The Nation of Islam: Diet and Dirt

 

Sociologist Mary Douglas theorizes that the imposed dichotomy of pure and impure onto certain actions is not arbitrary or inherent, but rather can be “used as [analogy] for expressing a general view of the social order” (Douglas 1966:4). The Islamic tradition prohibits the consumption of pork, at least in part, for its uncleanliness and impurity. However, in this cartoon produced by Muhammad Speaks, a once-salient publication for the Nation of Islam, this view on impurity regarding food in the Islamic faith is extended. “A feast of swine”, it exclaims, evoking this ancient prohibition in its portrayal of what seems to be the messy (and frequent) consumption of unhealthy food. What does this extension mean? “The same impulse to impose order which brings [ideas of purity and impurity] into existence”, Douglas writes, “can be supposed to be continually modifying or enriching them” (Douglas 1966:5).

What societal context, then, motivates this novel application of the pure-impure dichotomy? As evidenced from the clipping, provided in a different edition within the same year, race-relations within America seems to be the answer. The Nation of Islam is a Black nationalist organization, and the ‘self-development’ of Black people was integral to the religion. This self-development was not limited to healthier, more ascetic food habits, but food certainly plays a large role; food advice appears on countless editions of this publication.

    Why is food so important in the application of this dichotomy? “...all margins are dangerous”, Douglas asserts, as “any structure of ideas is vulnerable at its margins” (Douglas 1966:150). Surely, food represents a routine crossing of this margin. And it follows that a religion which emphatically promotes spiritual health would pay special attention to this margin, where eating becomes a ritual affirming the purity of physical health and restraint. Placed in the context of race relations, juxtaposing the believer with the White race which ‘tempts’ them to uncleanliness, Douglas’ assertion that these demarcations “work upon the body politico through the symbolic medium of the physical body” is certainly evident (Douglas 1966:159). Failure to protect this margin is a particularly racialized defeat.

Works Cited

Anon. 2004. “FCN Editorial - Digging Our Graves with Our Appetites.” Www.finalcall.com. Retrieved March 23, 2023 (https://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/Perspectives_1/FCN_Editorial_-_Digging_our_graves_with_our_appeti_1361.shtml).

Douglas, Mary. 1966. Purity and Danger: An Analysis of Concept of Pollution and Taboo. London: Routledge.

Muhammad, Elijah. 1967. “How to Eat to Live.” Muhammad Speaks, March 31. Retrieved March 23, 2023 (https://www.jstor.org/stable/community.28146881?seq=11).