It is said that race did not create racism, racism created race. Race along with gender are reproduced in the media and human community like no other issue. These issues affect everyone and it is about something that cannot be changed nor prevented. As a social construct, race can be represented in a multitude of ways throughout the world. However, the fundamental concept remains the same. Whether it be shown on Japanese programming, embedded in social code of Mexico, or through American stereotypes, a conceptualized image of race and gender has a heavy influence on society. Prejudice is taught, it is not biologically engrained. Therefore, to prevent further discrimination, people need to be taught acceptance at an early age.
Japanese television programming casts identity in terms of gender. In the reading, “The Overcooked and Underdone: Masculinities in Japanese Food Programming” by T.J.M. Holden, food channels in specific communicate masculine identity and gender roles in contemporary Japanese society. Food is a tangible, fundamental part of the Japanese culture. The male’s professional role in cooking can be considered “overdone” in that it is this big, dramatic performance whereas the female role is “underdone” and not recognized for the major role they play. The three characteristics of masculinity are authority, power, and possession. Television facilitates the perception of a powerful, male chef. Men control every aspect, they are authoritative. Whether as host or chef, every activity runs through them. The chef operates as the chief executive. To prove this, they show his superior pedigree. When introducing the participants, they mention their successful endeavors such as where he has studied and what restaurants he owns. This contributes to the idea of “man made” because, most things have been created by the male gender. Men maintain their masculinity while operating in a generally considered female environment through intense competition, comments and fast paced music. Where as women are sources of entertainment. For instance, women are told to flip a stir fry in a wok while running an obstacle course. They are not taken seriously and usually are only there for meaningless opinions or comments. What is lacking is the underrepresentation of all aspects of masculinity. Workplaces, home sites where parenting occurs, and class are all absent. There is so much that bears on masculinity that TV ignores from public view. Food and television have such an integral part in the culture that the two blend together and serve as a heavy influence.
There is a certain social code that can be seen in, but not limiting to, Mexico. Regarding gender, it is believed that men are superior to women. Women are told to stay home, they need to cook and tend to the children. They cannot pursue their dreams because they are needed for domestic work. While this was once a socially acceptable thought, in the 21st century it is not. In the reading “Mexicanas’ Food Voice and Differential Consciousness in the San Luis Valley of Colorado” by Carol Counihan, she mentions a concept of differential consciousness. In other words, functioning “within yet beyond”. To function within is to recognize that there is a gender structure and valuing domestic labor, especially those who did it. To function beyond is to transcend gender expectations. For instance, the products a woman makes at home can be sold. This turns what is the traditional, domestic job into a self sustaining business venture. Overall, one should not judge another for wanting to stay home because that itself is still discriminatory. The purpose of this article is to prove that cooking does not have to be a specific gender job, it can be done by both. The generational thought of keeping women at home can be broken.
Fried chicken and watermelon is a common stereotype about African Americans. In the reading,“More than Just the “Big Piece of Chicken”: The Power of Race, Class, and Food in American Consciousness” by Psyche Williams-Forson, it shows how this common thought has been seen throughout history, represented in television, movies and photographs. The overall theme shows that one needs to look at culture’s past to gain a better understanding of not only the food itself but the people who consume it. This can be seen in the differences between the attitudes towards southern cuisine and soul food. When one thinks about southern cuisine, it is normally attributed to the white population. Where on the other hand, soul food triggers an African American association. While both of these populations inhabit the south, food serves as another divider . Using photographs, stereotypes, and physical means against blacks was a form of white superiority.
In the video, “How Culture Drives Behaviours” by Julien S. Bourrelle, he highlights the many benefits to understanding and accepting other cultures. When coming into contact with a new culture norm, he notes that there are 3 ways to react. At first one is confronted with the action. There’s a belief that the individual’s behaviors are the right behaviors. Then one complains, isolating themselves, living in segregation with the society. Finally there is conformity. When one conforms to the whole society, then one can truly benefit from diversity. But that implies that there is an observation, learning, and understanding of the behaviors of others. Adapting one’s own, so that it fits with the behaviors of the society. The lens through which your brain sees the world shapes our reality. If you can change the lens, not only can you change the way your brain views other cultures, but you can change the way others relate to cultural differences. That statement is the key to benefiting from diversity. Creating a group of diverse members makes it more efficient.
Acceptance should be taught to children at an early age. When someone is born, they are not born with knowledge of prejudice nor race. That knowledge is instilled in them later on by society. When watching children interact, it is shown that they do not see color. Many studies and experiments have shown that children are more understanding and accepting of social change than adults. If children are taught that everyone is equal, they can create a new wave of society. As a social construct, there is no method of it carrying on but by society itself. Racism created the idea of race as a way to divide people. When watching New York Times’ collection of videos called “A Conversation on Race”, one participant mentioned that bringing up race to children and how it should not be a problem recognizes that it is in fact, a problem. When trying to explain race to a child, one realizes how simplistic and narrow minded the concept is.
There are many intersections between food, gender, race, and power. These expectations and roles are embedded into the threads of society. This method of thinking has carried on for generations however, social change is starting to occur. While women are starting to leave the home and joining the workforce, black oppression is still evident. By eliminating the pressure and expectation that society places, everyone can put their energy into something that is more productive and beneficial.