Analysis of Food and Culture - Essay Example

Analysis of food and culture al Affiliation) Analysis of various cultures and their food All the societies in the world have unique ways of conducting their day to day activities. Food is taken as a source of pleasure and security by some societies. Food in most societies, is perceived to be a sign of hospitality and social status (Kittler & Sucher, 2008). In addition to, food is an important aspect in the religious beliefs of most cultures. Muslims do not eat pork due the fact that it is not accepted by their religion.

Food plays an important role in the lives of many individuals and the way a culture addresses it is crucial. Preparation, serving and how food is eaten is addressed by most societies. Individuals introduce food to their children in their childhood. Cultures that introduce variety of food for their young ones ensure that all members of the society have a self worth. It is believed that most Americans eat meat and potatoes most of the time. According to popular myth, Americans have at least some meat in their homes.

It is believed that the Americans consume meat with chips or any food related to potatoes. The diet of most of the Americans is complex. It is due to the fact that there are many cultural groups in the United States of America. There are many cultures in America, and they have integrated their culture with other cultures. The data provided by census indicates that they are a lot of individuals with a foreign background in America. The culture of food in America has influenced ethnic and religious groups in the region (Kittler & Sucher, 2008).

Food and culture in America is interesting because the native Americans have interacted with foreign cultures. There are rules on which foods are edible in the American culture. In the American culture wild animals are not considered as edible. They believe that the animal is required to live free in the wild. On the contrary, in the Chinese culture snakes are considered edible. In the bible, snakes are among the few animals that were not edible. In America coffee and appetizers are not considered meals.

Meals contain a full course meal with a side dish. There are some native Americans who deem milk to weaken adults because its for infants. In central Europe, the food individuals eat is linked to their religious beliefs. An individual who eats pork is a Christian. In Judaism and Islam cultures, individuals are prohibited eat pork by their cultures. Italians believe that people are what they eat and what one eats defines them. A typical Italian family will celebrate their holidays, with special foods.

It means that Italian culture respects holidays and they do celebrate their holidays with nutritious food. Roast turkey and Ravioli suggest an Italian family celebrating one of the many holidays in the calendars. Wine is an important part of Italian meals and it is viewed as a form of art (Kittler & Sucher, 2008). Dishes in Italian foods are dominated by tomatoes. Mexican culture includes a vast variety of food items that has influenced the American culture. Cultural influences in the Mexican cultures have made it rich and authentic.

They are known to have spicy food, which was influenced by the Mayan culture. Tamales served with turkey and guacamole, is a delicacy associated with the Mexican culture. In the Mexico, dishes are dominated by onions, peppers and tomatoes. Reference Kittler, P., & Sucher, K. (2008). Food and culture (6th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth.