Food Appropriation

The research in this thesis examines cultural appropriation, one of the defining elements of contemporary discourse in an increasingly globalized world. Cultural appropriation constitutes the adoption by a dominant community of cultural habits, materials, or performances originated by a non-dominant group without the permission of that original community. Food appropriation is perhaps the most common form of cultural appropriation in the United States. To be specific, Americans appropriate Chinese food in their own cultural products. The literature review in this thesis will show that cultural appropriation is rampant in the modern world, as people select many elements of other cultures that they wish to adopt for themselves. Some use these attributes for business purposes, which is one cause of conflict between communities. The scholarship review herein also shows that stereotypes are common in cultural appropriation, as notions of superiority and inferiority emerge as it takes place. The chapter on process and methodology discusses the approaches taken to research, which took place mainly through secondary data collection. Existing research was considered and through a comparative case study, the fundamental components of the research were identified. In the evaluation and conclusion of this thesis, the causes of cuisine development are discussed in the context of the role of cultural appropriation as it affects communication. Even though stereotypes are common in appropriation, it nevertheless facilitates communication as peoples interact with one another.