Cross-Cultural Trends

Cross-Cultural Trends

Shannon Rivera

ARTS/125

October 11, 2014

Victor Armenta

Throughout history other countries and their various trends and art forms have been implemented into American culture. Five trends and art forms that have been diffused into our American culture were, Chinese Sushi, African Sweetgrass Basket Weaving, Tattoos, and Soccer. These trends have become an intricate part of our lives. We see these forms of art embedded in our social, economical, and personal lives.

Sushi was first recognized in the second century A.D. in China. The Chinese found that by surrounding the fish with rice it allowed the fish to ferment. This allowed them to store the fish without it spoiling, providing them with food for the following week even months. The rice would be discarded, and used primarily for the preservation of the fish. In the early 17th Century the Japanese started using this same preservation process. “However, Matsumoto Yoshiichi of Edo (now Tokyo) starting seasoning the rice with rice wine vinegar while making his ‘sushi’ for sale. This allowed the dish to be eaten immediately, instead of waiting the months it might normally take to prepare the ‘sushi” (A Short History of Sushi, (2014). In the 19th Century Sushi became part of the American culture. Sushi quickly gained popularity. The Japanese transformed Sushi from being a form of preservation to a new commodity. Sushi has become a social event, a gathering place for friends to enjoy an elegant meal at a reasonable price. The art form of Sushi is one to admire.

African Sweetgrass basket weaving originated in West Africa. When the slaves were brought to America they continued the tradition of basket weaving. This is a tradition that was passed on from generation to generation. These beautifully crafted baskets were used to carry vegetables and other farming products. “Today, it is one of the oldest form of African origin in the United States” (Simply Baskets, (2013). Sweetgrass basket...