Thursday, July 09, 2009

July 16: Talk - "Who's Afraid of Swine Flu? The Intersection of Capitalism, Food and Disease"

"Who’s Afraid of Swine Flu? The Intersection of Capitalism, Food and Disease"

July 16, 7:30 pm

The Brecht Forum
451 West Street (between Bank & Bethune Sts)
Phone: (212) 242-4201

Dr. Laura S. Boylan will talk about “Swine and Men” examining the history of viral pandemics in people and their animals with a focus on the most recent outbreak, a WHO designated global pandemic. New York has more cases and fatalities than any other state and yet there’s no evidence it’s as lethal as “regular” flu.

Arun Gupta will analyze “Bacon as a Weapon of Mass Destruction,” demystifying the hidden political and economic systems behind this simple breakfast food. Gupta will look at how government agricultural policies, the rise of Concentrated Agricultural Feeding Operations, the fast-food industry and the construction of consumer taste have transformed the once-humble strip of bacon into a highly profitable product that poses a grave threat to the environment and public health.

For more info: brechtforum.org

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