Today, we explored how food connects to identity, culture, and belonging across the TED Talk, Fish Cheeks, and the Mississippi Delta film. How does food help individuals understand who they are, especially when they feel caught between cultures or judged by others? In your response, be sure to include at least one example from at least (TED Talk, Fish Cheeks, or the Mississippi Delta film) to support your thinking.

 Prompt Response: Food helps individuals understand who they are especially when being judged or unsure on where they are culturally by connecting them to their roots or heritage, providing comfort, and fostering community. It helps them reaffirm their beliefs in who they are culturally and what they want out of it. One example from Fish Cheeks is when Amy says "It wasn't until many year later – long after I had gotten over my crush on Robert – that I was able to fully appreciate her lesson and the true purpose behind our particular menu". 

Summary: Today in class we answered some discussion questions over the Ted Talk video and short story (Fish Cheeks) by Amy Tan. 

Reflection: Today I learned that people can have three cultural identities due to their experiences and where they've been. This impacted me by making me feel a sense of clarity looking at it because it helped me learn when I feel conflicted with who I am whether I'm truly American or Indian. In the future I will use this when discussing or analyzing cultural literature.