Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Food, etc.

I (finally) watched Food, Inc. last night. I wasn't as disturbed as some of my friends by the semi-graphic images of the conditions in which most animals are raised/slaughtered (I saw a lot of that when we watched Diet for a New America in 9th grade), but I did find the movie super depressing.

My thoughts:
  1. People are so concerned about health care becoming "Socialized"; why is no one freaking out about the food industry? Huge farm subsidies, monopolies that pretty much eliminate competition, no true free market..? Did I miss something in high school government class?
  2. "Food libel" is a felony in some states? You can lose your right to vote because you were found guilty of "slandering" a food producer? For serious? Libel should be a civil matter, not criminal. Apparently, free speech mostly only extends to weirdo hate groups.
  3. I quit eating soy and soy by-products because it's a migraine trigger for me. It's amazing how much food has soy in it - I hope it doesn't become the new corn; if so, I'm screwed.
  4. Wow, what a depressing movie.
/End of rant

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Achilles' sleep schedule is slowly driving me crazy. He naps after work, and then goes to bed at 2 or 3 in the morning.

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I have been incredibly grouchy for the past couple of days.

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The previous two things could be related.

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Listening to Greek language CD's in my car has had an unintended consequence: I'm no longer tempted to talk on the phone (or worse, text) while driving. The language CD's work better for me than books on tape or music because they're more interactive. Maybe I'll try another language after our trip.

6 comments:

Laura. said...

I've been a vegetarian since I read Diet for a New America in grade 10! Ha! I tried watching Food Inc, but had to turn it off when the guy put his hand in the cow's side so enthusiastically. Preaching to the choir. Some lessons I really don't need to be taught. ewww.

Laura said...

I think your concern about "why aren't people freaking out about the monopoly in the food industry?" was the whole point of Food Inc., or one of the main points at least. People are waking up to the fact that this issue exists. It sucks but I'm so glad I'm aware so I know to be more careful about what I buy, what it's made of, and where it comes from.

eemusings said...

Man, watching the whole healthcare thing unfold from downunder has been just...bizarre. From a country with 'socialised' medicine, allowing people to go bankrupt from hospital bills just seems barbaric.

Jane said...

Aura - that's by far one of the grossest things in the movie. Well, unless you're like me and have developed an unhealthy fear of soybeans. But that is another story for another day. :)

Laura - Oh, I agree. It's just that a lot of people who I've talked to were more grossed out about the slaughterhouses than interested in the broader issues (not that there's anything wrong with that). It sort of reminded me of the public reaction to Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle."

eemusings - I can only imagine. Honestly, I'm surprised at how worked up ordinary people here get over the healthcare debate. It has become one of those hot button issues like abortion or gun control where people on both sides just get irrational and can't talk to each other. Sometimes I think people just like to argue.

Mishi said...

I haven't seen that movie yet, but it's on my "to watch" list. Also - "food libel"? What the heck is that?

Elizabeth said...

I haven't seen it, and don't plan to--I've seen/read my fair share of food industry horror stories. They definitely solidify my commitment to vegetarianism!