Michael Pollan's article "What's Eating America?"
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MichaelPollansarticleWhatsEatingAmerica.docx1. Americans don't just grow corn to eat it on the cob. What else do we do with corn now?
2. Much of Pollan's article consists of him connecting causes and effects -- actions taken and the resulting, often unexpected consequences. How is this kind of explanation different from the explanation of, say, how a car engine works, or the carbon cycle? What does Pollan use his cause-and-effect explanations for? How do they relate to his larger argument?
3. What are some of the benefits and drawbacks to corn production today? Should we continue using synthetic nitrogen as we do, or should we curtail its use in favor of another system of producing food?
4. Pollan says that "the process for fixing nitrogen is the most important invention of the twentieth century." Do you agree or disagree? Why or why not?
