Pass the Plate: An Exploratory Study of the Extent to Which Media Representation of Food has the Ability to Create an Ingroup Among First-Generation Americans
Open Access
Author:
Vitoc, Lidia
Area of Honors:
Journalism
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Maggie Messitt, Thesis Supervisor John R Affleck, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
food ethnic food culture first-generation american american studies media studies food studies
Abstract:
This study explores the nuanced interplay between media representation of food and its impact on the identity formation of first-generation Americans. By focusing on popular television shows featuring first generation American protagonists and their culinary traditions, this research aims to dissect how these media portrayals influence viewers, cultural practices, food preferences, and sense of belonging. After viewing clips from the shows “Ramy”, “Never Have I Ever”, “Jane the Virgin” and "Fresh off the Boat", study participants were interviewed to gather their sentiments and impressions of the portrayal to determine how they can relate to the characters in scenes centered around food practices or consumption in both ethnic and western settings. By incorporating media into the definition of foodways, this Study was able to reveal that the first-generation American experience is unique holistically and in regard to food; 1st generation Americans can be studied as a group when evaluating social agents such as food; And 1st generation Americans who saw food as the primary factor that connects them most to their culture felt very strongly about seeing representation of their culture and ethnic food on TV.
