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"The killing of a man was not so evil as the killing of a boat." - John Steinbeck, The Pearl.

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i just watched oscar falling in love with lando for 14 minutes and 3 seconds and buddy, i dont blame you

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knew i was right for looking up to lucy pevensie from childhood

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My problem with celebrity tequila brands

Okay, this isn't in any way, shape, or form to be hateful towards Lewis or other foreign Tequila brand owners, the purpose is to create consciousness of Jalisco's and Mexico's context. 

Agave cultivation has a significant impact on Mexico, both positive and negative. Here are some of those impacts:

Economic Impact: Agave cultivation is a major economic driver in Mexico. The agave plant is primarily known for its use in producing tequila, mezcal, and other alcoholic beverages. These products contribute significantly to Mexico's economy through exports and tourism. Tequila alone is a billion-dollar industry and provides employment to many Mexicans, particularly in the Jalisco region, where most tequila is produced [1]. Investments from foreign celebrities and millionaires in distilleries contribute to the local economy by creating jobs, supporting tourism, and generating revenue through exports. [1.2] These ventures often lead to increased economic activity in the region, benefiting businesses and local communities, although more often than not, workers are paid minimum wage, which just for context the minimum wage is 207.44 pesos daily (equivalent to 10.71 Euro or 11.31 USD), which no one cannot live with a minimum wage, with groceries and rent going up, the current cost of living monthly for one person is around  24,950 pesos monthly. [1.3][1.4]

Cultural Impact: Agave has been used for centuries by indigenous communities for food, fiber, medicine, and ritual purposes [2]. Foreign-owned distilleries often emphasize traditional Mexican production methods and cultural heritage, thereby promoting Mexican culture and craftsmanship on the global stage. Some foreign-owned distilleries collaborate with local artisans and experts, preserving traditional techniques and knowledge related to agave cultivation and distillation. This collaboration can help safeguard traditional practices and expertise from being lost over time [2.1]. But sadly that is not the case for all businesses, which leads us to another negative impact, the appropriation of Mexican traditions, including the art of tequila and mezcal production [2.2], where foreign-owned distilleries may not fully understand or respect the cultural significance of agave-based spirits. This can lead to the commercialization of traditional products without adequate understanding or respect for their cultural and historical context [2.3].

Environmental Impact: Agave plants help prevent erosion and promote biodiversity by creating microhabitats for various organisms [3]. However large-scale monoculture of agave for tequila production can lead to environmental issues such as soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and excessive water usage. Intensive farming practices, including the use of pesticides and herbicides, can harm local ecosystems, impacting flora and fauna [4]. Also, the focus on cultivating specific agave varieties for tequila and mezcal production has led to the neglect and potential loss of other agave species. This loss of agrobiodiversity could have negative consequences for future crop resilience and adaptation to changing environmental conditions [4.1].

Water Usage: Agave cultivation requires a significant amount of water, especially in regions where it is not native. In areas suffering from water scarcity, this can strain local water resources, leading to environmental stress and conflicts with other water users [5]. Jalisco, like many other regions in Mexico, has experienced water scarcity issues. On that note, water distribution is also unequal, with urban areas often receiving better access to water supply and sanitation services compared to rural regions. This disparity has posed challenges, particularly for agricultural communities that rely heavily on water for farming, a problem that the farms sponsored by foreign owners will most likely not encounter. [5.1][5.2][5.3][5.4]

Social and Economic Inequality: Despite the economic benefits of agave cultivation, there are concerns about social and economic inequality within the industry. Small-scale farmers and agave workers may face exploitation and unfair wages, highlighting issues related to labor rights and social justice [6]. There are concerns about the impact on local communities, particularly in terms of gentrification and rising property prices. As the area becomes more popular due to celebrity-owned distilleries, it can lead to the displacement of local residents and changes in community dynamics [6.1]. Small, local tequila and even wine producers find it increasingly challenging to compete with the marketing power and global reach of these large, celebrity-endorsed brands. As a result, local businesses struggle to gain traction both within Mexico and in the international market. This situation not only affects local commerce but also puts pressure on the livelihoods of Mexican workers and communities involved in the industry. [6.2]

The disappointment expressed towards individuals like Kendall Jenner, Lewis Hamilton, and George Clooney, to name a few, stems from the concern that their involvement in such ventures could perpetuate the challenges faced by small, local businesses. It is essential for consumers and enthusiasts to conduct their research, raising awareness about the impact of foreign tequila brands on Mexican soil and the workers. Supporting local, sustainable, and ethical producers can play a significant role in preserving the cultural heritage, empowering local communities, and fostering a more equitable and just industry.

References: (if you want to get more informed please feel free to read the following documents)

[1]: "The Tequila and Mezcal Market in Mexico," Euromonitor International, 2018.

[1.2]: Herrick, C. (2018). The Economic Impact of the Tequila Industry. El Daily Post. Retrieved from https://www.eldailypost.com/mexico/mexican-tequila-industry-economic-impact/

[1.3]: Precios y Costo de Vida en Guadalajara, México. Precios actualizados en octubre 2023. (n.d.). Expatistan, Comparaciones De Precios Y Costo De Vida. https://www.expatistan.com/es/costo-de-vida/guadalajara

[1.4]: Del Trabajo Y Previsión Social, S. (n.d.). Entran en vigor salarios mínimos 2023 en todo el país. gob.mx. https://www.gob.mx/stps/prensa/entran-en-vigor-salarios-minimos-2023-en-todo-el-pais?idiom=es

[2]: Casas, A., Otero-Arnaiz, A., Pérez-Negrón, E., & Valiente-Banuet, A. (2007). In situ management and domestication of plants in Mesoamerica. Annals of Botany, 100(5), 1101-1115.

