Eating in America. A cultural survey

Seminar paper from the year 2003 in the subject American Studies - Culture and Applied Geography, grade: 1 (A), Dresden Technical University (American Studies), language: English, abstract: It is an undeniable fact that the United States is a country with a huge impact on the world. Based on its economic power and military strength, America is one of the leaders of mankind, thus not only does it influence the political scene but the culture of foreign countries as well. Throughout the Western hemisphere 'the American way of eating' has especially become a symbol for hip and trendy food. American-style cooking represents the food of youth culture. Moreover, it is the food of people who are fond of America, who might want to preserve their vacation memories, or taste the 'American dream.' American food is fast and easy to prepare, full of sweet calories, and it has a uniform taste. Furthermore, it is considered unhealthy and often unjustly referred to as 'trash food.' These prejudices are part of the picture most Europeans have when it comes to food from the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.