October 26, 2015 - 16:12
“All Over Creation” by Ruth Ozeki
Relationship Between Identity and the Environment
“That’s what it felt like when I was growing up, like I was a random fruit in a field of genetically identical potatoes.” [pg. 4]
“’No offense. I mean, I like all the stuff you were saying about the peas and the software. And the part about corporations and total domination and stuff totally sucks. But you gotta understand, it’s the protesting that really turns me on. Doing the actions. And I like you guys, so if you say something’s worth fighting, I’ll go along with it. But for me, I don’t really care what I eat, you know? Like, these fries taste great, and I figure I’m just going to die anyway. Sooner or later.’” [pg.125-126]
“And while we are on the subject of Exotics, there is a idea in circulation that these so-called “aggressive” non-native plants are harmful, invasive, and will displace “native” species. How ironic to hear these theories propounded by people of European ancestry in America! Just consider this: Not a single one of the food crops that make the U.S. an agricultural power today is native to North America. Our plants are as immigrant as we are!” [pg. 67]