Week 6

  Here we go again...

4th article attacking white people instead of looking for real solutions...

Alkon and McCullen’s Whiteness and Farmers Markets represents yet another example of over analyzing race in everyday life. Farmers' markets are simply places where people buy local food... That's it. yet the authors attempt to point fingers and bring in "identity politics" into something as innocent as grocery shopping. Their argument is that these markets reinforce racial, and class inequalities seems like another unnecessary attempt to create division where no division exists. If certain groups do not frequently go to farmers markets, it is likely due to personal choice rather than systemic exclusion. The idea that these markets should be changed to cater to perceived racial inequalities is just another example of progressives pushing unnecessary social engineering and racism. Yes racism, because if you say that any community run event, or store is too "Hispanic" or too much "Blackness", you would be called a racist and rightfully so. White people for some reason, enjoy putting them self's down and hating their own culture and traditions. Maybe it makes them think that will be accepted by society as a "good white person" in a culture where being white is becoming increasingly unpopular.

The authors overlook the real value of farmers' markets which is supporting hardworking small-scale farmers and promoting self-sufficiency. It really upsets me when they use the word "privileged", you have no idea what someone's struggle is like, so assuming that their life is easy based on skin alone is racist and increases division. 

Instead of blaming markets for being “too white,” people who feel excluded should take the initiative to participate rather than expect changes to be made for them. The push to racialize something as simple as food shopping distracts from real issues and fosters division. Rather than viewing farmers markets as spaces of privilege, that slam the doors on minorities, they should be recognized as examples of community engagement, not another battleground for racist politics. "I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."