Sunday Scribblings this week asks us to define O-R-G-A-N-I-C, so:
Whole Food organic baked beans
Organic food baked
Beans whole
Food
Whole earth organic cocoa crunch
Organic earth cocoa
Crunch whole
Earth
I remember the first time I ate granola, visiting a hippie commune in the wilds of northern California. We women helped to build a yurt, made yogurt from what I thought was spoiled milk, and baked bread with joy. By day I worked for a bank, surrounded by suits. On the weekends, I lived in a counter culture. One day I realized my friends wanted to throw bricks through the front window at my bank. And then I read the politics of protest, “Chicks up front,” and disengaged.
Today, organic is a line of products; national debate rages over what constitutes a legal definition of organic, so necessary for labels. I see now “organic” can be defined as essentially commercial, at least in our capitalistic society, having little to do with individual freedom. I would rather define “organic” as in harmony, as in “at one” with the Earth, but we seem a long way from that definition. Individual actions can shape an “organic” whole, but not necessarily in the way the individual intends. I still do like granola.
I have been reading your blog for some time and enjoy it immensely. I have been too lazy to comment, but I know how much I appreciate comments, if only to know someone was there.
ReplyDeleteEverything is marketed and commercialised in the end.
ReplyDeleteA shame.
I'm with Myrtle - I'd even appreciate a comment that said, "Hello!"
ReplyDeleteI agree with your definition of organic... and I feel that the word has become a little polluted - isn't THAT ironic? :)
Where has organic gone nowadays? As Anthony says, its a shame..
ReplyDeletei like your little poem and the bit about the hippie commune. sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteit reminds me of the movie Yes Man.
Organic is a word that changes with the times...I enjoyed your story of having a foot in two worlds...
ReplyDeleteNice post!
Hello friends. Thank you all for commenting. I'm in Brazil just now and with limited access to internet. BUT, participating in Sunday Scribblings is like a lifeline to me now, so far from home, and yet still writing away each morning. Thank you ALL. I will try to read as many links-back as possible. You are all VERY APPRECIATED. Beth
ReplyDeleteI like your definition, and I too like granola... not that I've eaten it that often, but when I have, I've enjoyed it.
ReplyDeletereally you lead a weekend life like that?..I am sure you would have some amazing experiences to share from that
ReplyDeleteI agree, "organic" has become a marketing tool, rather divorced from its original meaning. Making choices, very tricky.
ReplyDelete