For example, an Asian American child may be highly offended if the head, the sacred part of her body, is patted, whereas most other American children would consider that a sign of affection. According to many cultures, the bottom of the foot may be seen as more unclean than the anus or the mouth. Sexual exploration can be discussed in the context of who touches whom and under what conditions. Eating for health . Every culture speaks to the shared value of the relationship of food and health.
Food is frequently the first treatment for illness and highly valued in preventing illness.
Students learn to value knowledge from other cultures by exploring how their own and other cultures use food to promote health. For example, an Asian student might bring examples of hot and cold foods to the class and explain the theoretical premise behind hot-cold food balance as therapy. The use of food for different situations can be explored across cultures for example, foods to heal, foods to comfort during illness, foods to prevent illness, foods to protect babies, foods for pregnant mothers, and foods for the elderly who are sick. The cultural variation becomes a fascinating experience for the learners and a source of identity and pride for those sharing. Cultural groups often vary in their definitions of an acceptable and desirable body size.