I was inspired by John McPhee’s book Oranges to find a topic that may not appear on the surface to be all that compelling, and look deeply into its history, and how it fits into politics and popular culture and our daily lives.
The economics and political upheavals that have surrounded the growth of a marketplace for diamonds appeared to me to be topics that would help me learn more about history, about the large politics of nations and the smaller politics of families and personal interactions that shaped this market.
The movie Blood Diamond convinced me that there was plenty of drama to uncover, and that the story might be a more compelling one that John McPhee’s book on Oranges. While a book on the subject might be something I’d consider writing in the future, I decided that starting a blog to use to do research might be a good starting point.
Consider these notes towards a possible book. Consider them a place for me to learn more about the subject, and share what I’ve learned. Consider them a way of possibly finding others who might be interested in the stories that surround the diamond industry, and the families and struggles and discord that brought diamonds to such a prominent place in our thoughts of wealth and romance.
I’ll probably explore some of the role of diamonds in industry, in pop culture, in government actions, and in history. I’m hoping that it will be an interesting and informative journey.
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While I sit here in my comfortable chair, typing on my comfortable keyboard reading my comfortable blogs, I reflect frequently about the effects of things such as “Blood Diamond” as it not only has applied to diamonds, but yet so many other facets of technology and supposed betterment of society.
Not only are people killing and being killed in order to provide us with a ring for our finger, but global resources are being consumed and leaving us in dire need of drastic repairs and inevitably destroying the world as we know it to be.. Certainly not rendering it ‘of plenty’ any longer.
Thanks.
I think by exploring one small area, many issues involved in other commercial endeavors might also be seen, such as battles over oil and other industrial efforts, or disputes over ideologies.
We have one world to share, and only one. The way we share it affects all of our futures.
I know what you mean, Bill. I’d read over on geology.com about Blood Diamonds; pretty shocking stuff. So even though on occasion I think I might like a diamond (I’m not a huge bling person), I can only think that there’s no way to know who went through what in order to get this diamond on the market, so no diamonds for me.
Same thing (but maybe not so physically dangerous?) with the organic food sphere. When we started the organic food blog, I had no idea how … desperate were the steps that some industries would take to keep organic farmers down, and their products off the shelves. It went from an interest to a cause with us.
P.S. This is a pretty tiny posting box!
Thanks, Diane.
The politics around diamonds, and around other industries can be frightening. I’m going to include some of the struggles of the organic farmers here too. Those are stories that need to be told.