Not Your Midwestern Corn

"Seeds are extremely important. The act of seed selection is considered sacred." I wonder if the people at Monsanto and Cargill treat corn this way? This is one of the many photos I took while at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. The whole place is extremely inspiring. The ability of Native Americans to live with nature as one never ceases to amaze me. This particular picture highlights one of the most prized possessions in the native world. Corn was used as gold was in the Old World as a form of currency. I encourage everyone to visit this museum, as it has been one of my favorites so far. The title of this post refers to the monoculture intensive agriculture we now know in the Midwest. One strain of corn is predominantly grown in our home and surrounding states, Yellow Number 2. Ironically, this corn cannot even be eaten, it is grown for use in other applications such as the manufacture of corn syrup. Happy obesity and diabetes to all! Seriously though, the modern industrial food system is one that needs to be reviewed and revised. Book recommendation again: The Omnivores Dilemma by Michael Pollan. (I am going to recommend this book every chance I get so read it already!) One of the strong points of the museum is the way the modern Native American culture is highlighted in the way they have adapted to modern society. Another book recommendation: Brave New World by Aldous Huxley.

--Mike