S03E06: Exploring the Cultural, Historical, and Culinary Significance of Chilis with Victor Valle

Mapping the Doctrine of Discovery

Ready to put your culinary curiosity to the test? Brace yourself as we journey through a world where fire and chili are more than just ingredients; they're centuries-old metaphors that have shaped cultural identities. We're joined by our distinguished guest, Victor Valle, the mind behind "The Poetics of Fire: Metaphors of Chili Eating in the Borderlands," to give you a taste of the aesthetics of Mexican cuisine, the metaphors that shape it, and its intriguing genesis.
Join us as we go beyond the borderlands and into the heart of Mesoamerican medicine, the doctrine of discovery, chili domestication, and how all of these elements intertwine to create a beautiful and thought-provoking narrative. We peel back layers of history, revealing the transformative power of chili from its humble beginnings in the mountains of Mixtec and Zapotec to its place on your dinner table today. Tune in as we explore the complex relationship between land, culture, and violence and why chili, a simple ingredient, became a symbol of struggle and identity.
But that's not all! We also tap into the world of journalism, activism, and immigration, as seen through the eyes of a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist. We discuss the role of borders in shaping labor prices, the power of journalism in exposing societal issues, and the lasting impact of the Chicano movement. As we wrap things up, we'll take you behind the scenes of our podcast, providing you with a glimpse of the partnerships that make our conversations possible. So, buckle up for an enlightening journey that redefines how you see culture, cuisine, and chili.

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View the transcript and show notes at podcast.doctrineofdiscovery.org. Learn more about the Doctrine of Discovery on our site DoctrineofDiscovery.org.

Chapters

1. S03E06: Exploring the Cultural, Historical, and Culinary Significance of Chilis with Victor Valle (00:00:00)

2. Discovery, Chili, and Western Aesthetics (00:00:07)

3. Mesoamerican Medicine and Chili Metaphors (00:10:14)

4. Understanding Indigenous Healing Practices (00:21:25)

5. Metaphors, Violence, and Agricultural Transformation (00:28:06)

6. Genetics and Industrialization of Chili (00:43:10)

7. Importance of Chili and Culinary Diversity (00:54:31)

8. Language, Capitalism, and Journalism in California (01:08:21)

9. Journalism's Impact on Immigration Politics (01:16:40)

10. Podcast Funding and Acknowledgements (01:25:23)