Globalization Of Food, And Food Cultures In The United States

Submitted By Msutton8
Words: 1668
Pages: 7
Open Document
Melissa Sutton
Writing 202
Dr. Amberg
February 22. 2015 Globalizing the food industry could lead to obesity and lack of family unity in other countries as it has in the United States, over time. In the 1950’s a family would sit down at nearly the same time each evening for dinner. Today, we are hard-pressed to have everyone in the same room at once for an extended period of time. We owe this, in part, to processed, pre-packaged convenience foods. Globalization of the food industry in other countries will ultimately depict a much different picture of those countries that begins to look more like the fast paced, fast-food lifestyle in the United States. My writing began with an outline of information related to the topic. Upon further research; each of the geographical locations, the effects of globalization on the food industry, and food cultures in each location, the essay developed. My thesis was determined and my topic was expanded as my essay progressed. In conclusion, drawing on the idea of real food as defined by Pollan, the globalization of the food industry in other cultures will, in fact, lead to an unhealthier, disconnected family unit.

Menzel, an award winning photographer, published in “Life, National Geographic and the New York Times Magazine.” and D’Aluisio, an acclaimed writer, editor and lead writer for the Material World book series, have collaborated to explore what foods an average family consumes in one week. Drawing from several different cultures, photos of each family with their weekly consumption of food, paints a diverse picture of each.
In Guatemala, the Mendoza family, a thriving family seated in their courtyard with their servant, seems to enjoy a variety of food items that are most likely purchased on Saturdays when the market is open. They seem to have a balance of grains, fruits, vegetables and chicken. Many celebrations in Guatemala surround food, which is a large part of the culture. All Saints Day is a day of remembrance for loved ones who have passed on and it is customary to enjoy a picnic atop the grave. The agriculture in Guatemala is plentiful and sustainable. Not much globalization of food is needed here but as we can see from the photo, some prepackaged foods have made their way into this culture.
The Patkars, from India, live in a very ornate city where there are many restaurants and where tourists can enjoy street foods, many of which are vegetarian, from the food court. Much of the food industry here has been globalized and has begun to shift toward processed foods. Colas, chips and other convenience foods adorn the table in the living room of the Patkar home. It would appear that mealtime for the Patkars is light and airy, in the comfort of their modest home. The Patkars resemble to be the typical American, middle class family.
As we move to Mali, the Natomos family, shown on the rooftop of their primitive home, surrounded by mostly rice, millet (a type of small-seeded cereal grain), and corn, which are the basic crops in this rural area. Two wives alternate in the preparation of food, grinding grain and preparing breakfast cakes, some of which are sold. Food does not seem to be of any more importance than the sustenance it offers. Mealtime is a ritual that begins with the male head of household partaking in the meal first. The family eats in silence and each knows customarily what is polite. The consumption of meat in this region is a sign of wealth which is not the case with the Natomos family. This may sound constrained to those of us born in the United States, but this family appears to be genuinely happy. Globalization has not yet reached this corner of the earth with the exception of a seasoning cube that can be found in even the most remote village which makes easier the mixing of spices to season foods that would otherwise remain bland and tasteless.
The globalization of pre-seasoned, prepackaged foods also contributes to the problem of obesity
Show More

Related Documents: Globalization Of Food, And Food Cultures In The United States

Essay on 1 1

deaths. Obviously, humans like to imitate biology of other species to make lives easier and more convenient than before. One of the famous psychologists, Susan Blackmore, analyzes why humans like to imitate other things, such as animals, memes, in her essay titled “Strange Creatures”. Blackmore suggests that imitation makes humans different from other species. Then, she introduces a related word, meme that anything is passed on by people, a word, a behavior, an idea and so on. Some characteristics of…

Words 795 - Pages 4

chapter 1 essay 1

Tyra Garrett Psy 2012 Prof. Smith February 5, 2015 Essay 1 Chapter 1 The seven major perspectives are biological, behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic, cognitive, and evolutionary and last sociocultural. They all allow psychologist to understand behavior and mental processes. Biological approach is where phycologist focus on the brain and the nervous system basically the body. The behavioral approach focuses on observing behavior. The psychodynamic approach emphasizes on unconscious thought…

