FOTCW II: Cultural Globalization in Food

 Have you ever wondered how the role of food shapes our culture in today’s globalized world?

Food is like a trademark of one’s culture—where they create their own identity to be recognized and distinguished. In the Philippines, there are a variety of foods that describe solely the place or the province where they originated. It’s like when we think of a place, it’s the food that we mostly remember. However, when we look for a certain food that describes us as a whole, there is not much that will show up. Perhaps because of the influence of globalization, which allows us to merge different cuisines, ingredients, and cooking techniques across the world, creating new opportunities for innovation and cultural representation. This aspect enables us to delve deeper into highlighting the role of food in shaping our culture in today’s globalized world.

Based on the video that I watched, the speaker discussed how the diverse methods of cooking and preparing Filipino home cuisine exemplify our adaptability in light of increased global interactions and that this diversity has caused us to have no authentic or standard dish for Filipino culture. In my own understanding, the relevance of food holds a symbolic attribute that allows each one of us to identify our cultural identity. It allows us to be innovative and make the best out of everything.

In my opinion, I strongly agree that Filipinos have no authentic dishes. One of the common reasons for that is that we tend to cook with different techniques that allow for substitution—without following a standard rule. This means that what we eat depends on what we have, making us adaptable to any situation. For instance, you usually make an egg omelet with tomatoes, but since you don’t have tomatoes at that moment, you substitute tomatoes with anchovies. Another reason is that Filipino cuisines are customizable. Since Filipinos are known for being hospitable, we want to welcome our guests with many options that fit their taste preferences. As a result, we introduce a variety of dip sauces to somehow change the flavor of the food. These factors—being adaptable and hospitable—are the reason for our food being culturally globalized. And these factors are also what makes Filipinos truly authentic.

In addition, food is an essential and universal aspect of human life, yet it is also influenced by the complex and dynamic process of globalization. Apart from being a cultural symbol, I view food as a factor that significantly impacts culture due to the emergence of globalization. While there are positive effects such as the opportunities for cross-cultural exchange, an increase in employment, diversity, and the creativity of culinary traditions, there are also negative effects such as the loss of local food culture and the environmental and social problems caused by the global food trade. Thus, I view food in the age of globalization as a source of both challenges and opportunities and a topic that requires critical and informed thinking.

All things considered, food, in the age of globalization, plays a significant role in shaping our culture and showcasing the best aspects of Filipinos. It highlights our diversity and adaptability, which are defining characteristics of the authentic Filipino. Food, as stated above, is influenced by various factors that facilitate global interactions and cross-cultural exchanges. As globalization continues to escalate, it is essential to find ways to reinforce our culture. After all, food goes hand in hand with globalization.

Reference:

Tee, S. (2019, March). Food and Culture of Today. [Video]. TED Talks. https://www.ted.com/talks/sharwin_tee_food_and_culture_of_today/up-next