How Historical, Social-Economic And Political Space Influence Our Food Consumptiuon

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HOW HISTORICAL, SOCIAL-ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL SPACE INFLUENCE OUR FOOD CONSUMPTIUON
Introduction
America is perceived as social-cultural melting pot of world cultures. This is because almost every world culture is present in America. In spite of this cultural diversity that permeates every American Kitchen, the food and dishes served in every American home exemplifies social, cultural and historical symbolism of that particular community. Every community has its most coveted dish that serves as a reflection of their historical and cultural heritage. It’s against this backdrop that Williams-Forson, in ‘Suckin’ the Bone Dry’ asks an authentic question, “How does our historical, socioeconomic, and political space influence the foods that we consume?” This paper will attempt to answer this question drawing from my personal and family experiences.
I was born and brought up within a multiracial, middle class suburb. Although we belonged to the same socioeconomic class, each family was keen to preserve their unique eating style. In spite of our social interactions, our distinct peculiarity was rife going by our preferred meals and dishes. I concur with Williams-Forson that indeed the food that we consume acts as an embodiment of our social cultural identity. It epitomizes not only our social-cultural and economic space, but our historical background as well. Williams-Forson underscores the important role that women play in the determination, choice and preparation of food. She argues that Women have a critical role of ensuring that the food consumed adheres to the pre-existing norms and tenets of the community. For instance, she argues that, “As a Black woman, my cultural role was to prepare and cook fried chicken like the proverbial mammy or enslaved cook in the big house” (Williams-Forson 144). I fully support her assertions drawing from my personal and family experience. My mother determines what meal will be served for breakfast, lunch or dinner. She has the exclusive mandate of determining the family cuisine to the minutest detail. It is as though the recipe for every dish is predetermined based on certain inconceivable factors. We have a favorite family dish for each day of the week, and special holiday seasons. My mother often jokes that Christmas would be incomplete without ‘fried chicken’ served with collard greens and black eyed peas. Although most of us share in her sentiments, I personally feel that it would be even more complete if fried chicken and collard green would be served with either potato chips, macaroni and a piece of meatloaf sandwiched with chili and burritos. Despite our differing opinions on the content of the meal, fried chicken and collard greens is the common denominator in the fami...