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The Politics of Food and the Making of Modern Chile

Forrest Blair

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Published in Hungry For Revolution: The Politics Of Food And The Making Of Modern Chile

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Hungry for Revolution: The Politics of Food and the Making of Modern Chile

by Joshua Frens-String

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Food is essential to human life. It is a source of nourishment, a means of social interaction, and a symbol of cultural identity. In Chile, food has played a significant role in the country's history and development. It has been used as a tool of control, resistance, and nation-building.

This article will explore the complex relationship between food, politics, and the making of modern Chile. It will examine how food has been used to shape the country's political landscape and how, in turn, politics has influenced the way that Chileans eat.

Food as a Tool of Control

Food has been used as a tool of control in Chile since the colonial era. The Spanish conquistadors used food to pacify and control the indigenous population. They introduced new crops and livestock, and they forced the indigenous people to work on their plantations. This led to a drastic change in the Chilean diet and to the loss of traditional foodways.

In the 19th century, the Chilean government continued to use food as a tool of control. The government imposed tariffs on imported food, making it more expensive for the poor to buy food. This led to widespread hunger and malnutrition. The government also used food to reward its supporters and to punish its enemies.

In the 20th century, the Chilean government continued to use food as a political weapon. During the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet (1973-1990),the government implemented a series of economic policies that led to a sharp increase in poverty and hunger. The government also used food to control the population. It distributed food only to those who supported the regime.

Food as a Means of Resistance

Food has also been used as a means of resistance in Chile. During the colonial era, the indigenous people used food to resist Spanish rule. They grew their own food and they refused to eat Spanish food. This helped to maintain their cultural identity and to resist assimilation.

In the 19th century, the Chilean people used food to protest against government policies. They organized food riots and they boycotted imported food. This helped to bring about political change.

In the 20th century, the Chilean people continued to use food as a means of resistance. During the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet, the people organized soup kitchens and food banks to help those who were suffering from hunger. They also used food to protest against the regime.

Food as a Symbol of Nation-Building

Food has also been used as a symbol of nation-building in Chile. In the 19th century, the Chilean government promoted the consumption of Chilean food as a way to create a national identity. This led to the development of a national cuisine that is based on traditional Chilean ingredients.

In the 20th century, the Chilean government continued to use food to promote nation-building. The government created a national food program that provided food to the poor and to schoolchildren. This helped to improve the nutritional status of the Chilean people and to create a sense of national unity.

Today, food continues to play a significant role in Chilean society. It is a source of nourishment, a means of social interaction, and a symbol of cultural identity. Food has also been used as a tool of control, resistance, and nation-building throughout Chilean history.

The relationship between food, politics, and the making of modern Chile is complex and multifaceted. Food has been used as a tool of control, resistance, and nation-building throughout Chilean history. It has shaped the country's political landscape and influenced the way that Chileans eat.

Today, food continues to play a significant role in Chilean society. It is a source of nourishment, a means of social interaction, and a symbol of cultural identity. Food is also a reminder of the country's history and of the struggles that its people have faced.

Hungry for Revolution: The Politics of Food and the Making of Modern Chile

by Joshua Frens-String

4.7 out of 5