Even just from reading the word shit, it is hard to not have a visceral reaction and want to no longer think about it. However, our readings this week, class discussion, and Kern tour offered me some insight into seeing shit in a slightly less shitty way. In reference to the aspects of the readings that discussed seeing shit as a resource, that really intrigued me. Not sure if I feel totally comfortable with the idea of eating food made from human shit, but with proper safety precautions, it is a neat idea. During our class discussions when people brought up urine, spit, and tears still being a form of human waste, I noticed my reaction to them was distinctly different compared to shit. These three things feel way less daunting, as they are all some sort of fluid, therefore I feel like I can easily connect them to water. However, when it comes to shit, it feels hard to connect it to food, but rather it feels like an entirely different category in my brain. Therefore, the idea mentioned of food being pre-shit and shit being post-food was fascinating to think about. To put a basic need like food and elevate it as a marker of social status, when it all goes to the same place in the end seems kind of ironic. For example, a five-course meal and a bag of Cheetos getting turned into the same thing is kind of funny when you think about it. One thing I thought of after our class discussion was the difference in reaction to specifically snacky foods such as chips or cookies based on class, as well as the idea of on or off-brand foods. In general, having the off-brand of something is looked down upon in society. In my own life, my grandparents are very committed to certain name brands and refuse to buy alternatives. In general, healthy foods are often associated with middle to upper-class lifestyles, but I think it is interesting how this changes a bit in the context of hosting others. For example, if one were to have a party, name-brand snacks like Lays chips or Oreo cookies would be the first picks. The emphasis on the name-brands here I think is very important, because if these individuals had off-brands, there would be a different response and possible hesitation from others when engaging with the food, because of expectations of what they should have. Yet, someone in a lower class would be frowned upon if they were consuming these same things, just because they are consistently living off of them. But, if they had off-brand versions of the same foods, it would be expected because of their social position. Finally, our tour of the Kern made me very interested in the idea of composting toilets. Seeing the thought process behind the decision to get them and the literal mechanics of how they work made me thrilled to have them on campus and definitely one of the first things I will show guests who come to visit me. Overall, the readings, class discussions, and our Kern tour shifted my feelings on shit.