Written Response 2

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School

Lone Star College System, Woodlands *

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Course

1301

Subject

English

Date

Dec 6, 2023

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docx

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Uploaded by MagistratePantherPerson1009

1 Liam Easey Professor Ranft English 1301 19 April 2023 Written Response 2 Ron Finley's TedTalk centers around the idea of transforming urban spaces through gardening and empowering communities to take ownership of their own food systems. He believes that access to fresh, healthy food is a fundamental human right and that "gardening is the most therapeutic and defiant act you can do, especially in the inner city. Plus, you get strawberries" (Finley, 2013). Finley highlights the importance of challenging the status quo and redefining what it means to live in a city. He argues that cities should not only be places of consumption, but also of production, and that urban gardens can provide abundant fresh produce and serve as a platform for education and community building. He encourages people to take action and create their own gardens, stating that "if kids grow kale, kids eat kale. If they grow tomatoes, they eat tomatoes" (Finley, 2013). One key point Finley makes that I find particularly important is the idea that gardening can serve as a form of resistance against oppressive systems. He argues that "the drive-thrus are killing more people than the drive-bys" (Finley, 2013), and that the industrial food system perpetuates poverty, poor health, and environmental degradation. By taking control of their own food production, communities can resist the dominant food system and create more sustainable and just alternatives. This is especially important in urban areas where access to fresh produce is limited and poverty and health disparities are prevalent. Finley's message is powerful because it highlights the potential of gardening as a tool for both personal and social transformation. As someone who has only recently dabbled in the world of gardening, I don’t have the best personal perception of its real influence. However, I can understand the importance of having access to fresh produce and the benefits of growing one's own food. In many urban areas, fresh produce is often expensive and difficult to access, particularly for low-income communities. This lack of access to healthy food can lead to negative health outcomes, such as obesity and chronic diseases. Furthermore, industrial agriculture often relies on harmful chemicals and practices that damage the environment and contribute to climate change. By supporting urban gardening initiatives and promoting sustainable food systems, we can create healthier communities and a more sustainable future.

2 Works Cited Finley, Ron. “A Guerilla Gardener in South Central LA.” TED, Feb. 2013, https://www.ted.com/talks/ron_finley_a_guerilla_gardener_in_south_central_la . Accessed 19 Apr. 2023. Purdue Online Writing Lab. “MLA Works Cited Page: Basic Format.” Purdue Writing Lab, 28 Mar. 2021, https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/ml a_works_cited_page_basic_format.html . Accessed 19 Apr. 2023.

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