As we discussed in the last chapter analysis, Liz Carlisle stresses the importance of recognizing racial injustices and discrimination within the farming and agricultural industry, as well as destruction of cultural practices and traditions of minorities. In chapter two, Carlisle dives deeper into the pain that targeted towards those who had their voices ripped from them.
One quote that Carlisle wrote really stuck with me; "Her people too were wanted for their agricultural labor, but denied a place in society. They too were ripped away from deep histories of interconnection with the lands they left behind" (Carlisle 90), and this really just showed how cruel and unfair society was at the time. Stealing land from the people they force into labor, and leaving them with nothing after they are finished using them.
One thing that was interesting to me while reading was the term "nature's matrix", coined by Vandermeer and Perfecto. This term refers to the pathways of traditional agricultural practices used by surrounding black farmers at the time, which led to systems of high biodiversity and healthy ecosystems. This term, for some reason, made me feel so peaceful, especially when they mention that people of color saw this "matrix" as a safe space. Although it is discouraging to hear how POC were displaced and ignored, it warms my heart a little to know that they continued their traditional practices within their safe space communities when they could, or create new safe spaces for themselves after being displaced from their native land and homes.
2 comments:
I love your emphasis on Carlisle, my post focused on other people but I completely agree about the importance of that quote from Carlisle. High levels of biodiversity and healthy ecosystems are both essential factors in solving food justice issues.
This chapter really shows the resilience people have in the face of the worst possible situations. Much was lost due to the transatlantic slave trade, but many people still held on to aspects of their cultures, and we saw that in how they treated agriculture, not just as a form of producing goods, but as a way to produce food and livelihood. I also think that is wonderful that black people and other POC have been able to create these spaces within their communities and that we are still able to appreciate and experience it today.
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