From Cappuccino to Jambalaya: Food and American Identity

It has been said that one of the most enduring markers of ethnic identity is cuisine. Indeed, in even the smallest communities throughout the country, it is not uncommon to find Italian, Chinese, or Middle Eastern eateries. Using Donna Gabaccia’s history of the bagel as a launching point for our discussion, this conversation examines the ways in which food and the act of eating are important ways of defining who we are. From fast food to slow food and everything in between, we will consider how eating, cooking, and even shopping for food are rich social activities that have changed throughout American history and talk about how they shape our perceptions and understandings of ourselves and our identities in the world today.

Gregory Young is an adjunct professor of political science at Finger Lakes Community College and a PhD Student at the University at Buffalo/SUNY in the American Studies program. He holds Bachelors and Masters degrees in History and Political Science from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, as well as a certificate in Canadian Studies. Gregory’s interests include urban studies, transnational empire studies, social computing, intentional community-building, cooking, and gardening. Gregory currently lives in Rochester.

This conversation is free and open to the public but reservations are required by calling (716) 878-4534. Space is limited. A free tour of Edible Complex will take place after the discussion. Special thanks to our media sponsor, Yelp.