Final answer:
If you believe your culture's way of eating is the only "right and normal" way, this is known as ethnocentrism, which entails judging other cultures by the standards of one's own culture. Ethnocentrism can hinder the appreciation of the diverse world of cultural heritage and cuisines. Acknowledging ethnocentrism is important for fostering a better understanding and appreciation of different cultural practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you believe that your culture/group has the "right and normal" way of eating, and all other cultures that you read about eat "weird" food, your views can be described as ethnocentric. Ethnocentrism is the tendency to look at the world primarily from the perspective of one's own culture, often considering it superior to others. This concept was outlined by sociologist William Graham Sumner, who identified it as a belief that one's own culture is better than all others. It's important to acknowledge the rich diversity of cultural heritage around the world, especially in terms of cuisine, which might be drastically different from what we're accustomed to. The differences in food choices and preparation often play a significant role in the cultural identity of various ethnic groups. Understanding that tastes for certain foods are acquired from family and cultural environments can help in recognizing biases and appreciating other culinary traditions. Exploring different cuisines can also bring about temporary digestive upsets, as one's body might need to adjust to the new types of foods and cooking styles encountered when moving between regions or countries. Acknowledging this might pave the way for a more open and appreciative approach towards different culinary cultures.