Corn Quote by David Foster Wallace
““As a rule, almost all of them are Midwesterners...This area of the country, what are we to say of this area of the country, Ms. Beadsman?...Both in the middle and on the fringe. The physical heart and the cultural extremity. Corn, a steady waning complex of heavy industry, and sports. What are we to say? We feed and stoke and supply a nation much of which doesn't know we exist. A nation we tend to be decades behind, culturally and intellectually. What are we to say about it?””
About This Quote
Wallace reflects on the Midwest’s paradoxical position as both central and marginal, highlighting its cultural and economic contradictions while questioning how it is perceived.
In simple terms: The Midwest is central yet overlooked.
Key Takeaway
Recognize hidden contributions of marginal regions.
Themes
regional identity
economics
culture
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
essayistic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic discourse
- media representation
- policy making
Key Concepts
centrality
periphery
industrial decline
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “middle” truly mean?
- How can we value peripheral contributions?
A Different Perspective
The narrative may romanticize neglect.
