My family and I was victims of a major catastrophe has almost completely devastated the infrastructure of your country and relocated to another country not knowing where we would end up. Three things I would choose to take with me to remind me on my family culture I would have to say some ( blues) music records, african american books or art work, and I would have to say some soul food recipes.
I know the things I listed may sound small but these items would definitely remind me of my culture and maybe even help me keep my sanity in a new world. A way that I would explain to others if asked to explain my items is that blues and soul food were both originated in the south and I am definitely from the south and the african american art work/books to remind me where I have been and where I am going.
I think if I was told that I could only keep one item it would be a hard decision, but I would maybe have to say I would keep the soul food recipes. The reason I say this is because when it comes to the african american art work/ books if it's in you no one can take it away from you, the music wouldn't be a big issue because if you are an open minded individual you are welcoming to new cultures and music is a diverse source or art.
I have learned that I am who I am and each day I learn more and more about not just my culture but my hertiage. At first I use to do certain things because it was a fashion thing like having sisterlocs, wearing african colors, wearing the ankh and etc., but as I continue to do this things I reseach and reseach and find that the things I once thought wwas a fashion statement means so much more to me and I am glad that I am doing it. Example. Did you know that dreadlocks/sisterlocs wasn't originated in " Africa" like the Zulu tribe but was originated in Egypt and it is a sign or royalty and riches. ****Just food for thought**** Just odd how something as small as your hair can mean a lot to your culture that we take for granted or just for fashion.
I hadn't thought about food as a way to keep a connection to home and culture, but I totally agree with you. My husband and several of my friends are immigrants, and both eating and sharing their cultural foods means so much to them. Foods we grew up with simply bring back memories of childhood, family and culture. This was a great idea of something to bring.
ReplyDeleteRena,
ReplyDeleteFood is an important part of who we are and did not cross my mind when thinking about this assignment. My family is from Louisiana and food is a big part of who we are. I know that when we travel to other places one of the first things my mom packs is seasoning, because we can't find it when we travel. Also I love your food for thought. I find it fasinating when I find the meaning of somethings and I can't wait to share them with others.
Undrea Smith