[2.1]: Alemán, G. (2018). Traditional, Artisanal Mezcal Finds a Home in Mexico City. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/05/travel/mezcal-tours-mexico.html

[2.2]: Haas, A. (2017). The Growing Popularity of Mezcal: A Global Business and Mexico's National Spirit. The Mexicanist. Retrieved from https://www.themexicanist.com/p/the-growing-popularity-of-mezcal

[2.3]: Magazine, B. (2014). Tequila's Latest Hurdle: Cultural Appropriation. Bloomberg Businessweek. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-05-01/tequilas-latest-hurdle-cultural-appropriation

[3]: Nobel, P. S. (2003). Environmental Biology of Agaves and Cacti. Cambridge University Press.

[4]: Toledo-Guerrero, E. O., & López-Mata, L. (2012). Agave as a model CAM crop system for a warming and drying world: Scaling from ecophysiology to crops and ecosystems. In Plant Responses to Drought Stress (pp. 685-710). Springer.

[4.1]: Colunga-GarcíaMarín, P., May-Pat, F., & Eguiarte, L. E. (1999). The Pleistocene glacial cycles and the origin of the Agave victoriae-reginae complex (Agavaceae) in Central Mexico. Molecular Ecology, 8(10), 1605-1613.

[5]: Mayer, M., & Glenna, L. L. (2017). Economic geography, community attachment, and sustainability in the wine and agave industries in Jalisco, Mexico. Geoforum, 78, 92-104.

[5.1]: CNA (Comisión Nacional del Agua). (2017). Estadísticas del Agua en México. Retrieved from http://www.conagua.gob.mx/CONAGUA07/Publicaciones/Publicaciones/EAM_2017.pdf

[5.2]: García, A. B., & Valdés, G. S. (2013). Sustainability of Water Resources in Jalisco, Mexico. Sustainability, 5(12), 5189-5213.

[5.3]: GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit). (2014). Integrated Water Resources Management in Mexico: Experiences and Lessons Learned from the Altos de Jalisco. Retrieved from https://www.giz.de/en/downloads/giz2014-en-water-altos-de-jalisco-en.pdf

[5.4]: SEDESOL (Secretaría de Desarrollo Social). (2018). Diagnóstico del Agua Potable, Alcantarillado y Saneamiento en México. Retrieved from https://www.gob.mx/cms/uploads/attachment/file/384212/Diagnostico_Agua_Potable_Alcantarillado_y_Saneamiento.pdf

[6]: Torres-Ruiz, F. (2012). Haciendas, peones, and post-revolutionary politics: The early history of the tequila industry. Mexican Studies/Estudios Mexicanos, 28(2), 305-334.

[6.1]: Barajas, A. (2019). In a Mexican town dependent on tourism, a tequila bar starts a debate. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved from https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2019-12-27/in-tourism-dependent-tequila-mexicans-ask-is-it-still-ours

[6.2] Ficker, M. (2019). "Sipping on Social Justice: How Your Tequila Purchase Supports Mexican Communities." Forbes.

[6.3] Almeida, I., de Azevedo, J., & Assunção, L. (2019). "Mexico and Its Tequila Industry: Production and Exports." Brazilian Journal of Food Technology, 22.

[6.4] Mora, D. F., & Catepillán, D. (2018). "Territorial and Innovation Dynamics in the Mezcal Industry in Mexico: Challenges and Opportunities." Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems, 42(5), 543-563.

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PERIOD DRAMA APPRECIATION WEEK DAY 1: Favorite adaptations | [template]

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I gotta ask, how do people, like, do stuff???

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The Pevensie siblings at their coronation requested by anonymous

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE (2005) costume design by Isis Mussenden

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Soldier, Poet, King but make it Taylor’s Version

Saw the Soldier, Poet, King trend on TikTok (shoutout to  @atlanticsea for providing the quiz) and decided to make a Taylors Version playlist for each, so enjoy :)

Playlist for The Soldier

Playlist for The Poet

Playlist for The King

Take the Quiz HERE

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2/16 - INFP

The Idealist, The Mediator - Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Prospecting

All found here: https://www.personality-database.com

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Polite Society (2023) dir. Nida Manzoor

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a golden retriever steals cheese, is happy - 2019

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Every gay m/m ship [and then some] can dress up as these two and it always works.

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“we are breaking into area 51”

I think someone's said this already, but the reason there's no National Treasure 3 yet is because how are they going to find something for Nicholas Cage to say that gives the next natural step from "I'm going to steal the declaration of Independence" to "I'm gonna kidnap the president of the united states" to... ??? How are they planning on following that?

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OMFG DOES THIS MEAN WE ARE GETTING THE THIRD MOVIE AFTER ALL?!?!

Justin Bartha as Riley Poole National Treasure: Edge of History, 2022