Food Inc.

We finally saw the film Food Inc. this weekend. Although I was pleased with the movie in many ways, I am trying to look at the movie from different perspectives. From a vegan perspective, a "conscientious omnivore" perspective and a person who just shoves whatever there is in their mouth without a second thought about it (oblivious omnivore) perspective.

All in all I thought it was a well put together film with plenty of good information. This was a very suitable movie for the general public. It is a good place to start for the oblivious omnivore. If you can get them to see the movie at all. Most people do not want to know what they are eating. It is human nature, I think, to be afraid of the unknown, or in this case, afraid of knowing.

The "conscientious omnivore" (and yes, I know, we don't all agree on this term, so bear with me) might get alittle more out of it. Especially if they are still eating packaged foods. It might get them to move beyond the grocery store and move more to the farmers market, if they weren't already there to begin with. It might help them make the conversion to a vegetarian diet. (hopefully)

As for the vegan viewer, parts of it may have been a bit frusterating. The filmmaker did touch on some animal rights issues, but this was not by all means a "go vegan" or "animal rights" movie. They were still showing how to "humanely" slaughter chickens and suggesting that local meat was the best choice. They didn't get into how unhealthy meat or dairy is. So it was lacking there.

The film did have a lot of ground to cover, there is so much to this issue, that a mere 90 minute film won't solve all of the food problems in our counrty.

The thing about the movie I liked the best was that it was about people: farmers, workers and consumers. They showed how very low-income families have to choose between a small amount of vegetables and a fast food meal for the little money they have to spend.

They talked about how the way we eat is making us sick and unhealthy-obese and riddled with diseases like type-2 diabetes and heart problems. They talked about people, children mostly, who have died because of tainted meat and e-coli contamination. About how farmers, the "little people" are being exploited by the giagantic, powerful company they are growing for whether it be meat or vegetables.

By having experts and authors like Michael Pollan (The Omnivore's Dilemma) and Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation)it gives the viewer opportunity to do more reading and research on the subject. I am hoping so any way.

The only large problem that I have with the movie is that it wasn't shown in the mainstream theatres, like the ones in the mall. (at least not in my area, anyway). I think films such as this should be more available for the general population to see. I can see where small towns probably would never have access to this type of movie.

I am hoping when it comes out on DVD that more people will view it and have access to it. Please share your opinions if you have seen the film.