King Corn: You Are What You Eat (2007)
King Corn: A 2007 documentary, directed by Aaron Woolf, takes viewers on a captivating journey into the heart of America’s food system. Let’s delve into this eye-opening film and explore its revelations.
The film follows two college friends, Ian Cheney and Curtis Ellis, as they embark on an unconventional adventure: moving from bustling Boston to the quiet town of Greene, Iowa, with a mission to grow and farm an acre of corn. Coincidentally, this journey also leads them back to their familial roots in the same region.
King Corn sheds light on the pervasive influence of corn in American society. Here are some key takeaways:
- Government Subsidies and Corn Production:
- The film examines the trend of increased corn production and its impact on our lives. Government subsidies play a significant role in encouraging the massive cultivation of corn.
- By studying the food economy through the lens of corn, Cheney and Ellis discover that most of our foods contain corn in some form. From corn syrup to processed foods, this humble grain infiltrates our diets.
- Industrialization and the Family Farm:
- The film paints a stark picture of how industrialization has transformed the landscape. The idyllic image of the family farm is fading, replaced by larger, mechanized operations.
- Cheney and Ellis argue that this shift reflects a broader industrialization of the North American food system. Decisions about crop choices and farming practices are often driven by economic considerations manipulated by the government.
- High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS):
- The production of high fructose corn syrup, an ingredient found in many cheap food products (including fast food), is a central theme.
- A study conducted at Princeton University revealed that HFCS consumption led to more weight gain in rats than regular table sugar. The increasing obesity rate correlates with the rising production of corn syrup.
- Personal Journey and Awareness:
- Cheney and Ellis, both college graduates, were initially embarrassed by their lack of knowledge about food sources. Their quest to understand corn’s role in our lives drives the film.
- Director Aaron Woolf seizes the opportunity to “get his hands dirty” by exploring the complexities of our modern food system.
King Corn uncovers hilarious absurdities and hidden truths about America’s food pyramid, dominated from top to bottom by corn. Through real farmers, oodles of fertilizer, genetically modified seeds, and engaging storytelling, the film invites viewers to question what they eat and how it shapes their health and environment.
In a world where food choices impact our well-being, this documentary serves as a wake-up call—a reminder that we truly are what we eat.
