The Aesthetics Of Tastesense Lecture 6 Gustation Iwhy Dont ✓ Solved

The Aesthetics of Taste Sense Lecture 6: Gustation I Why Don’t We Eat Bugs? Investigating the reasons behind cultural food taboos, particularly in relation to insects, and discussing how culture influences food choices across different societies. Discussed examples include edible insects from various cultures and the reasons why certain foods are viewed as edible or inedible.

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The concept of taste and food preferences is deeply intertwined with cultural, social, and environmental factors, influencing what is considered edible and desirable across different societies. This paper explores the intricate relationship between culture and eating practices, specifically focusing on why bugs, despite their nutritional benefits and edibility, are often rejected as food in many Western cultures while embraced in others.

Understanding Cultural Taboos

Cultural taboos play a significant role in determining what foods are consumed in various societies. According to Carolyn Korsmeyer, "disapproval is more than an intellectual judgment; it involves distaste" (1999, p. 43). Cultural context shapes perceptions of taste and preference, influencing which foods are classified as 'real,' 'right,' or 'good' (Falk, 1994). Edible insects, known as entomophagy, are consumed widely in countries like Mexico and Thailand but are largely avoided in Western cultures where they are often seen as repulsive. Examples include deep-fried tarantulas in Cambodia and roasted grasshoppers in Mexico.

Cross-Cultural Comparisons

In the West, meat consumption generally centers around animals like cows, pigs, and chickens. However, in many cultures, certain animals are viewed as sacred or forbidden, such as cows in India and pigs in Islamic cultures (Delaney, 2011). This classification of food stems from longstanding cultural and religious beliefs, creating a stark contrast between what is accepted as food in one culture and not in another. For instance, Edmund Leach highlights the idea that some animals, like dogs, may be viewed as companions in some cultures and as food sources in others, illustrating how societal views can directly influence dietary choices.

The Role of Disgust in Food Preferences

Disgust significantly shapes dietary choices, serving as a barrier against consuming certain foods. Aurel Kolnai asserts that disgust is a cultural construction, influenced by societal norms and values rather than mere physiological reactions (Smith & Korsmeyer, 2004). This suggests that the avoidance of eating bugs is linked to deeper cultural understandings of what is deemed 'clean' or 'acceptable.' Insects elicit a visceral reaction in many, often associated with filth or decay, further embedding them in the realm of taboo.

Factors Influencing Edibility

The concept of 'tastescape,' as proposed by Pasi Falk, articulates the idea that not all edible foods are embraced universally; what may be customary in one culture can be regarded as undesirable in another (Falk, 1994). Insects possess numerous benefits, including high protein content and ecological sustainability, yet they remain largely unaccepted in the United States. The categorization of food preferences, such as 'good' (foods that are palatable), 'right' (foods that are permitted), and 'real' (edible substances), demonstrates the complexity of food choices shaped by both biology and cultural classification.

The Psychological Dimensions of Food Choices

Human preference for sweet foods even transcends cultural boundaries, reflecting innate biological tendencies to seek out nutritious sustenance (Falk, 1994). However, culture subsequently refines these preferences, adding layers of social and moral implications to food choices. For example, the idea of 'wrong' foods—those deemed unfit for consumption—often intersects with individual taste and societal norms. The fear of the unknown, termed neophobia, can hinder the acceptance of unconventional food choices like insects, whereas neophilia, the desire for variety, can eventually lead to the acceptance of these foods in diets.

The Evolution of Food Perceptions

Food taboos are not static; they can evolve based on changing perceptions and social contexts, illustrating the fluid nature of food classifications. Temporary taboos can shift to become prestigious, indicating a transformation in societal beliefs about certain foods over time (Falk, 1994). This dynamic suggests that attitudes towards previously rejected foods, such as bugs, could change as cultural narratives and environmental needs evolve, prompting a re-evaluation of what is deemed acceptable or desirable.

Conclusion

The discourse surrounding why we do not eat bugs encompasses a rich interplay of cultural, social, and psychological factors. As globalization continues to influence food practices, the potential for greater acceptance of entomophagy could reshape the cultural landscape of cuisine. Emphasizing sustainability and nutrition may gradually dismantle outdated food taboos, promoting a broader appreciation for food diversity that includes insects as a viable food source.

References

  • Delaney, C. (2011). Investigating Culture: An Experiential Introduction to Anthropology. Wiley-Blackwell.

  • Falk, P. (1994). The Consuming Body. Sage Publications.

  • Korsmeyer, C. (1999). "Aesthetics and the Role of Taste." In Aesthetic Values in Food. Routledge.

  • Kolnai, A. (2004). "Visceral Values: Aurel Kolnai on Disgust." In Aurel Kolnai. On Disgust. Open Court.

  • Leach, E. (1964). Political Systems of Highland Burma. London School of Economics Monographs on Social Anthropology.

  • Menzel, P., & D’Allusio, F. (1998). Man Eating Bugs. The Atlantic Monthly Press.

  • Rozin, P. (1994). "Food Preferences: The Role of Cultural and Biological Influences." Psychology of Food. Sage Publications.

  • Smith, B., & Korsmeyer, C. (2004). "The Concept of Disgust." In Visceral Values: Aurel Kolnai on Disgust. Open Court.

  • Fenichel, O. (1994). "Fear and Desire in Relation to Food." The Psychology of Food. Routledge.

  • Coward, R. (1984). Female Desire. New York: Harper Collins.