? They own 90% of all GMO seeds. They receive royalties from any individual using their seeds. The local farmers can no longer compete. Monsanto runs a monopoly.
Insanity. Check this documentary out detailing the horrors of Monsanto.
We are heading in a negative direction. As we develop bigger, more disease resistant vegetables and fruits, we eliminate a great deal of biodiversity. There is no telling what effect prolonged consumption could have. Biologically, our bodies have trouble recognizing the foods and as a result, they cause allergies or sickness in many people.
It is unfortunate that our world has come to this. True it may be that local farming is no longer a viable way to feed the worlds populations. This is not the answer. Make change. Be a part of that change. Fight the corrupt governmental policy that allows this!
AFTERTHOUGHT
On a slightly different note, while I was searching through mega-food companies, I found this little gem. The picture on the front page shows the subsidiary companies of Yum! sitting on a steel beam. Compare it to the following famous photograph from the 1940s. Draw your own conclusions on the state of our society
Local food is possible! Have faith my friend! If more people vote with their fork and choose local food, the big monoploies would lose money and be forced to change their ways. People can also vote with their fork by being responsible for producing some of their own food. There are so many unused spaces in urban environments. If people became more responsible for growing some portion of their food supply, and relied less on companies, the little man would have a chance. My mom has a tower garden in her basement and has free vegetables all year round. The corruption in the food industry is big problem to tackle, yes indeed, but not impossible!
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