Notes From the Patriarchy

There’s a lot wrong with Thanksgiving.  Mainly the fake genesis story, and the oppression it symbolizes. Also, the way the holiday is used as an excuse for mass 4 AM shopping the next day… I find malls terrifying.

BUT. ALSO. A national holiday completely oriented around expressing gratitude? Incredible. Yesterday my students went around to share what they were thankful for, and it was the most reflective and self-aware I had seen many of them. It’s a great opportunity to think about how great we really have it. And also to commit to doing something with that greatness.

Some things I am grateful for:

• I have family I am excited to spend the day with (and wish I could spend it with more of them!).
•  I have a rewarding job in the field I love, and I get a salary, benefits, and sick days.
• Overflowing Thanksgiving meals, and the delicious food I get every day.

As I prepare for tomorrow’s feast, I think about all of the people who worked to get the food to me. It starts with farmworkers, many of whom are underpaid and mistreated, and I have been complicit in my shopping choices. For the past ten years, the Coalition of Immokalee Workers have been fighting for greater oversight against workplace abuse, and to be paid a penny more per pound of tomatoes harvested. Taco Bell, McDonalds, and Burger King have all been successfully pressured to commit to this.

However, companies that have a more ethical image, such as Trader Joe’s and Chipotle, have refused to sign on. This is where we, the consumers, come in. The Student/Farmworker Alliance is targeting the following food companies: Giant, Kroger, Martin’s, Publix, Stop & Shop, Trader Joe’s, Chipotle, and Quizno’s. From now until they change their policies, every time I shop at one of these places I will ask to speak to the manager and deliver a letter asking the company to commit to doing better. I ask you to do the same. You can find the letters here.

Have a happy Thanksgiving, and let us all continue to find more to be grateful for.