Kaniyah’s English Blog

  Prompt: If you could share one dish from your  culture or family traditions with someone who has never tried it, what would you choose? What would you want that person to understand about you or your culture through that dish? Response: I would share macaroni and cheese because it is a popular dish in African American culture. I would want the person to understand how food brings people together and represents love, comfort, and tradition. Reflection: I think food is important because it connects people to their culture and childhood memories. Sharing this dish would allow me to share a part of my background and show how food can bring families together. Summary: Macaroni and cheese represents comfort, love, and tradition in African American culture. It shows how food can connect people to their culture and bring people together.

  Prompt: Write about a time when you realized that your perception of a particular food was based on a stereotype. Explain what the food was, what you originally believed about it, and where that belief came from. Then describe how your perspective changed after experiencing or learning more about the food. Be sure to include specific details about the moment your thinking shifted and what you learned from that experience.  Response: I used to think sushi was nasty because it had raw fish. I believed this because of what I heard from other people. When I finally tried it, I realized it tasted better than I expected. Reflection: I learned not to judge food based on other people’s opinions. This experience taught me to keep an open mind and try new things. Summary: This experience taught me to try things before deciding whether I like them.

  Prompt: Today, we started our discussion about culture and food. What is one dish from your culture that is a must-have as a representation of your culture? Identify the dish and explain what it is and why it is significant.  Response: One dish that represents Jamaican culture is jerk chicken. It is chicken seasoned with spices and cooked for a smoky flavor. Reflection: Jerk chicken is important because it brings families together and represents Jamaican traditions. Summary: Overall, jerk chicken is more than food because it represents Jamaica’s culture and history.

Prompt: Different cultures have different customs surrounding food and eating. Describe a food-related custom you grew up with or have experienced. How does this custom reflect your family's values or cultural background?   Response: A food-related custom I grew up with is eating meals together with my family, especially during holidays and special occasions. We share food, talk about our day, and enjoy spending time with one another. Reflection: This custom reflects my family’s values because it shows the importance of love, unity, and togetherness. Sharing meals helps us stay connected and create special memories. It also teaches me to appreciate family and be thankful for the food we have. Summary: In conclusion, eating together is more than just having a meal. It is a way for my family to show love, spend time together, and keep our traditions alive.

Prompt: Writing about an offensive encounter can bring up different emotions, even when the story is imagined. What emotions did you experience while writing your story? What part of the writing affected you the most, and why?   Response: I felt sad and uncomfortable while writing my story because the encounter was unfair and hurtful. Summary: The story showed how an offensive encounter can affect someone emotionally. Reflection: The part that affected me most was when the character was treated unfairly because it showed how hurtful words and actions can be.

  Prompt: Write about a conversation that changed you. What was said, and why did that conversation have such a lasting impact on you?  Response One conversation that changed me was when my teacher told me, “You are capable of more than you think.” I was feeling unsure about myself, but those words encouraged me to keep trying. Summary My teacher reminded me that I should believe in myself and not give up when things are difficult. Reflection That conversation stayed with me because it helped me become more confident. Now, when I doubt myself, I remember those words and keep going.