Cultural works differ in shapes, colors, and tastes and represent anything meaningful to a nation. Many cultures are associated with a specific food that has become conventional long ago. Food is interesting to view from a cultural standpoint because it usually reflects historical events. Traditional American apple pie was chosen for this assignment as an object of culture. Hence, this paper aims to analyze why this dish is connected to the U.S.A., study a culture work from a different country, and evaluate the impact of diversity in humanity.
Before the first settlers arrived from the European continent, America knew nothing about apple trees. While the trees they planted grew, apples appeared, ways of storing and using them were found, many more years passed. The first pies were sturdy and almost inedible because they consisted of cheap sugar and butter – they date back to 1514 (Kelly, 2021). However, one publisher posted an article about World War I, and the citizens started associating the sugary dessert with freedom and prosperity (Kelly, 2021). After World War II, apple pies truly entered the American mind as a patriotic pastry (Kelly, 2021). The state soldiers would say they protected the country for “mom and apple pie” (Kelly, 2021, p.20) Hence, the pastry was a symbol of patriotism and motherly love.
The most striking element of this cultural work is its historical background because if people had not mentioned it in difficult times, it would not have become popular. Additionally, the pie’s association with different celebrations is the other characteristic that stands out. Perhaps, the authors of the pie aimed to somehow unite people by alluding to the pastry. It became successful because of its rich flavor and easy recipe. Numerous marketers used the image of apple pie to create customer loyalty. As a result, it is one of the most known symbols of the United States.
Other cultures have their traditionally accepted culture works as well. For instance, one of the most recognized art pieces associated with Germany is the series of paintings dedicated to the Holocaust by Gerhard Richter, the eminent German painter (Connolly, 2021). As an artist who has chosen an entirely new creative path, Gerhard Richter was talked about after the first exhibition of his works in 1963 (Connolly, 2021). Even today, the diverse art of this master does not fit into the traditional framework. His works are pop art, conceptualism, minimalism, and pictorial abstraction. And he was engaged not only in painting but also in photo collage, installation, creation of monochrome panels and objects made of glass and mirrors.
The series of Holocaust paintings is the author’s reflection of the most troublesome times of German history. Richter aimed to show the real faces behind the ominous events. Despite that, he displayed corpses lying on the ground, naked prisoners, and other unpleasant objects; the artworks turned out poignant and touching (Connolly, 2021). Perhaps, the primary characteristic that stood out is the fact that Richter based his painting on real photographs that one of the prisoners smuggled. In addition, this cultural masterpiece indeed demonstrated the essential historical event connected to the country.
Studying the cultural works from different countries is indispensable since it allows for understanding residents’ mentality, traditions, habits, and history. Numerous prominent people have created artworks to raise an important issue, reflect on the nation’s values, or express a feeling towards a historical event. Thus, if it is boring to study the history of a country from history textbooks, one uses cultural work as a means of exploring the nation.
Looking through the lens of humanities affects the perception of cultural works in a way that it creates the understanding of the reasons behind their creation. It establishes respect for different cultures because it is observable that a single event could affect the entire nation, and one can see its reflection through the painting, for instance. Through exploration of cultural works via humanities, one learns to think creatively and innovatively (Bryant, n. d.). It also helps preserve the value and meaning of historical events and imagine what the future will be like. People can realize the reasons for an artworks’ creation while studying the information about the author or the preceding event. In general, looking from such a perspective is useful for understanding the world and taking multiple standpoints for considering various issues.
Once a person leans different culture work, they become better at establishing an intercultural connection. For example, if a Korean classmate starts eating a meal with chopsticks because it is typical for their culture, there should be no ground for mocking them. Every culture matters, and if an individual wants to preserve their traditions while living in a different community, others should respect them. It also develops critical thinking since one learns to evaluate the meaning of a specific cultural item to the nation.
In sum, cultural works help a nation express its values, traditions, and history. When getting acquainted with a different country’s artworks, one must treat them with respect in order to expand their consciousness, improve communication, and explore the world around them. The obtained knowledge may be used in everyday settings, primarily, when people live, study, or work with individuals from different parts of the world.
References
Bryant, M. (n. d.). Free your mind: How students challenge the narrative by challenging themselves TNTP. Web.
Connolly, K. (2021). Gerhard Richter gives Holocaust art to Berlin. The Guardian. Web.
Kelly, A. (2021). As American as apple pie: The cultural impact of war. Times Literary Supplement, 6172, 20.