Introduction

Food is an integral part of the life of any living thing. It is the main source of nutrients that enables the survival of any living creature. Besides the nutritional value that man get from eating, food is one of the customs that strongly connects people to their traditions and hence a strong source of identity.

Food and Identity

The choice of food varies from one community to another depending on the different social, historical, economic and cultural backgrounds. Human is different from other animals in the way they handle food. Although man and apes are omnivorous, humans distinguish from apes by the fact that humans do not eat raw food (Grant and Cocks). This distinction is an important identity distinction. The choice, acquisition, distribution, preparation, serving and the eating of food is what defines the food culture that certain communities embrace. Eating habits also vary across different cultures, and this is of great significance to forming a personal identity.  In fact, people always joke of existence of edible identity.

Many are the times that people just eat for the sake of it and fail to understand the significance of what is held on their plates. It is, however, prudent noting that this should not be the case since food contributes massively to personal identity. It is not only a self-perception but also from the point of view from other communities. ‘Tell me what kind of food you eat, and I will tell you what kind of man you are’ is a famous quote from pioneers of French gastronomy. The statement implies that it is simple to determine one’s identity by understanding what he or she feeds on. Besides considering the food we take, it is also wise noting that what we do not eat also defines our identity. Food requires one to make a choice on what to eat and what to drink.

Although eating is a personal choice, culture, religion and social background plays a significant role in influencing what to eat and what not to eat. Food forms an important part of cultural identity.  Culture is defined by the everyday activities of human beings. By observing cultural practices, such as food choices, one gets insights on his or her identity (Grant and Cocks).  A specific cultural group is identified through their ability to adapt and integrate into a certain behavior. As children grow, there is affection to the food consumed in his community, and this develops to being his culture as he grows up.  It is prudent noting that the function of individual cultures remains the same throughout history. This implies that a continuous consumption of certain food and observation of certain eating habits makes enormous contribution to the cultural identify. Feeling comfortable with certain foods and habits gives one a sense of belonging. The case of Kothari and Montano is a good example of how identity crisis can be solved using food among other determinants. By observing their food choices, it is easy to identify their cultural standing of the two people.

Food to a larger extent has played a critical role in shaping religious beliefs of a community. There are specific foods that are recognized as sacred while other are a taboo thus helping identify a certain religious group. Some communities, mostly hunters and farmers, also have strong rituals performed to appease supernatural powers thus ensuring constant food supply.  During such rituals, the community gets a chance to integrate together thus enhancing their social ties. Also, the techniques used to prepare, and the process of serving and consuming the food varies from one culture to another thus making it easy for one to identify with the certain culture. It is also prudent noting food choices, eating habits and preparation of certain types of food gives crucial information in regards to gender, sex, age, status, culture, class or even occupation. In fact, just like Barthes’ wine which is not just wine but has more significance. (Wallace). There are some cultures that embrace eating together and performing other rituals during festivals which are also a source of identification. In essence, people who eat different foods, or similar foods but in varied ways, are often said to be different. It is, however, prudent understanding that eating habits are often closely linked to the types of food consumed.

It is quite apparent that there is a close relationship between culture and identity and food.  In the case of Kothari, she tries to fit the Indian culture, and she is unable. She also tries the American culture and food that also proves to be too much to ask. However, by understanding the kind of food she likes, it is easy to make the distinction of her identity. The modern society is very complicated where there are free intermarriages and increased globalization (Wallace). This is a great challenge to make a correct cultural identification. Nevertheless, food used together with other determinants can be of great help in solving identity crisis. Food helps in maintain family and social ties. Although Kothari wanted to eat the American food to suit the American culture, her parents were very much against it since they wanted to maintain their Indian culture despite being in a foreign country. This is a clear indication that food makes a significant contribution to cultural identity.

Fast Food and American Culture

Fast food culture is common among the Americans. This is kind of food that people eat while in a hurry and include hot dogs, French fries, sandwiches,  burgers and sodas among others. Fast foods are easily cooked and served within minutes to people who lead fast-paced lives. The history of fast food is as old as that of car invention (Brulotte and Di Giovine). However, most people associate fast food with modernism and contemporary culture. Over the years, Americans have lived the lifestyle of taking fast foods with the number of fast food outlets increasing every other day. Recent studies have indicated that consumption of fast food in America has increased by over 400% between 1977 to1966.  This is a clear indication that Americans have embraced the fast food culture.

