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Paper short abstract:

Examining human-maize narratives, this paper advocates for resistance through new stories, linguistic nuances, and multispecies solidarity in the face of neoliberal threats to Mexican corn biodiversity.

Paper long abstract:

This paper explores the profound connection between narratives, multispecies solidarity, and resistance amid the loss of Mexican corn biodiversity. Recognizing humans as symbol-driven beings, it posits that specific narratives shape our comprehension of the human-maize relationship. The essay examines the role of environmental humanities in addressing the challenges posed by neoliberal policies and monoculture expansion, contextualizing the loss within the US-Mexico economic treaty.

Analyzing the historical trajectory of corn cultivation through texts by Deborah Bird Rose, Sophie Chao, and Anja Byg, the paper scrutinizes the impact of colonization, the Green Revolution, and NAFTA. It underscores the socio-economic dynamics that displaced and dismissed the cultural significance of diverse corn varieties.

The essay proposes that new narratives, derived from the stories and metaphors of farmers and indigenous communities, can resist homogenization imposed by neoliberal capitalism. It highlights indigenous linguistic nuances related to corn, emphasizing the direct link between cultural and corn diversity. Multispecies solidarity emerges as a form of resistance in the narratives of indigenous communities preserving diverse maize varieties.

The paper concludes by underscoring the importance of resistance, advocating for policy changes, acknowledgment of indigenous knowledge, and the promotion of ethical agricultural practices. Through narratives and multispecies solidarity, environmental humanities offer a pathway to sustainability and cultural preservation amidst systemic challenges.