Food and People
2.9.25
Food is a reflection of our cultural identity, and reflects our ethnicities, religions, social norms, and familial constructs. It is a relatively palatable method for cultural exchanges, allowing for the preservation and modification of different traditional practices as a result of globalization. In particular, culinary practices tend to symbolize the shared history of a community.
Our comprehension of nutritious, edible, and inedible food is determined by a combination of religious beliefs, cultural norms, and accumulated knowledge. Dishes known to be “common” to households will often contain nutritious ingredients as they have sustained people for generations and are known to provide sustenance. Experimentation with foods as a child is also important to development, and teaches how to distinguish between good and bad foods.
The sharing of food is what makes it a source of social cohesion for people. When people eat together, they set aside their differences to respectfully enjoy a meal. The act of sharing one’s food fosters trust and forges bonds between individuals. Historically, the sharing of one’s foods with others has resulted in increased social acceptance. A key example of this is the creation of cultural restaurants by those immigrating to a country. Oftentimes these immigrants are not able to easily work jobs they have been trained for, and opening a restaurant using cooking skills they already have is a common solution.
Studies have shown that exposing children to complementary foods has worked to enhance their cognition and vocabulary in relation to food. Using this information, it could be argued that our early experiences with food contribute to our language development. I agree with these arguments as children learn from the words and actions of those around them, and meals are a frequent source of new vocabulary and information.
Foods provide nutrients that are essential for a healthy functioning brain and body. It is vital that people eat diverse and nourishing foods, not only for their physical health, but also for their mental and social development. It has been shown that early and consistent exposure to a diverse range of foods has an influence on language acquisition, developing foundational skills such as critical thinking and time management, and general health.
It is also to be noted that prior to this extreme globalization, our ancestors were mostly consuming the same local foods for generations. This sudden alteration in diet may have both positive and detrimental effects on the brain and body. For example, people seem to be consuming foods without proper fiber and nutrient content, leading to many gastric issues. On the other hand, in the US we have access to almost any foods we could wish for, and those that make educated and healthier choices will likely live much better lives.
Cultural Dimensions of Food
1.29.25
American cuisine is a reflection of the different peoples that make up the cultural melting pot that is the United States. One example of this is soul food, a cuisine that developed as a result of enslaved Africans striving to make nourishing meals. Popular dishes include collard greens, cornbread, and fried chicken. Another example of this is the Creole cuisine present in New Orleans. Creole foods are primarily a blend of West African, French, Spanish, and Native American cuisines. Gumbo, one of the cornerstone dishes of the area, is a combination of French roux, Native American filé powder, and African okra. Many attribute Gumbo as a French creation due to the importance of roux, however the use of okra as a thickening agent in similar foods has been present in African dishes for far longer. I find dishes such as gumbo to be interesting because they can both bring people together, and split them apart. When it comes to dishes that are made with the contributions of many groups, there tends to be debate surrounding whom the dish “belongs” to. Another interesting example of this is the debate between the people of Tampa and Miami about the origins of the “official” Cuban sandwich. I hadn’t even heard of a Cuban sandwich until coming to Tampa, but since I’ve learned that ownership is a matter of pride for both cities. People also debate the ingredients that make up a traditional Cuban sandwich, as it apparently can greatly differ between cities.
I think that food is central to culture and society because it provides more than just sustenance– it is capable of shaping traditions, identity, and relationships. Foods are a result of our generational values, history, and geography, with traditional dishes being passed down through families as a way of preserving ancestral teachings. An example of this is through the continued use of the “Three Sisters” agricultural technique developed by Native Americans. This technique involves growing corn, beans, and squash together as they work together to protect each other and result in the production of healthier crops. The importance of foods is also highlighted through the dining habits of different cultures. In class we discussed the various seating patterns and dining styles of different peoples and how they reflect cultural values. For example, the United States and other Western countries tend to have rectangular tables where the man of the house sits at the head. In contrast, many Eastern cultures have less structured seating patterns. Foods can also act as a cultural bridge. This can be seen in the US through the carrying over of cultural foods by immigrants. One example of this is the recent popularization of boba tea, a trend I most definitely partake in. Overall, food has had major cultural implications on the United States.