The food system is not failing people, it is working how it was invented  

Before I took Political Science 385, the relationship between the food system and racism was not an explicit connection I made. I was in a bubble of ignorance, clouded by my own privilege of being considered white passing, socioeconomically privileged, and cis-male. I asked myself, “how could the [United States] food system possibly be racist? – it’s food, right? It was not until I stepped back, flipped through a couple of history books, and put myself in a different vantage point that I connected the dots: the United States is built on oppression and systemic racism, the food system is just one of the many layers that it lurks.

Systemic racism can be traced back to the very creation of the United States. The brutal colonization of the indigenous population for their land, forced slave labor and unjust laws stripping people of color from land ownership are just the beginning of injustice that minorities have faced in our food system. The very backbone of our modern-day food system has been created by the very populations that are left behind.

Not only has the entire system been built on oppression, the very laws that are meant to protect people from harm has had a long history of dismantling Black and Brown empowerment. Before Jim Crow laws were enacted in the United States, African American’s owned 13 million acres of land in 1902, by the end of 1997 years of Jim Crow, they only owned 2 million acres. White land owners now pass on their externalities to people of color, while they reap the benefits of their new found land. Many working longer hours for lower wages than their white counter parts.

There is so much more happening behind the scenes than the average consumer might think. Buying something as simple as an avocado, a banana, or chocolate, it is easy to forget about the hundreds of miles, hours, and workers it took to get where it is now. The food system is not a farm to table concept like people may think, it is much more complex and inner connected.

One thing that I will always hold close to me from this class is that you cannot look at one part of the system and generalize about the whole. The history of oppression in agriculture cannot survive on its own, it is interdependent on a long and brutal history of colonization, institutionally racist laws, biased social norms, and labor.

The food system is not failing people, it is working how it was intended.

Work Cited:

Food Justice & Racism in the Food System

New Research Explores the Ongoing Impact of Racism on the U.S. Farming Landscape

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-africa-15686731/cocoa-farms-in-ivory-coast-still-using-child-labour

Alien Land Laws in California (1913 & 1920)

Photos: https://communityfoodfunders.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/History-of-Racism-and-Resistance-in-the-Food-System-Visual-Timeline.pdf

98 thoughts on “The food system is not failing people, it is working how it was invented  

  1. Really I enjoy your site with effective and useful information. It is included very nice post with a lot of our resources.thanks for share. see this site 야동

  2. Wearing a luxury watch transcends fashion; it’s an expression of individuality and discernment. These timepieces become part of a person’s identity, reflecting their taste, values, and appreciation for superior craftsmanship. The allure of luxury watches persists, captivating enthusiasts with their beauty, precision, and enduring legacy.http://www.mywatcheshut.com/

  3. Omega SA is a Swiss luxury watchmaker based in Biel / Bienne, Switzerland. Founded by Louis Brandt in La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1903, the company was originally known as Louis Brandt et Frère – Omega Watch & Co. In 1982, the company officially changed its name to Omega SA, which is currently a subsidiary of the Swiss group Swatch. Omega opened its museum in Biel / Bienne to the public in January 1984.http://www.mywatcheshut.com/

  4. Cartier International SNC, or simply Cartier (/ˈkɑːrtieɪ/; French: [kaʁtje]), is a French luxury goods conglomerate which designs, manufactures, distributes, and sells jewellery, leather goods and watches. Founded by Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) in Paris in 1847,Crtier operates more than 200 stores in 125 countries, with three Temples (Historical Maisons) in London, New York, and Paris.http://www.mywatcheshut.com/

  5. Breitling SA (German pronunciation: [ˈbraɪtlɪŋ]) is a Swiss luxury watchmaker founded in 1884 in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, by Léon Breitling. The company is known for its precision-made chronometers designed for aviators and is based in Grenchen, Switzerland.http://www.mywatcheshut.com/

  6. href=”http://www.westonmanufacturing.com/” style=”color: blue; font-weight: bold;”>Toilet Paper Seat Wipes emerge as an indispensable solution. Designed for modern on-the-go lifestyles, these wipes provide a quick and effective way to sanitize public toilet seats, offering peace of mind and enhanced personal comfort.
    Weston Manufacturing’s Toilet Paper Seat Wipes combine portability with superior cleaning power. Infused with gentle yet effective sanitizing agents, they eliminate germs without leaving residue or irritation. Compact and biodegradable, these wipes cater to hygiene-conscious users, making them a must-have for travel, work, or daily use.

