Well, to be honest, I do take offense. Offense is probably too strong. Hopefully being honest makes up at least a little for being defensive.
Any time someone makes generalizations about “we” and “they”, I get defensive that way, even if there’s some truth to it.
Then I think about it like I do a journal. In this case I’m wondering how much any of us can know about “us” from the folks who post pictures. I’m guessing most of us don’t post pictures.
Of course, I DO post pictures, but not of “piled” food. I mostly share what I’m proud of, and what I’ve cooked. I used to post restaurant food in local threads, and I don’t think its usually piled, but I don’t even remember that anymore.
I never thought about the US doing more piles, potato, and wet things, but I am aware of opinions about portion size.
Anyway, assuming cultural differences are rooted in history, I wonder why these differences regarding separating types of foods, and smaller quantities on a plate happened.
We talk a lot about “food insecurity” here. Do people talk about that elsewhere? Seems like the link between poverty, food insecurity , and obesity may be cultural too.
Or maybe “we” just don’t like washing so many plates!
My husband and I comment on how we are different in this way. I usually take all that I think I might want in one go, on my smaller plate, and don’t feel wretched if I don’t clean my plate. He might go back 3 or four times, for smaller portions on a big plate, nothing touching, and finishing every bit. He seems to feel it leaves more for others (there’s usually just two of us), and there’s less waste.
Like @Lambchop, I encourage you to to share! I will too (although I may Photoshop my pictures). I still appreciate your posts, your insights , and your pictures !