fandomhigh | Canada Is Not That Strange And Other Biases | Wednesday

Fraser was standing in front of a table that was covered by a sheet when the students entered the room today. His arms were crossed and he looked thoughtful while everyone settled in.

"Good morning," he greeted, nodding at the class, "and welcome back. Today, we're going to be looking at biases in a simplistic sort of way. Everyone has biases, that's undeniable. It's how you deal with them that's important."

With that said, Fraser pulled the sheet off the table slowly to reveal several assorted plates of food. Some probably looked familiar, some did not. What Fraser didn't do was label the plates of food. It was going to be up to the students to choose what they want.

"Today, we're going to looking at biases with food. Now, it's simplistic and it's not always applicable but we even have biases with food. If you see something that looks inviting and smells good, you're more likely to try it than try something that looks bad and/or smells bad. You judge the food immediately without having tasted it. So, these dishes have no labels on them. It's going to be up to your eyes and your nose to decide if you want to try it. If you realize your biases are kicking in, that's fine, that happens. This is just a way to demonstrate that biases happen everywhere, even in something as mundane as food. So please, step up and look at the dishes. Take your pick on what you'd like to eat and see how you judge what you do eventually consume. Let's begin."

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Being a bit paranoid was part of being a ninja!

"Fall festivals?" she repeated, feeling a bit like an echo. "A-Ano, in Konoha, the festivals are normally held for a specific reason...?"

"Like what?" Karla asked, interested even beyond her plots and plans. "Could you tell me about some?"

Don't mind the notebook she was taking out, Hinata. Karla just wants it handy to jot down ideas and things.

“Our biggest upcoming festival is on October 10th,” Hinata said quietly. “Though that one is also a time for mourning even as we celebrate the fact that our home is safe.”

So many people had died in Kyuubi’s attack.

“We have harvest festivals,” she continued, shaking her head as if to clear it. “And ones devoted to celebrating family. I do-don’t—really know what you mean, Karla. Many places celebrate the same things.”

Karla glanced around to make sure there were no squirrels present, then leaned in to whisper, "Zack and I are throwing Ino a surprise birthday party tomorrow," she explained. "I was hoping to add some elements of a Konoha party or festival to make it a little...homier, I guess? You know, things that we could duplicate here, with a little time or effort. Foods, maybe. Or decorations. Things that, even if they aren't perfect, would remind her of home."

"In that case," she said, looking thoughtful even as her eyes widened slightly. Yes, that made sense now. "L-Lighting will be important if it's at night. Bonbori or Chochin lanterns to hang or rest on tables."

She drew a quick sketch (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_lighting_equipment_of_Japan) of what they might look like.

"Karakuri puppet shows are common as well," Hinata continued thoughtfully. "They're mechanical puppets, controlled by strings and push rods. Parades and dancing are common as well, though a parade would be far too much for a birthday party... Food..."

Well, she'd pause to give Karla time to scribble things down and ask questions before going into food.

"Oh, good," Karla said, nodded and examining the sketch. "We ordered paper lanterns that look quite similar. We're hooking up a sound system to play some of the music she likes, and we were planning to have dancing as well. Oh, and masks! Plenty of masks for people. As for the puppets..."

She tried to think of where she could find marionettes at that last moment and sighed. That might be too much to ask for.

"Now what were you saying about food?"

"Takoyaki is popular," she said, smiling slightly. "As are yakisoba and okonomiyaki. For desserts specifically, chocolate covered bananas and dango are always present."

Because that was so helpful Hinata.

Karla tried to sound out most of the words Hinata said, but, really, only got the chocolate covered bananas. After making a note to ask Warren about more of those crepes, she looked up at Hinata and asked, "Can I just...go somewhere and ask for these?" Dubious Karla was dubious. "Or should I get more details?"

"A good Japanese restaurant or store will be able to get them for you," she said, nodding. "If asked for what type, I would suggest simply getting an assortment."

A pause.

"And nothing with natto."

And because Karla just didn't know any better, she innocently asked, "What's natto?"

Besides the one thing she was able to spell correctly...

Hinata made a face.

"Fermented soybeans," she said, a bit distastefully. "They are a... very acquired taste."

Karla glanced over to the food Fraser had provided. "I think I've done enough food experimentation for one day," she decided hastily.

Canada Is Not That Strange And Other Biases | Wednesday | Period 2

Re: Class Activity | Food Biases [Canada 09/22]

Re: Class Activity | Food Biases [Canada 09/22]

Re: Class Activity | Food Biases [Canada 09/22]

Re: Class Activity | Food Biases [Canada 09/22]

Re: Class Activity | Food Biases [Canada 09/22]

Re: Class Activity | Food Biases [Canada 09/22]

Re: Class Activity | Food Biases [Canada 09/22]

Re: Class Activity | Food Biases [Canada 09/22]

Re: Class Activity | Food Biases [Canada 09/22]

Re: Class Activity | Food Biases [Canada 09/22]

Re: Class Activity | Food Biases [Canada 09/22]

Re: Class Activity | Food Biases [Canada 09/22]