Food, Inc. opens eyes for those willing to watch

June 29, 12:34 AMPortland Vegetarian ExaminerBrittany Dalberg

In "Food, Inc.", however, we’re not only seeing the dirty secrets behind Tyson chicken, or the throats of cattle being slit. This movie wasn’t meant as a way to gross out the omnivore and stop them from shopping in the meat aisle (although there were definitely scenes of extreme gore). In fact, the movie didn’t really sway toward vegan or vegetarian lifestyles at all. Rather, it chose to reveal the true crimes that our government has hidden from the consumer in order to make more money. It wasn’t only bashing the meat and dairy industry, but the conspiracies behind soybeans, corn, and other produce as well. It took on food, and all kinds of food.

But why would non-vegetarians want to see this movie? It merely reinforces organic food advocates and reaffirms the beliefs of those who already are convinced. Meat eaters and skeptics aren’t going to willingly see this movie. They aren’t interested. They won’t want to spend the money to go see a documentary on something that is blatantly telling them what they are eating is bad.

But is ignorance really bliss?

We know that eating healthy is expensive, but healthy options are increasingly harder to come by. So many foods are genetically engineered and processed with (or near) chemicals, and the Food and Drug Administration doesn’t even enforce proper labeling. Many families can’t even afford organic, nutritious foods, and opt for unhealthy alternatives. These choices take a toll on their health and cause medical problems, in which they have to pay even more money to take care of. It is a vicious cycle.

So what can one person do about it? First of all, that person must be open to the truth of what is on their plate. Ignorance is not going to create change. Shop at farmer’s markets and food co-ops, support local business, and buy locally grown products. In Portland, this is easy. Always, always, always read the label. Go by that rule where if you don’t know what something is don’t buy it. (What is Xanthum Gum, Monoglycerides, and Lecithin anyway?) And, although some corporate labels lie, you know that local farmers who are trying to avoid big business aren’t going to lie to you.

And what if shopping at these co-ops is virtually impossible for you? Read labels. Buy organic. Do your best and trust your instinct. Every little bit helps.

Each person can make a difference. And if everyone saw it this way, we could put Tyson chicken out of business so fast.

Although this movie has done an incredible job opening the eyes of those willing to watch, it still lacks the power to change the minds of the majority.

But we don’t have to be the majority.