Introduction
Food has always been an integral part of the culture, with different dishes and culinary customs representing other societies and their values. In recent years, social media has played an increasingly important role in representing and consuming food. Different types of media are used to convey cultural messages about food. This essay will examine how food is represented in social media through the lens of cultural theory, looking at the social, cultural, and economic context in which food is presented and consumed.
Cultural Representation in Food
Cultural representation in food has several forms, from the ingredients used in traditional dishes to the presentation of food in media. In the United States, macaroni and cheese are often considered a classic comfort food, while in Mexico, tacos are seen as a national dish. This type of cultural representation can be seen in social media, with images of these dishes representing the culture and different customs (Nieborg et al., 2020). The representation of food on social media can also be a way to convey a specific message about the culture and character of the people who eat the food.
Cultural Theory
One way to understand the cultural representation of food on social media is through cultural theory. According to cultural theorist Pierre Bourdieu, culture is a system of symbols and practices that shape how people think and act. In this case, the representation of food in social media may reflect their culture and values (Nieborg et al., 2020). For example, in the United States, fast food culture is seen as a representation of convenience and quickness. At the same time, in Italy, pizza, which may also be considered fast food in other countries, represents traditional culture and values. This type of representation can be seen in social media, with images of burgers and pizza being used to convey different messages about the culture of the people who consume them.
Social and Cultural Context
Social media also provides an opportunity to explore the cultural representation of food. For example, food bloggers and influencers often use social media to share photos of their meals and share their experiences. Thus, they can create a visual narrative of their culture and how food is used to express it. They can also explore how the representation of nutrition has evolved and how it has been adapted to different countries and populations (Nieborg et al., 2020). For example, hashtags such as #halalfood or #veganfood represent specific cultures or lifestyles. People can explore cultural representations of food through these hashtags and learn more about different cultures
Furthermore, social media can help spread awareness about food-related issues. For example, many social media campaigns have been launched to raise awareness about food waste and encourage sustainable eating habits. Through these campaigns, people can learn more about how their food choices can impact their environment and be inspired to make healthier and more sustainable food choices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be said that cultural representation through food via the prism of social networks gives us the opportunity to see how people use food to express their identities and project these identities onto others. They use food to project values and ideas that they support and to create an identity that is close to their inner self. Thus, by looking at social networks, one can gain a deep understanding of food’s cultural representation.
Reference List
Nieborg, D.B., Duffy, B.E. and Poell, T. (2020) “Studying platforms and cultural production: Methods, institutions, and practices,” Social Media + Society, 6(3), p. 205630512094327. Web.