Humanities (HU)

Reflection

Our class received great freedom in choosing our final project, the greatest requirement being that it must be tied to the humanities. I decided to tell the story of Mexico's food within the United States, a topic that holds immense cultural significance. My Aunt Teresa's fondness for the tacos she enjoyed in her homeland inspired this story. Many immigrants leave their homelands with pieces of it stored in their memory. Some of those are memories of food and recipes. Recipes can bring the comfort of home with you anywhere in the world. Food can tell us more than we expect despite its inability to provide a complete picture. Assessing a person's cooking can reveal how much of it is influenced by their cultural background. It might also reveal how their cooking has assimilated because of convenience, accessibility, affordability, or personal taste.

Although my aunt Teresa was the initial inspiration for this presentation, the final product considers the collective experience of those who have immigrated from Mexico and their offspring. The food I prepared is transnational, loyal to Mexican and US cuisine. While I was not born in Mexico, half of my blood is from there. My unique cultural customs and tastes are a fusion of my mother's upbringing and the knowledge I acquired while being raised in the United States. There are millions of people from diverse backgrounds who share similar experiences. Therefore, it would be beneficial for those who encounter this project to consider the experiences of those whose identities have been shaped by multiple countries. 

Why did I choose to cook?

Cooking is something I enjoy sharing because it is part of my culture. My mother taught me to always provide guests with food to show hospitality, affection, and goodness. I communicated my affection and respect toward my classmates by cooking for them. Additionally, I take pride in my cooking abilities, which is another reason why I enjoy sharing food. 

The Meaning of Authenticity

One frequent word in class was authenticity. When one describes another as authentic in the context of this class, I struggled to understand it. As I prepared my final project, I considered how I use the term authentic with food. What qualifies a meal as authentic seems to be based on lineage, teachers, recipe, location, correct ingredients, technique, and, most importantly, taste. Based on the mentioned criteria, I wondered, "Is my food authentic to Mexican cuisine?" No, I don't believe it is. Although I have the right teacher (my mother) and heritage, I don't have all the necessary ingredients and recipes to make the food taste exactly like it does in Mexico. The flavor of food may differ based on the origin of its ingredients. Everything I used was produced in the United States. Additionally, my mother had already adjusted the recipe to include some of the conveniences of the US, and I have made further changes to suit my taste. While these tacos were not authentic to Mexico, they were authentic to the transnational identity of Mexican food within the United States.

How does this project relate to themes within the class? 

This story talks about Mexican food in the United States. When two different countries interact with each other this way, transnationalism occurs. Transnationalism is a frequent topic in class. When two countries' ideologies or influences interact, that is transnationalism. This phenomenon can be observed in various elements, such as culture and politics, and it falls within the realm of humanities. The impact of colonization and Western ideologies on other nations is a prime example of transnationalism. Food, too, crosses borders and changes within them. 

How did this project evolve over time? 

Initially, the project was about tacos' cultural significance, history, and how they might remind a person of their motherland. While preparing pictures for my presentation, I noticed the behaviors of both my mother and Aunt Teresa. While enjoying the tacos I made, we conversed in English about Western politics. We sipped on a Danish drink I prepared and sparkling apple cider brought by my aunt. It made me question the authenticity of our gathering and who would consider it authentic. Is authenticity important? Should I be concerned about whether my cooking or I am authentic? I then adjusted my presentation to cultivate similar questions in my peers.

Once my peers finished eating, I inquired about the authenticity of my food. They all seemed to agree it was authentic. I then asked if I could make equally authentic egg fried rice, stating that I had all the necessary tools, spices, and skills to prepare it well. There was no verbal response from anyone, though some shook their heads no. I have a wok, and I learned the recipes/techniques from Malaysian chefs. I make decent rice, but is it authentic? How much weight do we place on a person's lineage? If the taste is the same, does it matter? Would those who taught me believe my fried rice is authentic? Would their peers agree/disagree? It is hard to say who is right or wrong since everyone's opinion is shaped by their upbringing and experiences. There may not be one true answer, but there are certainly many valid ones. 

What are some of the project's weaknesses? 

Unfortunately, time constraints prevented me from including additional sources. To stay within the presentation time limit, I had to eliminate non-essential information and focus on the most important aspects, including the ingredients, technique, toppings, and how they tie to the meaning of authenticity. Perhaps I could have referenced and compared recipes from Latino and non-Latino cooks. The similarities and differences might have been interesting, though I am content with the presentation despite its flaws.

How does this class relate to my past, current, or future courses and career? 

I found this class to be connected to other courses I have taken, particularly social work and sociology. As I prepare to become a doctor of clinical mental health, I realize the importance of being culturally competent to ensure fair treatment. Although gathering cultural knowledge can be challenging, this course has given me a good starting point. While respecting others' values and beliefs may seem obvious, my efforts to be sensitive might be hindered by unintentional rigidity. I learned a lot about my cultural rigidity and how I expect others to value the same things as I do. This realization was uncomfortable and made me confront my pride and anxiety. However, this discomfort will help me grow and improve. In future social work classes, I will remember and work on my cultural shortcomings to gain a greater appreciation for the diversity of body and mind. Ultimately, this will lead to greater respect for others' values and cultures.