Guess who is LOVING the vegetable conversation? Not because I love veggies (they're good) but because I love thinking about social-political issues (ya think?).
Hell said:
It may not have a political MOTIVE but it does have political implications and CONSEQUENCES.It depends entirely on the motives of the person involved. If Bob is choosing between zucchini and summer squash on the basis of where it was picked, and whether the workers picking the vegetables have been taken advantage of etc., etc. then yes, the choice is political. But if he's choosing simply on the basis of flavour, ie. he prefers zucchini to squash, and ignores those other factors, then that choice has no political motive whatsoever. It's simply a matter of taste.
so even though it is a very personal act, it has broader ramifications.
if anyone chooses to think that their actions have no implications,
that simple and basic choices are only their own personal and individual choices,
they are making a choice right there, as far as i am concerned,
to *ignore* the ramifications of their actions.
as brilliant howard zinn said: "You can't be neutral on a moving train."
you may think you are being neutral by not holding any particular opinion on an issue,
by not making your own personal movement,
but the train is moving and you are moving with it
unless you are actively moving some other way.
do i think about every outfit i wear and every vegetable i eat?
not really, though to be honest i *do* think about it every time i choose
what grocery store to shop in (usually Whole Foods, which isn't
environmentally and socially any better than any other chain
supermarket - politically i want to shop at the farmer's market
and the local co-op but sometimes i am swayed by convenience...)
and when i find myself shopping for clothes.
and choosing not to think about those things doesn't make anyone less involved in their propogation.
-yael
