Sunday, November 17, 2013
Quite the Dilemma
In the forest there are many different smells, sights and sounds to entice ones senses. Where do you go first? Is it okay to touch that? Can I eat this mushroom or not? I feel like the forest is an excellent representation of the lack of food culture in the United States. There are far too many "what ifs" and many people are too afraid to try anything that hasn't been processed and presented to them in a five cent paper bag. Polan makes a point in this section to create a meal that has been hunted and gathered, something that a large portion of our nation will never do. We are simply unable to attach to the roots of our nation and the ways in which the native people once lived. There truly is no food culture within this nation so we are always left wondering about the mushroom but are too scared to even nibble of a tiny bite. Now, there are a select few who swim against the current and fight for the food culture they believe in. I feel that it is possible for people in the United States to develop a food culture but it is a matter of how committed are we willing to be. Based on our nations history, I would say those chances are more slim than we are willing to admit at this time, but later down the road after some form of scandal we will come to terms with the truth that we have tried to hide. I think creating a meal that has been hunted and gathered would be a great activity for all families to try at least once. Perhaps our class could give it a shot?
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Well when the little bite can kill you, one is understandably cautious about eating wild plants and fungi. But I'm with you in that, on a philosophical level at least, I enjoy the concept of forging my own meal with my own hands. Whether I'd be willing to put in that much effort when McDonald's is across the street is another question entirely however. Do you think that is something you would do with your family one day?
ReplyDeleteI certainly don't disagree with you - but I am left wondering, who decides food culture? Who dictates what is a "true" food culture? Perhaps our lack of food culture, has created the "omnivore" food culture - for that seems to be a facet of Pollan's underlying concepts.
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