What do you think of, when you think of farmers?

[The Mad Monk]

I've noticed Europeans, perhaps especially Brits, have a less-than-positive view of those who till the soil, while those in North America have a more positive impression. I've been wondering why.

If it's not too much trouble, post what you picked, why, and where you're from.

edit: "family" farms, not "industrial" farms.

[Harovan]

I am a European, who moved to the country, so I can actually see farmers, unlike the ~90% who live in cities. In my opinion, most of them are hardworking and moderately prosperous.

[The Mad Monk]

Thanks.

Here are some quotes taken in passing from a thread on another forum, so you know where I got the idea of a difference from:

"And loads of farmers. We all know how farmers are deeply racists in their little piggy hearts."

"Get orf moi laaand!"

"Farmers are the Gestapo of the countryside."

[Bugs ****ing Bunny]

I spot a quote by me.

Farmers are evil. Trust me on this- I grew up in farming country.

[Bugs ****ing Bunny]

Can a moderator add "Subsidy-sucking harbingers of envionmental armageddon"?

[Spiffor]

Where is the "normal people" option?

[General Ludd]

I think of food.



But how about "Hardworking and impoverished"?

[The Mad Monk]

Originally posted by Lazarus and the Gimp
Can a moderator add "Subsidy-sucking harbingers of envionmental armageddon"?

Actually, I figured that to be under "Protectionist SOBs".

[Sandman]

Where is 'parasitic class that perpetuates myths about itself in order to maintain their subsidy-bloated existence'?

[The Mad Monk]

Originally posted by Spiffor
Where is the "normal people" option?

I would say either "Hardworking and Prosperous", or "Old MacDonald...", which is doubling as the banana option.

Although...I though you'd be in the "Protectionist SOB camp, for some reason...

[The Mad Monk]

Originally posted by General Ludd
I think of food.



But how about "Hardworking and impoverished"?

"Poor but Honest".

[The Mad Monk]

Originally posted by Sandman
Where is 'parasitic class that perpetuates myths about itself in order to maintain their subsidy-bloated existence'?

See my comment to Laz.

[Last Conformist]

Subsidized stupid bastards with too much money. Protectionist subsidized stupid bastards with too much money.

/me hates the CAP.

[General Ludd]

I should also add that when I think of farmers, I don't think of industrial farmers. They are evil. Especially the cattle and poultry farmers.

[GhengisFarbâ„¢]

Re: What do you think of, when you think of farmers?

Originally posted by The Mad Monk
I've noticed Europeans, perhaps especially Brits, have a less-than-positive view of those who till the soil, while those in North America have a more positive impression. I've been wondering why.

I would think the European concept of farmers to stem from the fact that in most of its history farmers were peasants. Thus leading to looking down on them.

Whereas in North America, farmers were pioneers who went out in the wilderness and not only farmed the land but also defended themselves against Native Americans, weather, and all other sort of diversity. Thus leading to a more respectful image of their ability to survive and adapt.


Personally, I have often wondered why Food Producers haven't formed a Food Cartel like OPEC has done with oil and used it to increase food prices.

OPEC - "We no like your political stance, we are therefore dropping oil production 80%!"

FoodCartel - "Fine, we embarge your sandy butts. No food for you."

OPEC - "WTF? Quick, we must learn to eat petroleum....."