Max's English blog

 Prompt: Today, we started our discussion about culture and food. What is one dish from your culture that is a must-have as a representation of your culture? Identify the dish and explain what it is and why it is significant. Prompt Response:  One dish from my culture (Haitian side) that is an absolute must-have when you're considering our culture is good luck soup. It is eternally connected to the origin of Haiti as a country and the culture that built from it. Good luck soup was a dish that Haitian slaves were forced to make and prepare prior to their rebellion, but never allowed to eat. On the days prior to the revolution, and the first day after, the now freed men and women, ate the soup in celebration of their freedom. It was given to the soldiers as well after the war. It is tradition to have some January 1st of every year. Summary: Good luck soup is a staple of Haitian culture, because of its connection to Haitian history. Reflection: I think its one of the most beautif...

 Prompt: Write about a time when you realized that your perception of a particular food was based on a stereotype. Explain what the food was, what you originally believed about it, and where that belief came from. Then describe how your perspective changed after experiencing or learning more about the food. Be sure to include specific details about the moment your thinking shifted and what you learned from that experience. Prompt Response: A time when I realized that my perception of a particular food was based on a stereotype was when I first tried macarons. It was less of a perception based off a cultural stereotype, but instead movies and TV. I still remember seeing macarons in movies like minions and it being made out to to be this delicious dessert and something that should be savored and cherished. The reality is much further from that in my opinion. When I did eventually try them, they were... mediocre at best. My perspective definitely changed whenever I saw them, as I used...

Prompt: Different cultures have different customs surrounding food and eating. Describe a food-related custom you grew up with or have experienced. How does this custom reflect your family's values or cultural background? Prompt Response: As I've grown up my immediate family has never had any food-related customs besides on special occasions; for example: don't eat before everyone says grace, don't leave the table or return to your room until everyone is done eating (and mainly talking), etc. But even then, these were very loose rules, that weren't even unspoken. I've always had friends in life, white, black, latin(o/a), all races, and it always seemed that everyone had a clear schedule and everything. "We have dinner at 6pm everyday" "Mom cooked casserole last night for dinner", etc. It's always been alien to me the idea of a dinner, every day, cooked by the same person, where everyone sits down together and eats. That's not even to ...