Sep.20
One day, I was talking to my teacher about a trip that I had taken. I told her that during the trip, I had eaten raw squid sashimi, and that it was so fresh that it kept moving even after it had been cut! It was very tasty, so I was really satisfied. However, she said, “Ugh! I don’t like raw fish. I think most Americans don’t like it, especially squid.” I was very shocked, which raised a question in my mind. Why don’t most Americans like raw fish?
The biggest reason is different cultures have different ideas about food. In Japan, we are used to eating and cooking fish in many different ways, such as boiling it, frying it, grilling it and eating it raw. Sushi and sashimi are famous Japanese foods, and we think they are absolutely delicious! If Japanese people go out to a restaurant to eat sushi, they feel happy and rich. On the other hand, Americans don't eat this kind of food. Almost all food in America is cooked. Since their childhood, Americans have been taught that raw food is dangerous for their health. For example, raw pork or chicken may give us food poisoning, and also they have a lot of parasites and bacteria. Besides, seafood, especially squids and octopuses, are slippery and look gross. If I was the first person who found the squid, I would never think it looks delicious.
As you know, food shows national originality. Even if it’s the same stuff, it can be quite different types or shapes depending on the place. When we learn about the other culture, sometimes we are not able to agree with it, but we have to respect and accept it as the way it is.
4 comments:
My RA likes raw fish and Japanese food, so I didn't noticed most of American don't like raw fish. I felt culture observation in your blog. I don't like tuna, so I can understand Americans feeling. I want to try another countries food! However Japanese food is the best!! I think it :)
Shoko-tan,
my formar RA also does not like raw fish. In my opinion, the reason why Japanese like raw fish rather than other ountry is Japan has more safety for low food. I mean Japan know how to cook the raw food very much. That is why, for example,I think Japanese sushi more flesh than American one.
Shoko, I'm very pleased that you are observing culture and wondering about it and then asking questions about it. Being curious is the best way to learn!
I love some raw fish (not all). My favorite is raw tuna. Yum. Because Spokane is so far from the sea, it's difficult to get really fresh raw fish, so you're right, sometimes we worry that it might be dangerous to eat it.
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