Why don't men eat fruit? – The strange politics of food
Nov 13, 2024
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Pen Vogler, an expert on food’s political history and author of 'Stuffed', joins to delve into the intriguing intersection of politics and our plates. The discussion uncovers why some men shy away from fruits like strawberries, and how class, tradition, and innovation shape food preferences. Vogler highlights the impact of rationing and advertising on modern eating habits, critiques the inequities in food distribution, and emphasizes the role of responsibility in feeding future generations amidst changing perceptions.
The podcast explores the historical impact of the enclosure movement on food access, transforming communal sustenance into an industrialized food system that marginalizes the vulnerable.
It discusses how advertising influences consumer choices, normalizing unhealthy ultra-processed foods while emphasizing the need for regulation to promote better eating habits.
Deep dives
The Responsibility for Feeding Children
The discussion highlights the contrasting views on who holds the responsibility for feeding children, especially during challenging times such as the pandemic. It contrasts the perspectives of Marcus Rashford, who advocated for government accountability in feeding schoolchildren, and another politician who placed that responsibility solely on parents. This debate underscores a historical tension where women's roles, primarily as caregivers, are often burdened with societal expectations about feeding their families. The podcast suggests that this dynamic reflects deeper societal issues regarding power and agency in the food system.
Historical Context of Food Control
The podcast delves into the historical evolution of food systems, particularly highlighting the enclosures that began in the 15th century and their impact on land and power dynamics. Before enclosures, communities had rights to common land, allowing for collective sustenance, but the enclosure movement stripped those rights away, forcing many into cities as industrial workers. This transition significantly altered how societies interact with food, moving from localized, communal responsibilities to a more industrialized approach that often neglects the most vulnerable populations. The ramifications of these historical shifts continue to affect how food is produced, accessed, and consumed today.
Advertising and the Food Industry's Influence
The conversation reveals the powerful role of advertising in shaping consumer perceptions and the food environment. It emphasizes that advertising strategies contribute to the normalization of ultra-processed foods while creating disconnects between food producers and consumers. This power dynamic allows corporations to profit from unhealthy food options, further complicating the relationship between cost and nutritional value. The podcast argues that regulation of food advertising, particularly to children, is essential to mitigate this issue and promote healthier eating habits across society.
How did the food we eat get so political? Are men really refusing to eat strawberries because they’re too ‘girly’? From avocados to artisan coffee – our taste in food can reveal more than we might realise. Today on The Bunker, Emma Kennedy sits down with Pen Vogler, author of Stuffed: A Political History of What We Eat and Why It Matters, to explore how class, innovation, and tradition have linked politics to the food we eat.
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Written and presented by Emma Kennedy. Producer: Liam Tait and Chris Jones. Audio editors: Tom Taylor. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.