Corn has played a significant role in contemporary American society in the same way it had an integral role in Native American culture. After being introduced to the plant by Native Americans, Europeans became dependent on corn. That dependency became stronger over time, turning into a source of pride in the American Midwest. Corn became so prevalent that it developed into a popular image in folk art and advertisements. Agricultural technology advanced, allowing farmers to grow increasingly heartier crops and larger harvests. Once established, corn became a staple part of the diet and was integrated into more products. Introduced into several types of foods, corn by-products are now used to make plastics, fabric, medicine and fuel. Since corn is inexpensive it is being used to the exclusion of all else, even to the detriment of the health of our planet and its inhabitants. Ironically the entire corn plant is now used in many of the items being produced but lacking the respect it was afforded by the Native American cultures.
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