GASD71

Food as an Identity

 

Food is also a huge part of identity. Taking a walk down any major street in Scarborough exemplifies the diversity of food and culture in Toronto. Going to a Chinese restaurant would make one feel as though they are getting a glimpse into Chinese culture. Cuisine is seen to be a direct reflection of culture.  The word Tamil alone immediately triggers images of Srilankan/South Indian cuisine into our minds. Tamil food is a significant part of Tamil culture. As individuals who identify themselves as Tamil Canadians finding a balance of cultures has become second nature to Rajeswary and Kamala. They continue to balance different cultural identities daily through the meals that they cook for their friends and families. In addition, females are seen to dominate the household kitchen in India and Srilanka and that has not changed much in Canada. Ones Identity as a female seems to incorporate the ability to cook and serve ones family and that is a trait that is still desired in women today. 

 

Rajeswary also demonstrates that culture can be additive. In order to adjust to culture in Canada she did not have to forget about her past and her upbringing from Sri Lanka. Her children are also examples of an additive culture. They  eat meals from both Western culture and Tamil culture and will continue to do so through out their lives. Tamil food is very much apart of a Tamil individuals life regardless of if they are Sri Lankan-Tamil, Indian-Tamil or even Tamil-Canadian.