My impression of what makes food identifiably Italian is based largely upon my experience eating in Italy. The quantity of food and the types of food being eaten were very different from what I was accustomed to prior to my visit. Polenta, Gnocchi and Grappa were the food and drink that stood out the most to me. To me they are identifiable Italian foods and were not something I had been introduced to prior to my visit. Eating outdoors under a canopy laced with vines and with the mountains constantly in view stood out to me and is in my mind identifiably Italian or even as an identifiable experience that differentiated Trentino from other areas we visited. That these experiences were different than the norm for me made them seem identifiably Italian. The differences defined the identity of Italian food, down to the setting and geography of the region. …show more content…
Identity as defined by Massimo Montanari in our course textbook is “not inscribed in the genes of a people or in the ancient history of their origin, but is constructed historically through the day-to-day dynamic exchanges between individuals, experiences, and different cultures. Working with and eating with Italian colleagues was a completely different experience in and of itself. We were introduced to new foods and breathtaking scenery but also to a very different culture and approach towards meals. They were much more celebratory than the meals I was accustomed to back home with a lot of sharing and drinking. Italian identity for me is defined by the experience I had there in relation to the experiences I have at home. The different foods, scenery, culture, and language all help define the experience but these are all related to the meals and the experience of eating a meal in
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).
There are Indians, Mexicans, Asians and many others diverse businesses established in Little Italy. Chicago is known for its diversity. In Chicago all sorts of food, clothing, and music reflect numerous cultures. There are numerous ethnic enclaves that have put Chicago on the map for its diversity. However, not every ethnic enclave is what it seems. Compared to most ethnic enclaves in Chicago, Little Italy is no longer what it was 115 years ago. You will not find a Chinatown or a Paseo Boricua atmosphere - you will not see Italians – you will not hear the language – and you will not have much access to authentic Italian foods. Little Italy is Italian in name only as it no longer fits the definition of an ethnic enclave. Italians, like other immigrants living in enclaves, feel the need to celebrate their culture and history. Although they no longer live in the area, many return in August to celebrate their roots. Even though Little Italy is a mix of ethnic diversity, Italian-Americans still share the sense of cultural pride shared by other ethnic
Moreover, immigrant communities often establish their own restaurants, markets, and food festivals, which serve as hubs for preserving and sharing their culinary heritage. These establishments not only provide a taste of home for immigrants, but also offer opportunities for locals to explore and appreciate diverse cuisines. As a result, culinary diversity becomes a celebrated aspect of cultural identity, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation Additionally, the influence of immigrant cuisines extends beyond restaurants and markets to
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.
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
Food is used in different circumstances in life represents a culture, but can also reflect one's personality, lifestyle, and socio-economic
There will be many unfamiliar things around an ethnic grocery store, even the employees or people that shop there might be common nationality or familiar to the items in the store. In this experience is comparing and contrasting the unfamiliar foods, spices, seasonings and many other things that are unfamiliar to oneself. This experience exploring an ethnic grocery store, you learn that ethnic grocery stores mostly support their cultural foods, where they originated from. Keywords: food, grocery, store, cultural, ethnic, experience, unfamiliar, familiar, spices, seasonings Ethnic Grocery Store Visit: Tropicana Supermarket On this assignment, I visit
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.
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
You are what you eat, is a common phrase characterizing the idea of food and identity. Several questions that discuss the notion of using food as a cultural clue will be addressed, such as: What do food choices represent? How do food choices represent cultural identity? Is it important to recognize the difference between what you eat representing what you are and what you eat constructing who you are? Our identity
Few things identify Italians as well as food, “the cross-cultural consumption of Italian cuisine is a significant marker of the way in which others see and imagine Italy and the Italians.” Food is cultural artifact. The Italian culture lives to eat. Where as, the American culture eats to live. Food is a way of life in Italy, not just a way to survive.
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.
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.
Back when I was only five years old, pizza was always one of my favorite food in my life.
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.