Words 451 - Pages 2

Essay 1

Ian Munroe Savannah State University Essay 1: Job Satisfaction Ian Munroe Dr. Jun Wu MGNT 3300 8 February 2015 Essay 1: Job Satisfaction As a manager it is essential to understand what makes and keeps employees satisfied with their jobs. A stable work environment where employees feel that their work is meaningful and important is vital for an organization to run at maximum efficiency. Researchers have compiled an extensive amount of data that explains the causes of job satisfaction…

Words 1120 - Pages 5

Of The 1% Essay

Jasmine Allen Nov. 4, 2014 ENC 1101 In class essay 1 Of the 1%, by the 1%, for the 1% Stiglitz begins by noting that 25 years ago the richest, 1%, of Americans had 33% of the nations wealth. It took 12% of its yearly income, whereas the corresponding figures today are 40% and almost 25%. He offers reasons to trust that nor will those outcomes for this project of massine upwards redistribution about money. More riches beheld will additionally make increased. The american democracy has become a sham…

Words 498 - Pages 2

Essay 1

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) If you accept this Statement it will open your eyes to the discovery of the God that we truly serve today. The society of the world that we live in today may not understand who God really is. Many fear him because of lack of understanding, some due to their sinful nature, and some who just do not believe he even exist. The God that created all in the beginning is the same God that is alive and being served today all around…

Words 885 - Pages 4

Principles 1 Chapter 1 1 Essay

assignments on-time. Decide this evening what your goal is for this course. Make your goal very specific and devise a plan for achieving that goal. Please be prepared to work and to study REGULARLY. Dr. Ziska Chapter 1 Life: Chemical, Cellular and Evolutionary Foundations CHAPTER 1 OUTLINE/CORE CONCEPTS 1.1 The Scientific Method The scientific method is a deliberate way of asking and answering questions about the natural world. 1.2 Chemical and Physical Principles Life works according to fundamental…

Words 3123 - Pages 13

Essay 1

1.6 Essay Question Exhibit 6 displays four enablers serves as a support for many firms to development of progressive strategies and approaches. It also serves as a support to attain supply chain, purchasing, and organizational objectives. These four pillars also connects with the organization’s requirements and philosophy. Exhibit 1.6 contains 3 sections; Part 1. Business Requirements and Guiding Philosophies Part 2. Four Pillars Part 3 Proative Purchasing and Supply Chain Management Strategies…

Words 2156 - Pages 9

Essay 1

Educational Inspiration My father inspired me to be a successful student 1. Being an Example a) He was the first of go to University and got a degree He paid his studies drawing portraits of student in the university corridor b) He has financial Freedom He expends his time on things that he really wants like travel or study another language. 2. Telling me about life lessons a) He gives me lessons about other people He tells me stories about successful people, and how can finish their studies…

Words 1158 - Pages 5

ACC500Sept2014Syllabus 1 1 Essay

all courses at SNHU; excessive absences may result in failure or withdrawal from courses. More than three absences may be excessive. ACC500 Managerial Accounting Course Outline 9/2/14 Managerial Accounting & The Business Organization Chapter 1 Understanding Corporate Annual Reports Chapter 16 9/9/14 Understanding Corporate Annual Reports Chapter 16 Analysis of Financial Statements Chapter 17 p 724 through EOC 9/16/14 Introduction to Cost Behavior & Cost Volume Relationships Chapter…

Words 970 - Pages 4

essay 1 draft 1

Alan Xie Prof Anna Striedter Grammar 28 November 3, 13 Midterm (revision) We lived in a modern-perfect world that the racialism, the discrimination and most of other historical conflicts, which impeded the development of human society, had been solved. Today, people won’t treat you differently from others because of your skin or gender. The society seems becoming more and more ideal. However, nowadays it seems like it is harder for people to get outstanding accomplishment. Cause you were not…

Words 679 - Pages 3