“The first sweetened cup of hot tea to be
drunk by an English worker was a significant historical event, because it
prefigured the transformation of an entire society, a total remaking of its
economic and social basis. We must struggle to understand fully the
consequences of that and kindred events for upon them was erected an entirely
different conception of the relationship between producers and consumers, of
the meaning of work, of the definition of self, of the nature of things.”
-Sydney
Mintz
Sugar is a fundamental ingredient to pretty much any food in
our society. When we go grocery shopping, some of the basic ingredients we make
sure we have in our kitchen are flour, milk, eggs, butter, and sugar. I never
thought or realized what goes on behind the scenes, from the history of how it
became a vital part of our society to how it becomes the form of sugar that we
know.
Historically,
sugar was a luxury ingredient, meaning only those who not only had the money
but the time to enjoy the desserts that involve sugar. The poor and working
class only got to use it in their tea, and that was only after tea became appropriated
into society and became a necessity. This start of capitalism is very much
prevalent in today’s society. It might not be sugar, but rather other luxury
goods such as cars and technology. We
live in a capitalist society, that isn’t a new fact. However, because we live
in this society, do not think about the people who are making these products we
strive to have. Most of the clothes, cars, and sometimes food are made in other
countries. We in America have the privilege of feigning ignorance about the
amount of power we hold. I don’t mean to generalize, but I know this was a
personal revelation.
This might
be going on another subject, but thinking of the power and privilege America
has globally makes me think about how capitalism affects other identities of
one’s life, not just class. Colonialism and slavery helped create the
capitalist society we live in, eventually allowing for this idea of the
American Dream to be manifested. Yet, people who have been exploited for centuries
still are not seen as equal even if they have achieved success according to
capitalist’s standards. Money equals power, whether it’s in the political
sphere or social sphere. These people with power still set the standard for
what is considered a luxury good and what we consume. Which brings us back full
circle to thinking about all those being exploited behind the scenes to ensure
that we get these goods, which are in demand.
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