Letters to the Editor
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Another Example of Institutionalized Racism
My Mexican-American Los Angeles neighborhood does indeed have fewer organic and "whole food" offerings than the ritzier neighbhorhoods, but to say that we don't cook or aren't interested in healthy choices is offensive and ridiculous. A key difference is the way we approach making a meal. Often buying groceries is more than an "in and out" affair. In addition to the florescent-lit megaliths which stock aisles upon aisles of sugar and starch, there is a bounty of small privately owned stores. In preparing a menu, many people in the neighborhood will hit up not only the huge grocery mart, but a produce stand, a bakery, and a corner bodega.
The Mexican diet is known for its inclusion of fresh fruits and vegetables, and it is a blessing that we Southern Californians have easier access to such foods than our northern compatriots.
Luckily capitalism seems to be favoring our neighborhood and those like it, regardless of government intervention. To compete with our friendly bodegas, the chain stores are now carrying soy milk, decent (if not organic) produce, and traditional ethnic spices. I have a feeling many people would react with surprise to find that the 5-dollar papaya they bought at Whole Foods is vending for 2 for a dollar in my part of town.
It is important to remember that it's the white folks who came up with microwaves, tv dinners, and potatoes=vegetables, while the Mexicans were busy feasting on nopales, papaya, and agave.