What foods are associated with white people? The answer may surprise you, as the answer is not as obvious as it may sound. In a world that is increasingly diverse, the stereotype of a white American eating a white-only diet is still a persistent part of our culture. However, the stereotype itself is not entirely based on facts. In fact, it is a product of our society’s values and lifestyle, and it merely draws a crude conclusion about the characteristics of the white race.
The stereotype of bland food is often blamed on suburban culture. While suburban culture emerged after the end of World War II, it largely originated due to socioeconomic forces, which resulted in a large proportion of the population living in a suburb. While it’s true that suburban food became synonymous with whiteness, it is not true that white people are all bland and tasteless. In fact, white Americans eat a variety of foods that are not necessarily associated with white people.
While home cooks of the past often season greens with cured meats and slow cook less desirable cuts, modern-day soul food is a fast food staple. Racism not only feeds social injustices, but also poor health and education. In turn, this negatively impacts nutrition and the ability of Black people to get the nutrients they need. Fortunately, this stereotype is not permanent. The same applies to food preferences.