The increased consumption of fast food in America leads to the conclusion that people lack fondness or time to cook nutritious food for their families.  In fact, there are researches that assert that the average American eats at a fast food joint in four to five times per week. Despite the heavy presence of fatty and sauces that causes some lifestyle diseases, the Americans are seen walking in and out of these restaurants like bees in a beehive. The fast food industry prosperity is attributed to the American values. Americans have adopted a lifestyle that requires high efficiency and are in a culture of fast-paced work. A combination of these attributes has increased the prevalence of fast food joints in major parts of United States (Brulotte and Di Giovine). The popularity of fast foods has tremendously increased and has since been transferred to other culture. It is on-the-go food that is quickly prepared and is consumed across all age groups and gender. In fact, most Americans are rarely disturbed by the source of these foods, how it is prepared and its effects on the community. All they do is just take their foods and eat as they hurry to their tight daily schedule.  The whole process is easily forgotten and denies the Americans a chance to understand their diets better. Most Americans have little clue on how to prepare these foods which are readily cooked and packed.

Most of American city dwellers are the victim of fast food culture. The people assume that they are too busy and eating to them is big burden thus preferring taking fast foods. Besides the convenience, American view fast food as hygienic and efficient; thus, making most Americans to being carried by the fast food culture. The American way of life is basically defined by the fast growing fast food industry.  It is prudent noting that American view the fast food as a significance framework that describes the American way of life. As a result, fast food culture is increasing its popularity far and wide within the country.

Fast food culture is viewed as a satisfier to the Americans’ demands and thus has in-depth connection with the people’s emotions. The industry has also been able to attract more followers through its attractive and eye-catching decorations that meet the expectations of the people. There is also stiff competition from the fast food restaurants that has resulted in an intensive promotion.  Such promotional activities have also significantly contributed the increasing popularity of the fast food culture. There have been colorful promotions that have driven most Americans crazy and want to be associated with the fast foods.

The American fast food has several cultural implications that are worth to note. The way the fast foods are consumed do not allow enhancement of social and family ties.  Most fast foods are take-away while those who opt to eat from the restaurants are not allowed to converse with friends and family members for long.  As a result, most of the American families have fewer opportunities to eat together as a family as compared to other cultures. As earlier mentioned, cultural identity is not only restricted to specific food choice of the people (Brulotte and Di Giovine). The preparation and consumption of the said food also have significance contribution to individual’s identity. American fast food, for instance, helps identify different social classes. It is a norm for the American society to hold certain norms and standards followed during dining time. Table manners and other food behaviors are greatly valued in the American dining culture. For instance, it is against their morals to speak with mouths full of food during dinners. Sharing of meals among the American culture has great significance as it indicates equality and acceptance of the involved parties.

Fast Food Today

American fast food industry is still famous to date. The industry has employed over four million workers to serve the increasing demand of the fast foods. The industry has also spread to other parts of the world including china. In America however, fast food has been too rampant such it is currently referred to as ‘’the fast food nation’’.  Street vendors, sports arena, gas stations among other outlets have been instrumental in increasing the heavy presence of fast food in American markets. This has resulted to decline in the traditional sit-down experiences that are only reserved for special occasions that are also very rare. The culture of fast food has since eroded essential cultural values of the Americans people.

Despite the intensive campaign on health issues arising from the consumption of fast foods, most Americans are still feeding on the fast foods. Many lifestyle diseases such as obesity have been attributed to excessive use of fast foods (Brulotte and Di Giovine). Intensive promotions and advertisement from the fast food companies have resulted in sustained consumption of these foods. In essence, Americans have accepted fast food as their staple food and feels that America has a special allegiance to fast food. The continued allegiance to the fast food has brought about the Stockholm syndrome. This is a paradoxical psychological phenomenon that explains a situation whereby hostages express adulation and positive feelings towards their hosts (Grant and Cocks).  Although amerces are not victims of physical captivity, they are in deep psychological captivity of continued consumption of fast food that continues ruining their health. This can be referred to as the ‘’American fast food syndrome.’’

In my opinion, food plays a significant role in determining one’s identity. Despite continuous warnings on the dangers associated with fast foods, Americans are still in this culture just to maintain identity. To remove Americans from consumption of fast foods will remain a huge cultural battle that will not be easily won. Americans cultural identity is strongly tied to the fast food sector. The trend is likely to continue over the coming years thus making the country be in both food and health crisis.

Conclusion

To sum it up, food in many cultures food is a social practice hat is carried out daily. Besides the nutritional benefits derived from food, eating is also a social activity that is of great value t the community. A close examination of the food practices across cultures reveals an abundance of information about individuals and groups including the social, political, economical and cultural implications of the food in society (Brulotte and Di Giovine). People with similar or different eating habits and practices will be classified accordingly. Essential eating habits and practices are critical in the creation of homogeneous community or social class.

Works Cited

Brulotte, Ronda L, and Michael A Di Giovine. Edible Identities. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd., 2014 Print.

Grant, Judith, and Joan Elizabeth Cocks. ‘Rethinking Desire’. The Women’s Review of Books 7.4 (1990): 21. Web.

Wallace, David Foster. Consider The Lobster And Other Essays. New York: Little, Brown, 2005. Print.

New, Rebecca Staples, and Moncrieff Cochran. Early Childhood Education. Westport, Conn.: Praeger Publishers, 2007. Print.

 
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