Italian Food Identifiable Experience Essay

Stuart Hall defines identity as an ‘already accomplished fact, which the new cultural practices then represent’. We should think instead of ‘identity as a ‘production’ which is never complete, always in process, and always constituted within, not outside, representation’ (Hall 1994 p.392). An individual’s sense of belonging to a particular group, thinking, feelings and behaviour can also be referred to as identity. One’s cultural image can construct identity; such features as hair, skin tone and height. History shapes our identity.

Food is used in different circumstances in life represents a culture, but can also reflect one's personality, lifestyle, and socio-economic

Identity as the “condition or character as to who a person or what a thing is; the qualities, beliefs, etc., that distinguish or identify a person or thing” (Dictionary.com). This could refer to name, gender, sexual orientation, one’s profession, race, ethnicity, and the list stretches beyond. Is it birth, by choice, or by evolution of events? In Gloria Anzaldua’s “How to Tame a Wild Tongue”, Jhumpa Lahiri’s “Teach Yourself Italian”, and Zadie Smith’s “Speaking in Tongues”, each author writes about their experiences with languages and all have lived through different events which has led them to their definitions of identity. What they all have in common is that they define identity not as something defined by birth, by determined by

Little Italy is unique because it is no longer the ethnic enclave it was 115 years ago. When comparing Little Italy to other ethnic neighborhoods, we can immediately see differences. In Chinatown, for example, there are many Chinese restaurants, businesses, and structures scattered throughout the neighborhood. In addition, many Chinese people can be found visiting, working, and even living in the enclave. When you see these Chinese individuals, they are often speaking the Chinese language. Little Italy, however, is quite different from Chinatown. Unlike Chinatown, Little Italy has lost its ethnic flavor. While Little Italy was once a neighborhood thriving with a heavy Italian immigration base, overtime it has lost its identity.

When I think of the word “cultural identity”, I think of myself, and what makes up who I am as a person. My cultural identity influences everything about me, from the moment I wake up, to the minute I rest my head on my pillow at night. My culture influences the way I eat, speak, worship, and interact with people. However, I am not only affected by my own culture, but others’ culture as well. I am fortunate to have an extremely rich heritage, and I couldn’t be prouder of my cultural identity.

Cuisine is a big factor in the identity of a culture and many people will list food as a factor that makes a country what it is, even using Damper for an example, many people see it is an Australian classic and part of Australia's history. Analysing these two iconic recipes, we can begin to view what kinds of communication is used and

When considering food as a part of my identity, there are multiple components that make up who I am. It is a mix of family heritage, experiences, and personal preferences, which all culminate together to form my food identity. While some might see their food identity as one culture, concept, or idea, I see my food identity as a variety. This variety consists of what foods I like and the memories associated with them. Specifically, my memories and experiences with my family have contributed to what I believe to be my food identity.

A person’s identity may be determined by him/her family background and this is proven evident in the essay “Private and Public Language” by Rodriguez. We live in a world in which identities are determined prematurely without hesitation. This means that even without getting to know an individuals personality the first thing that is done instead is determining identities based on your physical state, family, or family background. As a culture we live in a diverse environment in which the majority of people come from a different place, and as a result many are identified differently depending on where he/she and their family are from. Today’s culture is more diverse than ever, and more and more people are migrating to different countries and settling so I feel like it

Furthermore, people become more and more acquainted with the food because of press and television. The recipes of Italian dishes were available and preparation was relatively easy. The major difference about representation of Italian food in the 1960s and 1970s was that social status and welfare was not targeted by popular magazines. Moreover, the ability to examine foods and make own preparations were given an unprecedented importance. The Americans “could exercise their competence, distinction, and good taste according to their own individual style” (Cinotto 5).

This paper will discuss the multifaceted relationships among food, and culture. I will be looking at the relationships people have with food, and explore how this relationship reveals information about them. Their food choices of individuals and groups, can reveal their ideals, likes and dislikes. Food choices tell the stories of where people have travelled and who they have met along the way.

In most case, identity is shaped by culture. Since culture is a set of ideals life practices, routines and attitudes set up by a certain community hence culture plays a major role in shaping the identity of an individual. An individual’s character and attributes can be because of their background. This is due to the set up that one has grown up (Dumas 19). People tend to learn more about their culture, and as they grow up it becomes part of them. They embrace the culture’s beliefs and tend to do things following the set routines. The aspect of following the set routine and beliefs play a significant part in shaping the identity of an individual.

It’s no doubt that Americans would like to be a part of such a wonderful culture. In the United States of America, Italian food makes up a large percentage of the food market. But, there is a difference between Italian food, Italian American food, and plain old food pretending to be Italian. So what are Americans eating? Is it “authentic?” This paper will cover what authentic really means to Italian food, how Italian American culture is different than traditional Italian culture, and ultimately how these differences and the exploitation of Italian American culture has led to the American public’s mislead view of what is Italian.

Food brings everyone together no matter what culture you are in. Culture is a way of life shared by a group of people, beliefs, customs, symbols and etc. Many families can spend time with each other by preparing and eating dinner at the table, going out for dinner or just celebrating holidays.

Back when I was only five years old, pizza was always one of my favorite food in my life.

Cultural identity is the basis in which identification is used to express different aspects pertaining to identity and heritage. A person's cultural identity may be created by social organization, as well as traditions and customs within their lives. The two aspects that construct my cultural identity are the frequent chores I must complete every day in order to fulfill my behavioral expectations, and the youth group I attend weekly. These aspects are important to my family and me. Therefore, my identity has an immeasurable effect on my upbringing into this multi-cultural world I live in.