Surviving Capitalism (Not) : Mexico: Celebrating Indigenous Culture, Zapotec Autonomy and Uncontaminated Corn

We’ve lived so long under the spell of hierarchy—from god-kings to feudal lords to party bosses—that only recently have we awakened to see not only that “regular” citizens have the capacity for self-governance, but that without their engagement our huge global crises cannot be addressed. The changes needed for human society simply to survive, let alone thrive, are so profound that the only way we will move toward them is if we ourselves, regular citizens, feel meaningful ownership of solutions through direct engagement. Our problems are too big, interrelated, and pervasive to yield to directives from on high.
—Frances Moore Lappé, excerpt from Time for Progressives to Grow Up

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Mexico: Celebrating Indigenous Culture, Zapotec Autonomy and Uncontaminated Corn

from Upside Down World. The article describes their celebration of their victory for preserving their food, but also indicates that they are under siege by corporations who grab their resources and spoil their environment.

...the 4th annual Zapotec Feria of the Cornfield - Globalization and the Natural Resources - is not only concerned with the problems and struggles facing the Zapotec communities, but is also a celebration of their rich culture and food sovereignty. Day two of the feria brought a festive culinary demonstration of a myriad of corn dishes and locally produced food.