Food is the common thread that unites us all. It is love made tangible.
No matter what our physical surroundings or our religious and cultural beliefs, we all have many things in common. We all experience the emotions of sorrow and joy, rage and repentance, love and hate, fear and, occasionally, courage. And everywhere, throughout every part of the world, we gather together to eat and drink at the end of the day. It is this sharing of food that defines us as family and unites us as members of the human family.
It was Arien Mack, Professor of Psychology at the New School for Social Research in New York City, who organized a conference on Food: Nature and Culture. She wrote:
“No one needs to be reminded that food is both essential to human survival and to everyday life. It is much more than nourishment. It informs every aspect of human activity — our histories, our cultures, our social arrangements, and the structure of our societies, our feelings and our spirit. Dietary preferences define ethnic groups and whole societies and go hand in hand with the growing globalization of tastes and foodstuffs.”
The symbolic and mythic importance of food is evident in the story of The Fall in the Garden of Eden. (It has been said, the only reason Adam ate the apple, was because it was a forbidden fruit, therefore making it infinitely more desirable.)
What we eat, the choices we make, the ceremonies and observances with which we surround food and eating, the power and joy of plenty and the fear and misery of famine and deprivation — all are occasions for reflection about the human condition.
To understand our food is to understand ourselves.
Food Philanthropists flock to those in need.
Food industry lobbyists control legislation concerning every aspect of food production from its importation and exportation to advocating or opposing increasing minimum wages for workers.
Food Historians and anthropologists reveal our past food preferences.
Food Consumer advocates shape our opinions.
Food scientists chart our future.
Food writers absorb, reflect and report facts and fictions about the food we eat — our taboos and prejudices.