In the Geoff Nicholson’s writing, he talked about why and how his mother loved white fo
od. There some reasons why his mother loved white food. Firstly, maybe Nicholson’s mother had been through World War II. During World War II, there are too many foods made by milk and cream.
At the time, to survive is more important than the other things. These things are white. Secondly, because the author’s father died, his mother have to started cooking chicken, rice, and pasta for herself. These things are usual in daily life, and they are white,too! Thirdly, his mother was a catholic, although she seldom go to the church except at Christmas and Easter. His mother thought that the white food meant a white soul. Maybe his mother want to become “purer” after his father’s death.
In the Roy Ahn’s writing, he talked about that when he came to American, there are two refrigerators in his house. One in the kitchen for American food, and one in the garage for the Korean food, because maybe his mother cannot adapt the American food. However, the author came to America when he was young, so he can accommodate the American culture and food very quickly. Before the author wrote this piece of writing, he had a son, and he was worried about his son’s culture identity. He wanted to reconnected the Korean culture to his son, so he offer his son Korean food by using a fridge for Korean food.
According to Geoff Nicholson, his mother attached too much personal habits and sentiments to food. Because of the hab
its and sentiments, such as had been a catholic and been through World War II, his mother subconsciously got used to and love white food.
According to Roy Ahn, his food preference was affected by culture. When he had new food, he would compare the food to Korean food.
I always to decide whether the food is good or not by comparing to Chinese food, which is my hometown’s food. Moreover, I like Guangzhou, a city in China, so I love Xiajiao very much, a special local product in Guangzhou. There is only reason why I love Xiajiao, because Xiajiao is only offered in Guangzhou, where is my hometown.
It is very interesting that habits, sentiments and culture would affect one’s preference.