28–05–2023
What do people hate so much about weeds? Aside from subjective preference, why is it that we favour some plants over others?
A prime example is that of the dandelion. It is not poisonous to humans, it can be eaten and has nutritional value, it is resilient and easy to grow in harsh conditions. So why is it that we would sow poison into the ground to maintain other plants that have an objectively lesser weighted value? I personally find the dandelion to be quite beautiful; they are vibrant and can fill a field with their vibrant mane of yellow. As we crave development, the dandelion transitions: they age with blossoms of wisdom that are designed for community.
I think distaste is passed down from prior generations. We are taught of weeds: what it means to be a weed and, in turn, what it means to be unwanted. We are taught to unwant specific species without necessarily any supporting reasoning. We are taught that weeds take up too much space and a feeling to exterminate is fostered.
I noticed an unnecessary expression of hate toward weeds from the people around me since my younger childhood and I could never understand why. In fact, in my 8th year of taking up space, as an act of rebellion, I remember devising a future plan for my dream garden: I wanted a yard of gold. Like lemons and like the sun, I wanted to have a backyard of just dandelions. I dreamed of having a beautiful home and being greeted by bright faces in my backyard in the summer months. It would be a sanctuary where dandelions would be given the opportunity to thrive. A space to be safe from judgment and negativity.
They say that you can make a wish when blowing the seeds of the dandelion into the sky. So how do people not see each bud as a gift?
Give me golden crowns of lions to adorn our skulls over blades of grass. Give me personified wind over the monochrome green. Give me summer snow.
