Danielle Alesi

Dr. Danielle Alesi, an Assistant Professor of History and author, delves into how colonial perceptions of animal edibility shifted in the Americas from 1492 to 1700. She discusses the curiosity-driven early encounters with new animals and the cultural construction of what was deemed edible. Alesi explores the connection between starvation narratives and hierarchies of animals considered fit for consumption. She also highlights the emotional layers behind colonial food practices, including the concept of 'revenge eating.' Alesi finishes with insights into modern food systems rooted in these historical dynamics.