World Customs - Exam 4

What is "Jati"?

An all-encompassing term that refers to the organization of all aspects of Hindu life. It includes actions, places, things, symbols and people. It impacts who can eat with who because everyone has a specific role in society.

What is the caste system within Asian Indian society including: What are the four main castes associated with professions in India today?

The caste system is a traditional Hindu method of ordering an individuals role in society (hereditary) so there is no way to move yourself from caste to caste.

Four main castes:

1. Brahmins (priests)

2. Kshatriyas (soldiers)

3. Vaisyas (merchants or farmers)

4. Sudras (serfs)

Who are the "untouchables"?

Exist outside of the caste system and is considered the impure. They are extremely poor and at the lowest social stratum. India has some of the most poverty in all of the world. There are laws discriminating against the untouchables outlawed in 1949 but it still practiced socially.

Does the caste system still exist in India today?

Yes. People often identity proudly to their history. Most that continue to identify with their caste comes from higher echelons.

How well do Asian Indians typically acculturate into American society?

Many have found career success but maintain Indian culture at home. Many consider themselves "Bi-cultural" which means they are Indians at home but Americans at work. Family is their way to preserve Indians values.

Why do most Asian Indian Americans consider themselves to be "bi-cultural"?

They are Indians at home but Americans at work.

What is the traditional health care system in India? What is the purpose of Ayurvedic Medicine? What does Ayurvedic Medicine focus on? How is a person evaluated? How is a person treated?

Traditional health care system- Ayurvedic medicine. It is considered the most important medical system.

It stands for the science of longevity.

Purpose: to ensure a long and active life so that the wisdom of the elders can be passed to future generations.

There is government-supported training...

- Focuses on: all the aspects of a person: tastes, work, character, life history

- evaluates- pulse, face, eyes and nails

- Person treated - with diet, herbs and meditation to establish harmony with the universe (diet is the most important)

What are considered the predominant grain staples in Asian Indian cuisine? What is Dal? What is Ghee?

Predominate grain- Rice (most common), wheat and legumes

Dal- dried beans, peas ans lentils

Ghee- either clarified butter OR shortening. Used for deep fat frying.

What is a masala?

Mixtures of spices and herbs either fresh and "wet" or dried and powdered

What is a curry?

Blend of a number of seasonings including coriander, cumin, cloves, cinnamon, black and cayenne pepper, etc.

Be aware of the differences in the cuisine between northern and southern India.

Northern- Tea, dry, aromatic masalas, garlic, foods here are available seasonally. Also wheat, large number of eggs, dried or pickled veggies.

Southern- steaming preferred method of food prep, coffee, wet masalas that are SPICY hot, fresh herbs and spices, rice, fresh pickles

Know the current state of vegetarianism in India? What is Ahimsa?

Many are vegetarians- most use milk and some avoid eggs. There is an enormous variety of fruits and vegetables that makes it easier to be a vegetarian. It evolved slowly from the ancient Indian diet that was all meat.

Ahimsa means reverence for all life. Buddhists reinforced this concept and influenced vegetarism.

Food in Northern India is influenced by what religion? What is Roti? What is tandoori cooking?

Influenced by Muslim religion.

Roti- bread (eaten daily)

Tandoori cooking- cooking style often identified with lamb, chicken, naan (bread)

What are the staple grains of Southern India? What are Dals? Pappadams?

Staple grains- cuisine features many steamed and fried rice dishes. "rosematta" is a popular coarse, red rice.

Dals- accompany nearly all meals. They featuring chickpeas and lentils

Pappadams- thin, crispy fried roti from dal

Typical Indian cuisine involves how many meals /day? Is snacking prevalent? What are tiffins? Snacks in Indian culture do not contain what 2 items?

Two FULL meals with lots of snacking.

Tiffins- snacks

Snacks in India do not contain rice or roti (that would make it a meal)

How does feasting in Asian Indian culture serve as community food distribution?

Feasts serve as a method of community food distribution.

- Often large amounts of food are offered to a hold figure =.

- After the offering, all members of the community eat the foods.

- May be only time the poor get to eat.

How have frequent famines and chronic malnutrition impacted Asian Indian view of food?

Frequent famines and chronic malnutrition have caused food to be treasured in India. There are complex traditions surrounding when, how and why foods are prepared, eaten and served.

