Article, “The cultural construction of the American diet” Flashcards
According to Sahlins what marks the split between edible and inedible animals?
The social relationship it has in American culture (dogs being mans best friend is a no no to eat).
How is the American classification system a sustained metaphor on cannibalism?
Americans interpret animal bodies as if they are human bodies for instance not eating the animal innards (our inner core is symbolic of our true selves) and thus we do not consume it from animals.
What accounts for the high status of meat in western society?
The price on the meat, eating a highly priced meat means your upper class and superior, while a lesser meat makes you inferior
What does fiddles believes accounts for the decline of meat consumption in the west?
The eating of meat symbolizes toughness and masculinity, thus legitimizes the hierarchical structure devaluing women. Along with that also the fact that it is perceived as devaluing nature.
What is the Summary?
Sahlin goes into depth about the current state of America’s consumption society (norms, standards, e.c.t). He points out inconsistencies and things that are asinine and explains where such backwards thinking came from.
