The Plowboy Interview: Frances Moore Lappe

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LAPPE: We're experiencing such collisions all over the world today . . . in places like El Salvador, Guatemala, the Philippines, and Mozambique. Maybe I misled you by saying that I don't expect to see the fruits of my work in my lifetime. I feel that way, for the most part, because I'm a U.S. citizen. Our nation-with its enormous wealth, resources, and military might-will probably be one of the last countries to undergo any profound change. I'd most likely feel different about the future if I lived in a village in the Philippines . . . my friends there believe that they'll live to see a new and better day in their country. My work, though, is in the United States, and we still have a long way to go.

Now I don't mean to say that once there's a revolution in a country like El Salvador, the people will automatically establish the ultimate righteous form of government, and then things will be better forever. To me, defeating the entrenched interests that want to maintain repression is only the first step. Then comes the real work.

In fact, one of the most valuable things we can learn from the countries that are trying to work toward genuine democracy is the concept of process . . . the idea that there is no final solution. All too often, we want to be given one answer that will work now, next week, and ten years from now.

And that ties back to what I said earlier about personal change. We have to let go of the fear of change. We need to be open to new structures so we and they can evolve.

The most important qualities to cultivate, then, are the willingness to take risks and the tolerance to be patient so we can deal with the complexities of life. And I believe that doing so can make for a very exciting and joyous existence. I used to think that the "good life" meant settling down with a family and career . . . getting a secure position and setting one's sails for life. It took me a long time to realize that taking risks could be part of truly joyful living, but I know now that it certainly can.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONMuch of the detailed analyses that Ms. Lappe' uses to support the statements made in this interview can be found in the institute's many publications. A few of these are:

Food First: Beyond the Myth of Scarcity ($8.95), a 618page study of the causes of world hunger that's filled with data and stories of specific countries.

World Hunger: Ten Myths ($2.75), a concise 62-page critique of the common beliefs about hunger.

Aid as Obstacle ($4.95), a detailed 190-page investigation of the varied (and often "hidden") forms of American foreign aid and their effects.

What Can We Do? ($2.95), a 50-page, large-format study thatby showing 16 examples of people and groups who are fighting for change-offers suggestions on how to help "make a difference".

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