By Katelyn Chan How did SPAM, the gelatinous “mystery meat” reviled by millions of Americans, become a culinary and cultural staple across Asia? To answer this question, we will have to travel back in time to July 5, 1937, to the small town of Austin, Minnesota. Here, Jay Hormel has just released the newest product of the Hormel Foods Corporation, a can of processed pork, salt, water, potato starch, sugar, and sodium nitrate, also known as SPAM. Shelf-stable, affordable, and pre-cooked, this canned meat was highly popular among American housewives, especially since many families were still struggling through the economic hardships brought on by the Great Depression. However, it wasn’t until WWII that SPAM began to take off, jumping from a household name to an international phenomenon. When the US entered WWII, the military had to find suitable rations to send abroad with their troops. Coincidentally, the very traits that made SPAM so appealing to American housewives were the very same traits that made SPAM the perfect military ration. Since the canned meat was shelf-stable and pre-cooked, it could easily be shipped to soldiers overseas, and soldiers did not have to worry about preparing it during times of conflict. As such, SPAM made its debut on the international playing field – where the American military went, SPAM followed. This continued even after WWII, as American soldiers were involved in numerous overseas conflicts and rebuilding efforts. As a result, the influence of American military presence was especially impactful in Asia, due to conflicts such as the Korean War and Vietnam War, as well as the occupation and reconstruction of Japan. US Military bases were scattered all around Asia, spreading American culture and food. The Diaspora of SPAM
Idealization vs. Necessity Returning to our initial question: How did SPAM, the gelatinous “mystery meat” reviled by millions of Americans, become a culinary and cultural staple across Asia? Or, in other words – why did these countries take to SPAM so positively, as opposed to the US where it has become highly stigmatized? Well, there are two main reasons: Idealization and Necessity
Where Does This Leave Us Now? For millions, SPAM is more than just a can of meat or a source of sustenance. It serves as a poignant reminder of difficult times — war, displacement, scarcity, uncertainty, and persecution. However, it also embodies their perseverance, resilience, resourcefulness, and sense of community. Furthermore, SPAM symbolizes identity; like many immigrants, it has been embraced and integrated into cultures and communities worldwide. Going forward, we can expect to see the continued importance of SPAM in Asian countries. Over the years, this can of meat has become a mainstay of Asian cuisine, which is not going to change any time soon. Conversely, in Western nations such as the United States, we are witnessing a resurgence of interest in SPAM beyond the confines of home kitchens. With an increasing number of Asian-Americans entering the culinary industry, they are not only sharing their cultural heritage but also helping to elevate SPAM to new heights, bridging cultural divides and connecting mainstream America with their roots. a
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Authors
The Taida Student Journal has been active since 1995 with an ever-changing roster of student journalists at NTU. Click the above link to read about the authors Archives
May 2024
|