Food within the Pharlap world, be it of that for the four legged or the two is a hot topic that is always being discussed and debated.
These discussions I have noted have three sides. 1, vegetarians/vegans. 2, organic/home grown produce and 3, the murderers (super market feed families). Or, when it comes to the feeding of our equine friends quantity versus quality and science versus old proven methods. Photos are forever being shared between the groups members to help share knowledge or in some cases to prove a point.
Food within the Pharlap community is most definitely used as a means of expressing ones identity and beliefs. As mentioned above the groups members are often consumed within arguments and discussions that involve the concept of food and what it means to belong to one of the 3 sides of this topic. 'One factor in the origin and persistence of foodways is that they often represent an important expression of our identity, both as individuals and
in reference to a broader ethnic, class or religious grouping' (Atkins and Bowler,2001). To belong to either one of the sides, and to have an opinion on these topics can have a major impact on how the Pharlap community perceives you as a person.
During this weeks lecture Dr Victoria Kuttainen stated that 'there is a certain element of pecking orders that play out in online sociality'(2013), and this I have noticed is an ever changing structure of hierarchy within the Pharlap community. However, as mentioned it is frequently changing. I feel as if this is mostly due to the forever changing opinions on what is deemed socially right and acceptable.. Interesting that people allow their own opinions and views on topics (in this case food and feeding regimes) to be influenced by those around them that are fighting for dominance..
References
Atkins, P. &. (2001). The Origins of Taste. In P. &. Atkins, Food In Society: Economy, Culture, Geography (p. 290). New York: Arnold.
Kuttainen, V. (2013, September 11). BA1002 Week 7 Lecture: A Case Study on Rum. Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
Organic, (n.d) In Wikipedia. Retrieved September 13, 2013 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_food
Image Reference
Image 1: Horse eating hay (2012) Retrieved from: http://blog.smartpakequine.com/2012/12/hay-shortage-what-options-are-there/
Hi Chloe, Kate Williams here.
ReplyDeleteA great post you have provided here. :)
Food ways often represent an important expression of our identity. (Atkins & Bowler, 2001). In your case, I believe that you highlight while it is debated profusely on Phar Lap - is it regarding the users' identity; or their horses identities?
Bibliography
Atkins, P., & Bowler, I. (2001). The Origins of Taste. In P. Atkins, & I. Bowler, Food In Society: Economy, Culture, Geography (p. 290). New York: Arnold.