IARC video response

Dining in Different Cultures

Every culture has certain norms and expectations when it comes time to eat. The following paragraphs will look at the customs of China, Kenya, and France, all which can then be compared to our customs in the U.S.

Similarly to Americans, the Chinese commonly meet for three meals each day. A place setting consists of a bowl, chop sticks, a spoon, and a saucer; you do not use napkins during and receive a hot towel at the end of the meal. That alone says a lot about Americans, we commonly use one or more napkins during a meal. Most meals are composed of the same things. A grain of sorts is the main dish, accompanied by a “side” of meat and of vegetables.

 It is common for soup to be served as well. When a family sits at the dinner table the oldest people begin to eat first and it works its way down to the youngest. Unlike in America, where children seem to have evolved into very picky eaters, Chinese children are not allowed to be opinionated about their meal. They are taught to eat every portion of the meal equally and not show favoritism to one type of food in any way. It is thought to be very disrespectful to not finish all of your meal, especially the main grain. I believe that the Chinese eating habits are much more complaisant than Americans'.

Kenya tends to have very formal dining but, it varies from social class and location. 

It is important to arrive to a meal on time and rude to turn down an invitation. Like in the U.S, you are expected to wash your hands before a meal. When eating, Kenyans only use their right hand. It is rude to refuse to eat a certain food, each food presented should be tried, at least. When hosting a guest it is tradition to kill and roast a goat. My friend visited Kenya last year and they killed a goat in her and her families honor. In addition to roasting the goat, they drained the goat's blood and made an herbal drink with it. Seeing as it would be very rude to not accept this special drink, she and her family had to drink it. Just like in China, Kenyans eat in order of age, starting with the elders.

Like in Kenya, meals are on the formal side in France. Most meals are three courses and are served with an abundance of bread and wine. It is common for children to drink wine during a meal as well. Unlike Americans, the French keep their hands visible and on the table at all times, never in their laps. You are expected to eat all the food given to you. At my house, our meals are on one plate and include a grain, a meat, and a vegetable. We usually all sit down, pray (christian), and eat. Traditionally, a french meal will include: hors d'eovres, a main course, salad, a cheese plate, and occasionally desert. No one is to eat until the head of the house says “bon appetit!”

Different cultures have different customs and ways of life, I find it to be very interesting to read about and experience these differences. This is a link that lists foods that some places think are amazingly delicious but, seem quite odd to most Americans. http://www.ranker.com/list/disgusting-foods-that-other-cultures-actually-love/justin-jones