What current cultural product could become a myth in due
time? (Post #10)
Many myths explain a 'naturalness' of
some object that is undoubtedly determined by history. Many current cultural
products could become myths in due time. However, one that in particular stands
out to me is smores. To most, smores seems like nothing more than delicious
snacks consisting of a combination of graham crackers, melted chocolate and
melted marshmallows. While this simple interpretation of smores seems
reasonable, smores’ state of being I believe have so much more to them.
One must question, why exactly do smores
consist of graham crackers, melted chocolate and melted marshmallows
specifically? The reasons vary. Many explain that smores consist of these
specific ingredients due to reasons relating to being around a campfire,
camping in general, being outside in the wilderness, simplicity and/or bonding
with others. The ingredients separately and/or together represent these various
themes. I believe also the ingredients’ textures and tastes (gooey, warm,
sweet, melty) perhaps could symbolize these themes and American culture in
general. The way the smores are created (usually assembled at home/ camping and
not at a restaurant and usually made with others) also could have symbolic
meanings.
The history we know of about smores’
whereabouts supports these potential explanations about why smores consist of
graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows. It is believed that smores were
first created by Girl Scouts in 1927. The creation of smores transformed for
Girl Scouts being around a campfire from being a blasé experience to being a
heartwarming, bonding experience with others. Other Americans slowly learned
about and made smores throughout the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. To
this day, making and eating smores is associated with spending time with
others, fun, comfort, relaxation and more.
I think this idea is extremely creative! It just goes to show how pretty much anything in modern day society can become a myth in due time. You make great connections between eating smores and being with friends and family and the overall bonding experience.
ReplyDeleteI was amazed at your choice of mythology. I agree with Stephanie, as long as it has a prominent and lasting impression on some part of a culture, it can become a myth.
ReplyDeleteI found this post really interesting! Never would I have thought that s'mores could be a myth in due time but you made good arguments. I especially liked your point about it symbolizing American culture. It's such a staple of camping/being outdoors that it can easily be traced back to it's environment in the future.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! The thought of using something such as food as a myth never crossed my mind but smores really fit the bill perfectly. The connections you draw between its history and the way smores can represent some values present in American culture make a great argument as to why smores could become a myth in due time. I even think the argument could be made that they already are somewhat "mythological" - I've never gone on a camping trip without the ingredients necessary for smores!
ReplyDeleteVery unique post. I like how you connected a food item to the tradition of the country and its pastimes.
ReplyDeleteOut of all the posts I've seen for this topic, this is by far the most creative. The thought of food as a cultural myth never crossed my mind but you make a really good argument for it. Smores have a deeper meaning as it is usually associated with social outings and lives on through generations. I love that you showed a historical perspective to it.
ReplyDelete