Taco Research Paper

1850 Words8 Pages
The evolution of the taco started in the United States because Mexican immigration led to a mixture of Mexican and American cultures and a diffusion of ideas creating a Mexican American identity. Over time, the taco was divided between Mexican American hard shell tacos, representative of the taco’s globalization, and maize tortillas that date to the Aztec civilization and are symbolic of authentic Mexican cuisine. Hence, with a new identity came a new culture with new food recipes like the hard shell taco that revolutionized the food industry and created Taco Bell. This led to the battle between globalization and national sovereignty as an indication of how the authenticity of Mexican food is at risk, creating stereotypes that segregated Mexicans…show more content…
From the beginning in Mexico, “the Aztecs absorbed the rich culinary heritages of the people they conquered…maize was an especially versatile food. Amerindians roasted it over fire, ate it on the cob, parched it, and pounded into flour to make bread or tortillas.” This alludes that maize was crucial to Aztec culture and other nomadic groups in Mexico because with it they created different foods like the tortilla. Maize is part of traditional Mexican food because it has existed ever since and embodies a rich history of Mexico’s indigenous culture. The birth of the taco started with the tortilla because “the tortilla is the essence of Mexico without it there is no tacos, burritos, enchiladas, no Mexico.” This shows how the making of tortillas was fundamental to the rise of typical Mexican dishes today, it is a necessary pillar in order to define the authenticity of Mexican food. Thus, maize tortillas are an ancient Mexican dish developed by indigenous people and later it will be subject to many transformations and have a comeback in the U.S. due to its peculiar nature that attracts…show more content…
commenced with its spread within Mexico and the plebeian stereotypes it had to overcome to gain popularity in the social classes of Mexico. After the Spanish conquest of Mexico, a caste system was created where the Spanish classified indigenous food as inferior to European food and that is how “Mexican food has long been denied social status, even within Mexico, in part because of ambivalent feelings about the indigenous heritage.” As a result of this, Mexican food struggled to find its identity and true status because people were unsure of their indigenous heritage putting at risk the unity of Mexican culture. In Mexico, racial difference was present in the Spanish conquest of the sixteenth century and in the North American invasion of 1847. In both periods, “foods provided enduring symbols of ethnic difference, and the native cuisine of chile peppers and hot tamales became associated with the lower classes, who were seen as dangerous and unsanitary, but alluring all the same.” This indicates how stereotypes were aimed at the lower class and how food divided social classes placing one class above the other as a sign of superiority. Even though, indigenous cuisine was despised it was also attractive because of its exotic nature that captivated the middle and higher social classes to taste it. After the “independence of the 1810’s and civil wars and economic unrest struck the silver districts, forcing many to migrate in search of work.
Show More
Related

  • Latin American Culture Research Paper

    1720 Words  | 7 Pages

    Immigration over the last several hundred years from a vast array of countries has helped shaped the cultural make up the United States. In an attempt to answer the questions, “How has Latin American Culture influenced the United States?” this research paper will take an in-depth look at Latin America’s profound effect on the entertainment industry, food and restaurant industry and sports within the United States over the last two or three decades. Immigration is an integral part of the United

    Read More

  • Food Lobbyist Research Paper

    966 Words  | 4 Pages

    This paper will research the life of a food lobbyist. According to The freedictionary.com, lobbying involves the advocacy of an interest that is affected, actually, or potentially, by the decisions of government leaders. Often, they are hired by companies to represent them. Lobbyists can be found at all levels of government, from the Prince George’s county council to the Maryland State Capital in Annapolis to the United States Capital and the White House. Political analyst James Thurber estimates

    Read More

  • Qdoba Mexican Grill Analysis

    1607 Words  | 7 Pages

    Qdoba Mexican Grill is personally my favorite place to get food and never seems to disappoint me when I’m hungry. Not only is it my favorite place to eat, but it is also a very well structured company. In this paper I will take a look at Qdoba’s history, their stock, what its like to own a franchise, who there main competitor is, and why I love to go there. Qdoba has done very well as a company and has many people who love their food. Qdoba Mexican Grill is a restaurant that costumers order by selecting

    Read More

  • Essay On The Ghetto Effect

    11537 Words  | 47 Pages

    The Ghetto Effect and the Urban Traumatic Stress Syndrome (UTSS) {WARNING CONTENTS MAY CAUSE EMOTIONAL DRAMA} This book is not based upon scientific research and study. Nor is it based upon someone who has spent his or her life in academia. I am just your average American Joe who has been blessed to see every aspect of American society first hand. This book is not intended to appease anyone. If it causes you to find hate in your heart or want to run out and change things. Then this is good

    Read More

More about Taco Research Paper

Open Document