How does purity and pollution impact the foods eaten by Asian Indians? What is Jati? What is Pakka? What is Kaccha? What foods are considered pure (be able to provide at least 3 examples)? What is Jhuta? What foods are considered impure (be able to provide at least 3 examples)?

Many Hindu dietary customs meant to lead to purity of the mind/spirit.

- Polluted foods are avoided. To be pure is to be free of pollution.

Jati- Hindu classification system of spiritual purity of all foods. It is determined by the ingredients, how and who prepared them and how they are served.

Pakka- (cooked) are those foods fried or fat-baste , preferably in ghee. Highly pure and not restricted. Served anywhere.

Kaccha- (uncooked) are boiled in water, baked or roasted and more susceptible to pollution. Must be treated carefully, eaten at home. Rice and dal.

Pure foods-

1. Milk from cows

2. Cows

3. Raw foods protected by husk or peel such as bananas or corn.

Jhuta- foods that are naturally polluted or impure.

Impure foods-

1. Alcohol

2. Meat

3. Garbage

How does Asian Indian etiquette dictate food consumption and caste relations?

1. You only consume foods that are cooked and served by an equal or superior caste member who is a Hindu.

2. You only eat with members who are in your class.

3. Untouched leftovers can be given to a lower class.

4. Polluted leftovers only eaten by scavengers of the lowest caste.

Be aware of Asian Indian dining rules including- use of hands, filling one's glass, how to express thanks.

Use of hands- Right Hand is used only for dining. Food served to other should not be touched with the hand.

Filling ones glass- You do not fill your own glass, you fill your neighbors.

How to express thanks- Do not give verbal thanks for a meal but instead hold palm to palm and say "namaste"

How is digestion viewed according to the seasons? I.e. In what seasons is digestion the strongest? Weakest?

Winter- digestion is the strongest. Roasted, sour and salty or sweet foods are preferred.

Summer and during monsoons- digestion is the weakest. You should avoid salty, sour and fatty foods.

What are some changes in nutrition intake that occur after immigration?

1. Vegetarians often become meat eaters. They consume eggs first, then chicken and finally beef.

2. They do not meet recommendations for fruit, dairy or meat/poultry/fish.

3. Higher intake of fat.

4. Lower fiber intake

5. BMI increases

6. Increased amounts of visceral fat and centralized obesity

7. Higher risk for type two diabetes and CVD

Be aware of successful counseling tips when dealing with people of Asian Indian descent.

1. NEVER use the left hand for any social purpose

2. Don't touch another person's head

3. Feet and soles of feet are never shown

4. Family members may accompany a patient & assume care of person in the hospital

5. Men may expect to receive care over women

6. Be polite, respectful and engage in direct communication

7. Loudness is discouraged

8. Silence is valued

9. Small talk is good

10. Don't rush

11. Direct "no" is rude

12. Feelings and faith may be more important than direct facts

Where do people of African descent typically reside?

- Today, about half live in the south (~56%)

- Many reside in African American or Hispanic neighborhoods

-Often reside in urban areas

Is religion important to the African American population? What faiths do recent immigrants usually follow?

- Religion is essential

- Seen as a sanctuary from trials of daily life

- Place to meet with fellow African Americans to share fellowship and hope

Faith: Muslim, protestant Christian, Eastern Orthodox and traditional tribal religious or combined faiths

African American traditional health beliefs are reflective of what 3 components? Health is thought to be maintained through______________. Illness and disharmony are thought to be caused by ______________.

3 components- African, Native American and white concepts

Health is maintained through harmony.

Illness and disharmony are thought to be caused by someone (dead or alive), the gods, or nature is intentionally manipulative

How do African Americans define health? What are some sample causes of illness?

Define health- extents to more than lack of illness to include: ability to support family, full social obligations, maintain emotional and spiritual well-being, may believe illness is punishment from God and that God acts through physicians to heal

Prayer often viewed as the most important remedy.

Causes of illness-

1. "Worriation" results in disease

2. Stress causes poor health (cause of hypertension)

3. Rural south may believe illness is due to evil spirits or witchcraft

What is a gris-gris bag?

Worn around the neck and filled with powders, animal bones/teeth, stones, herbs. They are a way to cure supernatural illness.

American Southern cuisine is a fusion of what cultures? What are some characteristics of American Southern cuisine?

American southern cuisine- Cooks fused their traditional West African cooking

methods with British, French, Spanish and Native American influences

Characteristics- Fried, boiled and roasted, use of pork and pork fat, corn, sweet potatoes and local green leafy vegetables

What are "The Ingredients" in West African cuisine? What is the role of legumes in West African cuisine?

