The Pleasure of Eating Response

In this essay Author Wendell Berry begins by suggesting that society on average tends to view
food as simply an agricultural product, but they do not think of themselves as active participants in
agriculture. Further, that we think of ourselves as simply consumers and nothing more. Berry then raises
concern with how we are not curious about the processes that go into the food that we buy and eat,
suggesting that most people do not think about food, and compares it to an abstract concept, that only
materializes when we see the food in front of us, on the grocery shelves or tables. Berry points out that
this mentality is highly beneficial to those in the food industry as it promotes the sale of more and more
produced foods, suggesting that consumers have been convinced that they should prefer to buy these
processed foods. Berry then emphasizes the separation that many consumers have from the animals
and plants that they consume on a regular basis. This separation being ignorance to the terrible
conditions animals and plants are exposed to while they are growing/living, these conditions being due
to the food industries obsession with the quantity of food produced over the quality of food produced.

Berry then changes subject to how someone can become more involved, and aware in the food
that the buy, and consume. First by growing and preparing their own food, then to buy products as
locally as possible, and finally by educating themselves on the food production industry.

Overall Berry does a good job of critiquing societal views on the food production industry by
highlighting the ignorance many consumers have towards how their food is produced and the conditions
the plants and animals live in. However, often his tone is a bit condescending and comes off a bit
preachy almost. For example, when he is describing how he assumes most people live their life, the way
that he describes kitchens resembling filling stations, or when he writes” “Life is not very interesting,”
we seem to have decided. “Let its satisfactions be minimal, perfunctory, and fast.” I understand that this
is meant to be a thought-provoking essay, and I agree with the points he makes about raising
awareness, and education Berry fails to appropriately address his audience.

Berry also fails to account for the number of people who are unable to follow his suggestions.
For me, I live in a small apartment, work part time, and go to school full time, some of his suggestions
are not possible for someone in my situation. Still, I realize that he does not expect everyone to follow
these suggestions as gospel and they did make me more aware of how I can change my food habits, and
educate myself on the food production industry.