Food Culture

Food. We eat it every day without really thinking of the significance of it. It is more than something that nourishes our bodies (or in some cases doesn't nourish our bodies) . It is a window into our culture and the culture of those before us. Asian food in particular I have always felt bears an important cultural mark. The food of each country is very distinct.  Each style of food that is country-specific holds a place in history. What may be unusual to some is the norm for others.

There are infinite flavors that have resulted from centuries of using produce or spices specific to a region or country. I have been lucky enough to try many different types of food, and I love trying new things because it is not only a new experience but it provides insight into an unfamiliar culture. For instance France is known for their cheese, whether it be Brie or Camembert, it has grasps a piece of France's culture. Italy is known for pasta and biscotti, Japan for sushi, and Greece for gyros. Each country has a food (or many foods) that is just theirs.

In more modern days it appears that the distinction of a food's nationality has become less significant.  Due to the ease of travel among other factors, we have gained remarkable insight into the cultures of others, and therefore the staple food items of other countries. While it is fantastic that we can gain this insight, countries are also now able to produce the same types of food that once were only found in that country. Perhaps this is specific to the United States because we are a blend of many nationalities rather than our own. For instance on any given day if I have a craving for a specific type of food whether it be Indian, Japanese, or Thai, I can have it (as long as I'm up for a maximum 30 minute drive). It is both amazing and daunting the ease with which I can access the food that once was only obtainable in the specific country. It is daunting because of the speed and ease with which our cultures are blending. Soon enough there will not be individual cultures because we will adopt aspects of other cultures, this blending many of them. We have already begun fusing food, such as Asian-American fusion. Food is one of the primary aspects that is blended, and whether it be for better or worse, it allows us to appreciate and admire the history  and individuality of other countries.

Racists, Airplanes, and Constant Terror

A three hour wait at the airport is normal for me, but to my parents, it is ridiculous. Granted, they understand why, but it is still an inconvenience. While the wait may be time consuming, prior to reading the articles I was unaware of the frustration felt by those who are profiled and undergo stricter security guidlines because of their ethnicity or skin color. These essays have shown that it is clear  that national security and racial profiling have greatly increased.

There are both positive and negative impacts and aspects of increased concern for national security.  I now understand how racial profiling has different effects on different people. I think it is important to be tight with airport security, and in order to  be cost and time effective, I think racial profiling can be a positive thing. However, there is a fine line between protection the  nation using selective racial profiling and offending people. Often times this line is blurred. It is hard to be fair and just when only a few groups of people are really closely being observed. While the essays gave me a small peek into what it might be like to be in a profiled group, it is still hard for  me to judge. I can imagine the embarrasment one might feel from getting treated like you are hiding something, but because I am not in that demographic, I don't really know.

One thing that I found interesting in "Close Encounters with U.S. Immigration" was that the man felt like he was exclusively being questioned intensluy because of his race. I felt like the questioning was too severe. In a country where we are supposedly innocent until proven guilty, this man was treated in a manner that deemed otherwise. He was questioned as if he had something to hide, and was treatedas if he was guilty until proven innocent.

I think the increase in national security is meant for the best, but on occasion it is simply offensive. The government needs to perhaps behave in a manner that does not allow for ignorance and racism built on fear to be the ruling power.