The Politics of Farming

The Politics of Farming

What used to be the biggest part of our country is now diminishing to nothing. Farming used to rule the land. The more land you owned the wealthier you were, now only two percent of the United States population farms.

This year’s Super Bowl featured a Dodge truck commercial praising the farm industry. In their commercial they acknowledged the hard working aspect of the farmer. In today’s society hard work has fallen to the waist side and the easy way out is the best route to take. The commercial starts off with the name Paul Harvey. Harvey was a radio broadcaster during the 1950’s who was known for his conservative views. The purpose of this commercial was to commiserate the death of this man. The commercial is actually the speech he gave at a farming convention.  By starting the commercial off with a man known for his right wing views gives the viewer a bias opinion. It sets the tone for the rest of the commercial. Farmers are notorious for their conservative views. However, in the second commercial a different approach is taken. The second commercial mocks the political views of the first. This one discusses how the farming industry has declined along with society. Farmers too have become lazy and would rather do things the quicker way rather than work hard. For example using GMO’s. GMO’s are an easy way to insure the best crop but they are filled with chemicals. Another easy was out is to hire labor. They feature Mexican laborers. This is a very controversial topic. Some people believe that by hiring these men they are taking away from Americans who are able to work while others feel they are a much more efficient way of work. No matter what, the owner is not doing the work. The makers of this commercial have a more liberal take on politics than does the first. Both commercials do however recognize America’s farming background in addition to the politics associated with it. Even though the politics are a little different in the two commercials, they do nevertheless recognize its presence. Politics is becoming a very prominent part of the business of farming. Lobbyists and congressmen are asserting more and more control over the farmers who are loosing control over their farms, leading to products such as GMO’s and pesticides.

Even though both commercials give off two very different vibes, they are however similar commercials, dealing with the ever-present political hand in farming.