"The ingredients" Ingredients that were added to all dishes & simply referred to as "the ingredients" They are: tomatoes, hot Chile peppers and onions.

Legumes- Very popular! Examples include peanuts and cow peas. They are often eaten as a meat and/or combined with a starch, buts and seeds to flavor and thicken sauces

What is Wat?

Wat means stew. It is a national dish, it is a stew with legumes, meat, poultry or fish, it is typically thick and spicy.

What foods form the foundation of East African cuisine? What is "Ugali"?

Cassava, Corn, millet, Sorghum, plantains, Peanuts. Fish and seafood are common on the coast.

Ugali- a doughy cornmeal porridge. It is Kenya's national dish.

What foods were considered common foods in a slave's diet? Occasional foods? Sometimes foods?

Foods depended on foods slave owners provided. It is contingent on local availability and surplus.

Common foods- salt pork and corn

Occasional foods- rice, molasses and salted fish

Sometimes foods- greens, legumes, sweet potatoes and milk

What were some sample food items that were common amongst slaves working in the fields?

Foods for field workers had to be portable. Ex. One dish stews

Fried cakes

- Hush puppies

- Hoecakes

- Meals at home usually simple

What are sample protein sources of African American cuisine? How does African American cuisine utilize greens? What is pot likker?

Sample protein sources- Pork variety of all types used, small game, local fish and shellfish, frog legs, turtles, proteins often in stews and eaten with rice.

Greens- Some examples of greens are chard, kale and collard greens. They are forced to experiment with indigenous vegetation due to shortages of food. They are traditionally flavors with salt pork, fatback, bacon, ham, etc.

Pot likker- is the liquid that is left behind after boiling greens or beans

What 2 food items must a traditional southern breakfast always include?

1. Boiled grits

2. Homemade biscuits

What are the characteristics of traditional Southern soul food?

1. Fresh meats and vegetables made from scratch

2. Thoroughly cooked

3. Well-spiced

4. Symbol of ethnic solidarity

What are considered special occasions in African American culture?

1. Sunday dinner- large family meal, it is the main meal of the week that is shared with friends, relatives and neighbors

2. New Year's symbolic foods- they have black eyed peas for good luck, fish for motivation and greens for money.

3. Juneteenth- celebrate the emancipation of slaves.

What is Kwanzaa?

When? December 26 - New Year's

What? Celebrates unity of all people of African heritage

What do they do? New candle lit each day to symbolize one of the seven principals

- Ends with feast of African, Caribbean and US southern foods

What is "high blood"? "Low blood"? "Thin blood"? "Bad blood"? "Unclean blood"?

"high blood"- It is "caused" by excess blood that migrates to one part of the body, typically he head. It is not high blood pressure or high blood sugar. It is from eating too much rice, sweet or red foods

"Low blood"- Associated with anemia, from eating too many astringent/acidic foods and not enough meats

"Thin blood"- Cannot nourish the body and a person feels chilly

"Bad blood"- hereditary, natural or supernatural conditions

"Unclean blood"- impurities collect over the winter months, thought to carry more heat and have a greater tendency to clot.

What is pica? What items are commonly consumed in pica? What is the most commonly consumed item in the south? What are possible causes of pica?

Pica- consumption of nonnutritive substances.

Common items- clay, chalk, laundry starch most common.

In the south? clay

Causes of pica? The cause is not known but may be from

1. Nutritional need for minerals?

2. Hunger or nausea?

3. Desire for special treatment?

4. Cultural tradition?

5. Limited cultural support?

6. Obsessive compulsive disorder?

What are some contributing factors that lead to the fact that African Americans typically have poorer intakes when compared to the total US population?

1. Low dairy product intake due to lactose intolerance

2. Low fruit and vegetable intake

3. Low intake of whole grains and fiber

4. High intake of sodium

5. High intake of fat, meat products & fast foods

6. High intake of cholesterol

What chronic illnesses are African Americans more susceptible to acquiring?

1. Overweight is a common problem

2. Type 2 diabeties because of genetic predisposition or lifestyle factors.

3. Hypertension- potent risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD)

4. Iron-deficiency anemia because of pica or hookworm

How do African Americans view overweight/obesity? How might this pose a challenge to nutrition counseling and client motivation?

