Solving the Problem, Part 2
Who: For my second set of interviews I decided to target more adults that were likely to have kids that were a similar age to me. This was mainly to see if this opportunity would have been one they would've used with their kids if given the chance. The first two dads I approached at a recent tailgate sid that they could definitely see the value in exposing their kids to more earlier on and would have loved the chance to take their children to a food festival as just a new way to get out and do something. Next I called two of my moms friends and when asked they explained that they appreciated the creative idea but sometimes would find it hard to attend all the school events as their were always so many going on. They did say though that even with their busy schedules they would have made the effort to educate their kids through the food festival because it was something they lacked in teaching them themselves. Finally I asked my house mom she responded saying that while she was a big foodie she most definitely would have taken her kids to things like this. raising her kids she was a lot like my mom in the sense she cooked various ethnic dishes weekly and made her kids appreciate things outside the standard American diet, so she believes this is a great idea.
What: One takeaway I received form this set of interviews was that even with a detailed explanation of the current problem and opportunity available. Many did not see a void in the education of their kids that they needed to fill. They seamed uneasy to take on yet another responsibility when they felt that it was more of the school systems job to provide their kids with more cultural knowledge. Personally, I think that education extends outside of a schools reach and that there are different ways in which to learn, food being an exciting and different new way.
Why: The need is the same for everyone no matter how old their kids may be. There is no harm to educating the children of America about the people of the world. Not only will it open their minds up to new possibilities but it will allow them to become more well rounded individuals. These food festivals would strictly be an opportunity to educate not a money making scheme.
Inside
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Outside
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Who
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Parents looking to educated their kids on diverse cultures through food.
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People who are well traveled and have no kids.
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What
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School funded food festivals or programs introducing children to different cuisines.
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Various culturally diverse restaurants that families would have to seek out and pay lots to attend.
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Why
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Most American children are very picky eaters and are not exposed to other cultures.
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A way for the school to make money.
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Brooke,
ReplyDeleteMy mom is a teacher and experiences your last comment frequently. Parents feel that education does not extend beyond the classroom which is highly frightening for society. It becomes the standard, they there are limited places to learn. In reality, we should be testing the bounds of our expression and creativity at all times possible. Because you are hearing that many parents do not feel the same way, I am concerned for your idea, even though I see great value in it. What you need to think about is how do you convince people that this will benefit their children in the long run. Or, are there enough people that you can avoid the market that does not see a problem.
Hi Brooke,
ReplyDeleteI think you brought up a good point about how children are very picky eaters, as its something thats absolutely true. This could be the reason why some parents are hesitant to cook cultural dishes, as they fear their child will reject it. Although that may sound like a silly assumption, I'm almost positive this may be the case for some. Gainesville actually has a festival that celebrates Indian culture, I can't recall the name however the festival is very informative. Not only can you watch traditional Indian dances, festival attendees also have the opportunity to eat Indian food. Similar festivals for other cultures would be great! I can easily see something like this taking place in Gainesville.
Hi Brooke! This is a really great post. I think education is the most important thing. There are many parents looking to educate their kids on diverse cultures through food. I think introducing different cultures through food festivals is very creative and a nice way for kids to learn. It is strange that not everyone is on board with this.
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