Food and Cuisine

The United States and Australia each have very different cultures that are completely unique to each respective country. The two countries are known for very different things, but they also share some striking similiarities from the standpoint of what has influenced each of their cultures.

  Australian culture has had many influences since its initial use as a penal colony by the British. The same can be said for America; its culture has been greatly influenced because of the fact that it was also a British colony for some time. The British brought food, animals, and their ideals to Australia when they used the colony for their criminals. One type of food that Britain had a great deal of influence over was their "fish and chips." This recipe was then brought to Australia and has since been a dish served in Australia. An obvious example of British influence is Australia's flag. The national flag of Australia resembles that of Great Britain. Another obvious example is that the English language is spoken in Australia. These examples of cultural influence are also present in America. Fish and chips, or french fries in America, is also an incredibly popular dish in America, which demonstrates the cultural influence that Great Britain has had on America's food. In addition, America also speaks English, which is due to the fact that England had a great deal of influence over America while the United States were under control of the British.

Modern Australia has also been greatly influenced by its historical roots. The Aborigines had a profound impact on modern Australia. The food, culture, and everyday ways of life have all been impacted by the ancient people of Australia. However, Australia is also different from America in that it was much more influenced by Britain than America was. Americans felt a separation from the British, whereas many Australians felt that their identity was more British than anything else. Australia was greatly influenced by the Aborigines and to a great degree by the British.

America had a much wider range of influences on its cultural identity than Australia had. Certain aspects of American culture, such as types of food and sports, came to be because of influences by the Native Americans. But America, being the "melting pot" of the world, gained its cultural identity from the peoples of Europe, Asia, and Africa. America's culture is so incredibly diverse, that no single influence can be called "the" cultural influence of America. Its diverse food, leisure, music, and every aspect of its culture has been differently affected by each country's population that has residents in America. The food of America is from so many various countries, (some of its most popular foods come from Italy, Mexico, and China), that it clearly has its cultural roots in the world as a whole.

On the trip to Australia and New Zealand, I am incredibly excited to try as many new types of food and different activities that I possibly can. I hope to try unique foods that originate in Australia and can only be found in those countries. I hope to be given the opportunity to sample types of cuisine that are impossible to eat in America. I am open to trying new things and hope to break away from traditional American food while I am in Australia. I hope to be able to indulge in the different types of cuisine that Australia has to offer.