  7. Rolex, a status symbol of entire generations, a classic, a story that made the Geneva Maison famous, fundamentally based on two magical words, Oyster and Perpetual, the first dates back to the distant 1926 and is synonymous with the first truly waterproof case produced by the watchmaking industry, the latter is much more recent and identifies the revolutionary rotor mechanism that founded the dynasty of modern automatic winders.http://www.mywatcheshut.com/

  8. This highlights the importance of safety with precision—well-articulated and reassuring
    Ensure your truck’s safety with expert brake system repairs. From diagnostics to replacements, we keep you stopping smoothly and securely.
    Brake System Repairs

  9. In the world of fashion, pins and badges have transcended their utilitarian origins to become stylish accessories. Designers often incorporate them into their collections, allowing individuals to express their personal style. From bold statement pins to subtle, minimalist badges, these accessories add a unique touch to any outfit and can transform a simple garment into a fashion statement.http://factorypins.com/

  10. To start with You got an awesome blog .I will be keen on more comparative points. I see you got extremely exceptionally valuable themes, I will be continually checking your blog much appreciated 슬롯나라

  11. Extremely decent blog and articles. I am realy extremely glad to visit your blog. Presently I am discovered which I really need. I check your blog regular and attempt to take in something from your blog. Much obliged to you and sitting tight for your new post 킹카지노 도메인 주소

  12. I am overwhelmed by your post with such a nice topic. Usually I visit your blogs and get updated through the information you include but today’s blog would be the most appreciable. Well done 메이저파크

  13. Trying to say thanks won’t simply be adequate, for the fantasti c clarity in your written work. I will immediately snatch your rss channel to remain educated of any updates 모바일홀덤

  14. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. In fact your creative writing abilities has inspired me to start my own Blog Engine blog now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly. Your write up is a fine example of it. 무료슬롯

  15. A decent blog dependably concocts new and energizing data and keeping in mind that understanding I have feel that this blog is truly have each one of those quality that qualify a blog to be a one. 슬롯버프

  16. To start with You got an awesome blog .I will be keen on more comparative points. I see you got extremely exceptionally valuable themes, I will be continually checking your blog much appreciated 보증카지노

  17. I hope it will be helpful for almost all peoples that are searching for this type of topic. I Think this website is best for such topic. good work and quality of articles. jasa pbn

  18. Thanks for this post. I definitely agree with what you are saying. I have been talking about this subject a lot lately with my mother so hopefully this will get him to see my point of view. Fingers crossed 온라인홀덤

  19. This is a fabulous post I seen by virtue of offer it. It is genuinely what I expected to see look for in future you will continue subsequent to sharing such an extraordinary post. 온라인홀덤

  20. It’s very informative and you are obviously very knowledgeable in this area. You have opened my eyes to varying views on this topic with interesting and solid content. 해외축구

  21. You have performed a great job on this article. It’s very precise and highly qualitative. You have even managed to make it readable and easy to read. You have some real writing talent. Thank you so much 500 kv transformer

  22. I am a new user of this site so here i saw multiple articles and posts posted by this site,I curious more interest in some of them hope you will give more information on this topics in your next articles. 북토끼

  23. I can see that you are an expert at your field! I am launching a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me .. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business 꽁나라

  24. Nice post. I was continuously checking this blog and I am impressed! Extremely useful info particularly the last part .I care for such information much. I was seeking this particular info for a long time. Thank you and good luck . 토토사이트

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *