Analysis Of Michael Pollan's When A Crop Becomes King

It influences every waking moment of our day, from breakfast to a midnight snack; food is life. The same dependence transfers into the food industry, who have the same power over us, if not more. Shortly after President Bush’s farm bill in 2002, the New York Times published Michael Pollan’s article, “When a Crop Becomes King” which depicts a harsh reality of how the food industry, specifically the corn production, has taken over American politics, health, and the environment. In Michael Pollan’s “When a Crop Becomes King”, Pollan effectively argues that corn production has managed to take control of American society with strong imagery, credible facts, and suitable personifications. In his initial paragraphs, Pollan sets the stage for his argument through the use of imagery. Pollan depicts corn’s abundance as an “80 million-acre field of corn ... across the countryside like a second great lawn”. Pollan’s strong imagery emphasizes to the American public that they need to become more aware of the impact today’s corn demand has taken on our landscape. Americans need to realize that to fulfill their demand, corn requires expansive fields that will eventually dominate America’s landscape. Pollan continues his strong illustrations by reasoning that in order for corn to gain land it forces the “clearing of land [and] plowing of grounds”. This addition forces the audience to …show more content…
Despite its publication more than a decade ago, Pollan’s argument remains relevant today as the globe struggles to find the best balance between accessible or healthy food and efficient or moral food production methods. Regardless of what course the food industry will decide to take, the power it holds over society and our future is