They have a difference in body-size ideal

- Preference for a larger body shape by members of the opposite gender

- More permissive attitude regarding obesity

- Less preoccupied with dieting

It may pose a chanalage because they might not feel the need to change. They have a strong source of preference, expense and ethnic identity.

Be aware of successful counseling strategies amongst the African American population.

1. Conversational style fully engaged and very expressive

2. Be direct but respectful

3. Maintain eye contact but not prolonged

4. Attentive listening most important

5. Firm handshake and smile for greeting

-Hugging and kissing might be included

6. Touching is common

-Reluctance to touch may be interpreted as personal rejection

Are unemployment rates high or low for people of Balkan descent? What is the significance of Slovenians in Ohio?

Unemployment rates are low. Self employment is high and family living below poverty is below average.

Slovenians in Ohio- 40% of Slovenian immigrants live in Ohio and Cleveland has the largest population in the US

What religion do most Greek Americans follow?

Religion is a CRUCIAL component with strong devotion.

Greek Americans follow the Greek Eastern Orthodox Church. They are very conservative and resistant to change. They have many religious services and church sponsored events.

Is family important to the Greek American community? What is Philomoto?

Yes, they have a strong obligation o family and community.

Philomoto- "Love of Honor"

Who traditionally provides most of the care at home for people of Balkan descent? What is cupping?

Traditionally, most care is provided by Mothers to Grandmothers at home.

Cupping- (Application of a heated cup) including blood-letting used to treat colds and chest ailments

What is the primary staple grain in the Balkan nations? What is phyllo?

Wheat- is it consumed at every meal as bread. Wheat doughs are used to make pies and turnovers.

Phyllo- paper thin pastry sheets. It makes savory pies or desserts.

Are legumes prevalent in Balkan cooking? What is falafel? What is moussaka?

Yes, they use many legumes.

- They use ground chickpeas for hummus.

- They use lentils in soups

Falafel- Fava beans in pita bread with raw vegetables.

Vegetables are often stuffed with meat or rice.

Moussaka- Speciality made with minced lamb, eggplant, onions, tomato sauce.

What is the role of the olive in Balkan and Middle Eastern cuisine?

Extremely important in both Greek and Middle Eastern dishes

They have a strong flavor, they accompany meals or served as an appetizer, they are a source of olive oil, they are used to deep fry fish

What is the most widely used meat in Balkan cuisine? What is soulvaki?

Lamb is the most widely used meat. Pork is also popular. Although almost all meat and seafood are consumed.

Soulvaki- is thin slices of lamb layered onto a rotisserie, grilled, carved and served.

What is the daily meal pattern for people living in the Balkan nations

They eat 3 meals a day.

- Light breakfast

- Main meal at midday (followed by a short nap)

- Have afternoon visitors

- Dinner is lighter and served later in the evening

What is a mezze?

Snacking is prevalent.

Mezze- (appetizer) = small dishes of various items widely availble from street vendors and cafes

How does food play a role in the Eastern Orthodox Church at Easter?

Food plays a crucial role in celebrations.

Easter- most important Greek holiday

- After Holy Saturday Mass (midnight) first post-lenten meal may include:

1. Red-dyed Easter eggs

2. Easter bread called "lambropsomo" decorated with eggs

3. Easter soup called "mayeritsa" made of lamb's intestines

4. Easter cookie called "koulourakia"

5. Roast lamb

What are the 4 components of the Mediterranean Diet thought to be protective of health? The traditional Mediterranean diet is thought to be protective against what 2 chronic illnesses?

1. LOW in saturated fats

2. HIGH in monounsaturated fats

3. HIGH in omega-3 fatty acids

4. Red Wine

The traditional Mediterranean diet is found to have LOWER risks of CVD and cancer.

Are the Balkan nations usually a high or low context culture? With regards to counseling people of Balkan descent- Is written or verbal information better? What is the role of the family? Do they value biomedicine? Do they value their personal privacy?

- High context culture.

- They are more responsive to verbal information than written.

- Family members are involved in counseling sessions and involved in the decision making process. You should ask them questions about their family.

- They value biomedicine

- Their privacy is strongly protected. They may choose not to discuss some medical concerns unless they have a trusting relationship wth you.

What religions are the most practiced amongst immigrants from the Middle East?

- Most of them are Muslim.

- Early immigrants were Eastern Orthodox Christians and Christian arts are still the majority.

