ABSTRACT
The notion that “food is political” has become a kind of common sense. This seemingly obvious idea is actually quite complex, and this chapter explores the political world of the foodie. We want to avoid posing a question about food politics in simple yes or no terms-are foodies politicized eaters, or apolitical hedonists? Clearly, the contemporary food scene is replete with political issues, particularly issues of environmental sustainability. Shoppers across the country spend the summer months toting canvas bags with farmers’ market produce, and many home-cooks serve only free-range organic meats to dinner guests. A burger joint in New York City’s East Village avoids fuel-burning, crosscountry deliveries since, as the owner states, “I want this to be an ethical burger” (New York Times, Feb. 13, 2008, p.F5). Michael Pollan has become a kind of journalistic folk hero, and his bestselling critique of the industrial food complex, The Omnivore’s Dilemma (2006), won the 2007 James Beard Award for best food writing, and is widely read by foodies (including the foodies we interviewed).
