Gianluca Drago
Well-Known Member
Before Columbus, through a miscalculation, landed in the Americas, maize was not maize. For those living in the United States, I believe it is still just popcorn and food for animals. In the region where I live, maize later became the main food source of an extremely poor population that ate polenta. Only polenta and turnips kept them alive, but then pellagra made them die from vitamin deficiency.
The people in my region a century ago were so poor that those in other parts of Italy called them 'polentoni' (polenta eaters) with contempt and racism. History then took its course and today it is those in my region who are among the most racist in the country.
Deep sadness.
These photos taken 20 years ago in my mother-in-law's small maize field are meant to be a tribute to maize. They are not perfect I know. For privacy reasons, the most beautiful photo is missing, the one of my then young son who, bare-chested, like a Mowgli, explores, hides and has fun among the tall stalks of a forest of sharp-leaved maize. I could not censor his beautiful eyes.
Thanks to the Maya and their ancestors for the polenta and popcorn. For everything else that happened I am not personally responsible although I am left with a bitter taste in my mouth.
The people in my region a century ago were so poor that those in other parts of Italy called them 'polentoni' (polenta eaters) with contempt and racism. History then took its course and today it is those in my region who are among the most racist in the country.
Deep sadness.
These photos taken 20 years ago in my mother-in-law's small maize field are meant to be a tribute to maize. They are not perfect I know. For privacy reasons, the most beautiful photo is missing, the one of my then young son who, bare-chested, like a Mowgli, explores, hides and has fun among the tall stalks of a forest of sharp-leaved maize. I could not censor his beautiful eyes.
Thanks to the Maya and their ancestors for the polenta and popcorn. For everything else that happened I am not personally responsible although I am left with a bitter taste in my mouth.