- Recent immigrants follow Islam

- Sunni muslims- many religious adaptations made to accommodate American life.

What are the traditional family responsibilities as dictated in the Qur'an?

According to Qur'an:

Men and women are equal but with different roles and responsibilities

Children = valued

Men = obligated to provide economic security for children

Women = socialize children and preserve religious/cultural values

- provide love and comfort in the home

What are considered the three main (key) factors in maintaining health amongst people of Middle Eastern descent?

1. Cleanliness

2. Diet

3. Keeping warm and dry

Be aware of the traditional health beliefs and practices of people of Iranian descent. What is Narahati?

1. They identify hot and cold body humors only

2. Sickness can be caused by consumption of too many hot food items or too many colds items

3. Believe people are born with a physiological temperament

for example... women are colder than men

4. They also believe amount of blood is associated with many ailments

Narahati- term used for feelings of physical and emotional discomfort. Usually private and nonverbal. Expressions of anger are considered a public display of naharati

Be aware of a sampling of Middle Eastern folk remedies specifically: ko'hl, cupping and wasm.

ko'hl: Dark powder from antimony applied to umbilical cord to dry it out.

Cupping: Used to cure chronic leg pain, paralysis, headaches, obesity

Wasm or cauterization

-Heated rod places symbolic burn marks on a patient

Example: Applied below the anus to treat diarrhea

What are some staple grains used in Middle Eastern cuisine? How widely are legumes used in Middle Eastern cuisine? What is Hummus? Falafel?

Staple grains- Wheat which is used to make pita and lavash

Rice which is used to make "pilaf" and "polo"

They use many types of legumes

- Hummus: ground chickpeas

- Falafel: Fava beans in pita bread with raw vegetables

- Lentils.

What protein foods are utilized by Middle Eastern countries?

Most meat and seafood consumed

- Pork avoided in Muslim countries

- Shellfish avoided among observant Jews

- Lamb is most widely used meat

- Whole roasted lamb/sheep prepared for special occasions

Spices are frequently used in Middle Eastern cuisine. Be aware of the specific spices of Mahleb and sesame seeds.

Mahleb- Spice made from ground pits of cherry-like fruit

Sesame seeds used frequently

-Crushed to make a thick paste called "Tahini"

Be aware of the general meal pattern in the Middle Eastern diet. (Knowledge of specific foods eaten is not needed.)

- Morning meal around 7 or 8 AM

- Followed by a light meal

- Lunch (main meal) eaten early afternoon

- Dinner in early evening is light

Be aware of general etiquette rules within the Middle Eastern culture specifically those rules surrounding: Washing of hands. Appropriate hand to use when passing/eating food. Touching of food by women. Licking your fingers. Leaving food on your plate.

Washing hands- Always wash before eating

Appropriate hand to use when passing/eating food- 3 fingers of the right hand used if forks and spoons are not offered

- NEVER use the left hand to eat or pass

Women and touching food- Women should never touch food that is to be eaten by a Muslim man who is not her immediate family member

Licking your fingers- Licking your fingers is expected

Leaving food on your plate- Leave a little food on the plate to indicate you are full

How is the amount of food consumed believed to relate to a person's health according to Middle Eastern culture?

Amount of food of special concern

- Ample meals prevent illness

- Poor appetite is viewed as a disease itself & sign that life is not right

- Food deprivation is believed to cause illness

What are the primary health concerns in Arab countries (chronic illnesses)? Are there similar health concerns for Arabs living in the United States?

Primary health concerns: Chronic illnesses

1. Coronary heart disease

2. Diabetes (Type 2)

3. Hypertension

4. Cancer

US Arab research shows similar health trends:

1. Obesity and Central Obesity

2. High Blood Pressure

3. Type 2 Diabetes

4. Metabolic Syndrome

5. Low HDL

Understand some successful counseling tips for people of Middle Eastern descent. Including rules surrounding: Eye contact, Personal space, Touching between same/opposite sex, Use of the left hand, Same gender health care providers,

Eye contact: Direct eye contact expected and necessary to interpret meaning. NO extended eye contact between opposite sex

Personal space: Personal space close with friends, further with strangers

Touching between same sex: Touching between SAME sex frequent

Touching between opposite sex: Touching between OPPOSITE sex prohibited

Use of left hand: Left hand not used for ANY social purpose including passing things

Same gender health care providers: Muslim client may feel most comfortable with providers of same gender