Question

Are food stereotypes harmless or do they contribute to the marginalization and oppression of people?

Using Williams-Forson’s approach, identify some other food stereotypes (including some you may have held or some that people have placed on you). Present some of the possible roots and functions of these stereotypes, both for the stereotyped group and the dominant culture.

Answer 1

Culture and food are the ones that are deeply interconnected to one another. With this being said, let us answer the first part of this question. Yes, food stereotypes can never be considered harmless as they contribute to both marginalization and oppression of people. During the early times, we are well aware of the slavery system. The food which slaves had was never considered as a good one by the middle and upper-class dominant society. This proves that society expressed both marginalization and oppression. Other food stereotypes obtained is the one that is deeply related to culture. In western culture, there is a presence of glass of wine with every dinner which is replaced by a bowl of soup in the eastern culture. This difference has happened due to differences in tradition followed and health belief behind the same. The root and function are associated with the demographics climate of a country and food practices that need to be followed to ensure a healthy life. Socioeconomic status is yet another root factor that affects food stereotypes across cultures. During ancient times of slavery, meat purchased by slaves for eating were cheap ones and the type of cooking they practiced were the ones that would not need much of their attention and that they can spend more time doing other works while the food gets prepared.