Industial, globalized society does not favor the introduction of complexity. Simple, reproducible standards allow for large scale implementation and management. Unfortunatley nature does not operate under these artificial constraints. Culturally, our modern residential infrastructure has been built of the premise of monocultural elements. Almost everyone has grown up with a lush green lawn containing a single species of grass requiring strict maintenence and attention. Society has tamed nature in this gesture of aesthetic agriculture for the purpose of appearance and comfort. Having the only front yard devoid of the particular species of ornamental greenery, the social stigma to conform pushes individuals to adopt this normative behavior. Additionally, community exist that promote uniformity in architecture and layout that discourages individuality. This mentality of standard being equal to appropriate or correct contributes to a pronounced proliferation of archetype within American society to resist individuality.
In our food system we are given the appearance of choice and variety. Upon entering King Soopers or Safeway it would appear that our food system has many sources and many options for diverse food selection. The reality is however that while it may appear like the food choices we make are varied and unique the truth is much more sinister. Most foods found in typical super markets like the ones mentioned above derive primary ingredients from one single plant, corn. As we have already learned in class, corn is in practically everything, taking on the form of high-fructose corn syrup. This highly processed chemical compound flavors everything from candy bars to bread. Corn in the US represents the epitome of a hyper industrialized society operation operating a food system dependent on a single source.
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