Dylan's English blog

  Prompt: If you could plan the perfect spring break with no limitation, money, time, or responsibilities—what would it look like? Where would you go, who would you bring, and what would you do? My perfect spring break would be a trip to California with my close friends and family. We would stay in La, swim in clear blue water, relax on the beach, and go snorkeling. We’d also try new foods and enjoy the sunsets together. Summary: A relaxing beach trip in Cali with loved ones. Reflection: Spending time with people I care about and enjoying new experiences would make it unforgettable.

  Prompt: Throughout your classmates' presentations, you were exposed to a variety of cultural foods and traditions. How did these presentations shape your understanding of different cultures? Share your opinion on what stood out most. The presentations helped me understand that food is an important part of every culture and shows traditions, values, and history. Seeing different foods made me realize how unique each culture is, but also how food brings people together. What stood out most was how many dishes had special meanings or were connected to family traditions. Summary: The presentations show that food reflects culture and brings people together. Reflection: I learned to appreciate different cultures more and be more open to trying new foods and traditions.

  Prompt:  Today, we explored how food connects to identity, culture, and belonging across the TED Talk,   Fish Cheeks , and the Mississippi Delta film. How does food help individuals understand who they are, especially when they feel caught between cultures or judged by others? In your response, be sure to include at least one example from at least (TED Talk,  Fish Cheeks , or the Mississippi Delta film) to support your thinking. Food helps people understand who they are because it connects them to their culture and traditions, even when they feel judged or different. In “ Fish Cheeks ,” Amy feels embarrassed by her family’s Chinese food when her crush comes over, This shows that food can remind people to accept who they are instead of trying to fit in. Summary: Food connects people to their culture and helps them accept their identity, even when they feel judged. Reflection: Sometimes people feel different because of their culture, but things like food can hel...

  Prompt: Why is the choice to serve leftover Chinese food significant in  “Lunch” ? How could the author have made a more culturally meaningful choice for her grandmother? Use the text to support your answer. Then reflect on a time when you realized you could have done something more meaningful for someone else. Serving leftover Chinese food shows the author didn’t put much thought or effort into the lunch, which makes the moment feel less meaningful for her grandmother. The author could have made it more special by having her cook a traditional or favorite meal from her grandmother’s culture. Summary: The leftovers show a lack of effort, while a cultural meal would show care and respect. Reflection: One time, I didn’t really listen to someone who wanted to talk. Later, I realized just paying attention would have meant a lot more.

  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. I used to think sushi was gross because it has raw fish. I believed this because of what I heard from other people and online. Trying sushi with my family changed my mind. I realized it can taste good and isn’t as scary as I thought. I learned not to judge food based on what others say and to try things for myself.

  Prompt: How does the New Orleans episode of  Street Food: USA  show that food represents more than just something people eat? Explain how at least one food from the episode reflects culture, identity, or community. In Street Food, USA , food shows culture and identity. For example, gumbo reflects the mix of cultures in New Orleans and its history. Food in the episode represents more than eating; it shows culture, history, and community. This shows that food can bring people together