Week 1 Blog

Chapter 1 globalization of humankind, farming, and civilizations turning point really hit home with me. Not long ago I was standing in a grocery store holding a brussel sprout in my hand wondering who in the world decided to grow this thing. Now I know, it was the men and women of the Paleolithic era who did. Although we don't have exact documentation citing just how they figured out a round green leafy object was good for us, I can take comfort in trusting their judgement. Learning how to cultivate food was a grand transformation for civilization. People grew stronger, healthier, and were able to establish roots (no pun intended). From food came economics, a way of perpetuating our existence beyond simply food items. Next, came a form of government (not necessarily in that order). A hierarchy developed by the people for the people...if you will democracy and the real "free market". However, even though this took place more than 200,000 years ago, we still see the effects today. This brings me to urban agriculture. More and more today we are going back to our roots (again, no pun intended) and creating community based gardens around the nation. Each garden brings together people of all races and backgrounds together to cultivate the earth to provide substance. This in itself, brings all the same benefits of the first homo sapiens: community, well being/health, and a form of economics. More moderner interpretation: builds safe green environments, and provides an opportunity for individuals who never had the experience of growing their own food the ability to do so.