Blog #3

Costa Ricans seem to be very open to the foods of different cultures. When asked about foods or eating practices that are considered weird in Costa Rica, my Tica parents had answers that were similar to ones I would expect from any U.S. American (I find I now have a hard time with the phrase "American"). My Tica mom had a hard time thinking of anything but once she did she said that she finds cultures that eat insects, snakes, dogs and cats to be very weird and unnatural. I think, especially after the last few weeks in Costa Rica, I would also have a tough time answering that question-it's not weird, it's just different, right? But I also think it´s a hard question because you cannot consciously think of something as weird unless you are exposed to it. What I mean is it's hard to think of something that you consider weird because part of the reason it is weird is because it is foreign and therefore, you aren't exposed to it on a regular bases.I think Costa Ricans are exposed to many types of foods just like the United States.
When observing Costa Rican eating habits and talking to my TIca parents about what food ¨says¨ about a person, I've come to the conclusion that it is both very similar and very different from the U.S. It is similar in the fact that there is a very wide range of body types. There are people who are very large (they eat a lot of fast food and do not exercise) and there are people who are very skinny (they always eat healthy and exercise every day) and then there is everything in between. The difference in Costa Rica is that the differences in body types is more universally accepted than in the U.S. When my Tica mom was describing the different body types (the descriptions above are hers) she had no judgment in her voice. It is simply based upon the universal fact that everyone is different. It is accepted that how you eat affects your body but there seems to be much less judgment about it either way.


In Costa Rica many of the advertisements focus on fresh, cheap produce. The ads emphasize the bright colors of the fruits and vegetables and the abundance of them. There is so much variety at every supermarket and fruit stand and it is always a selling point to have the produce in close proximity and very available. In the U.S. we do not focus on displaying fruits and vegetables as much as we focus on selling processed foods. It's very different but there is smart reasoning behind it: each country is playing to its strengths. In Costa Rica there is an abundance of cheap and fresh local produce. They are selling fresh-ness and the taste of good local food. In the United States there is an abundance of processed foods. They are selling the brand name and the product and status that comes along with it. While each country is playing to it's strengths and supporting the economy, it is obvious that the products are different and, as a result, so are the diets.