Autoethnography Narrative Essay

I define Culture as the features possessed by a specific group of people encompassing language, social habits, music, arts, and cuisines. I come from an intellectually progressive culture that believes in people living together and positively impacting others and society. Th Culture that is subscribed to is not attached to any ethnicity. My Culture considers ethnic consideration and identification as a form of discrimination that should not be encouraged in the 21^st century. People should live in peace and harmony regardless of their ethnic affiliations, skin color, or even gender. Belonging in this type of Culture has enabled me learned from people of diverse backgrounds as I learn to appreciate diversity.

I came to understand the Culture that I have been brought up in when I was in junior school. Through interaction with people of a different culture, I noticed that our way of life was significantly different from the one we had. I started reflecting and questioning our Culture. Interacting with people from a different cultural set up opened their eyes as they noticed the major differences between cultures. I came to notice that some distinct traits in our Culture distinguished it and were being observed. An example was how social ceremonies were being conducted as people got equal opportunities regardless of their gender.

After one gets exposure to a diverse culture from then that they are accustomed to, they start to appreciate the relevance of Culture and its impact in defining a person’s character and way of life. Example of difference is the dress code, the food consumed and the organization of social events. Our Culture allows liberal dressing that is revealing, while Indian cultures are very conservative in their dressing. Cultural differences are what differentiates one Culture from the other, making them distinct.

Our relationship between us and our neighborhood and the city is punctuated with suspicion. We are surrounded by the lower-class population, making the people in my cultural community feel threatened in security. The effects have been the erection of a stone wall to enhance the level of security. The neighborhood is made of African Americans who we consider as violent.  The neighbor has us culturally as the perspective of imminent threat has made people in my cultural community establish close ties. The cultural connectedness has been catalyzing by the perception that we are faced with a similar threat.

I consider food an important part of the Culture as it operates as an expression of cultural identity. Food is used as an excuse for people to gather and celebrate even when there is no particular reason to celebrate. Families and friends enjoy barbecues, especially on Saturdays, where people enjoy food, including our favorite tamale. Its forms a moment to nourish our souls as well as our bodies. While cooking, people tell jokes, discuss their lives and opinions. Food serves as a way of bringing people closer or maintaining intimacy. People in my Culture are outgoing and friendly, and sharing food is one way to strengthen our bonds.

My understanding of authentic foods is foods whose preparation procedure or ingredients in not copied; it is real and genuine for a specific group of people. It meets its description and also meets the person’s reasonable assumptions. Authenticity in the preparation of foods is what defines the majority of the cultures. Some cultures may have different methods of preparing the same type of food depending on their cultural background. Tamale is an example of food consumed in a different culture, and each has its authentic way of preparing and serving it. An authentic tamale has its unique way of preparing depending on the cultural group involved. However, the fundamentals procedure involves a dough mixture filled with different meats, cheese, or beans.

Fusion food is the food that is prepared by fusing the preparation methods of one Culture with another. I have always enjoyed foods that involve a fusion of American and Asian Chinese Culture. Traditional Chinese dishes are all about consistency, and it is always fun trying innovations. Sushi burritos are my favorite form of food fusion. The meal consists of raw fish, rice and veggies, wrapped up into a burrito shaped roll. Fusion foods are not an exchange of cultural foods, or cultural appropriation is the allegation of cultures to come up with delicious foods and define both cultures involved. Food Fusion is all about exploration and innovation (Kittler, Sucher & Nahikian-Nelms 125).

Local foods have the advantage of creating economic opportunities as they provide health benefits and, at the same time reducing environmental impacts. Locally grown foods help in ensuring a cohesive community and allowing locals to improve their lives. People also tend to have the perception that local foods taste better and last longer. The support of local communities in food production supports the economy, builds cultural relationships among the local people, and protects the environment. Buying food from the local procedures creates a connection and trust among the neighbors as they establish a cohesive and connected culture (Giorda 419).

Technology in food production has a huge influence on our everyday life and Culture. The technology incorporated in all aspects of Culture shapes Culture and differentiate one from another. It allows inter us to intermix. The proliferation of food technology has greatly impacted our Culture as it affects food selection, processing, packaging distribution, and safe use. Technology has affected how people in a given culture grow and prepare their food as technology devices threaten the upset the cultural settings and communities around food. The proliferation of technology has disrupted the traditional and cultural methods that communities used to grow and prepare foods (Kittler, Sucher & Nahikian-Nelms 88).

Works Cited

Giorda, Erica. “Eating Culture: An Anthropological Guide to Food.” Food, Culture & Society, vol. 19, no. 2, 2016, pp. 418–420., doi:10.1080/15528014.2016.1175174.

Kittler, Pamela Goyan, et al. Food, and Culture. Cengage Learning, 2017.

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