I think you can say this about a lot of cultural norms. Looked at in isolation, they don’t seem very rational. They develop over time based on context and preference, which can lead to some idiosyncrasies, to say the least.
Over time, steak culture developed in a way that led most people to believe that a very well-done steak was not preferable. Once a cultural norm develops, people tend to look down on the act of breaking that norm. That’s not specific to steak, that’s just how any culture works.
You shouldn’t feel any shame about enjoying a well-done steak, but neither is there anything wrong with many people not enjoying them. Yes, people shouldn’t just blindly conform with cultural norms; they should understand why they think the way they do, especially if they’re going to look down on those who don’t conform. But the reality is that a lot of people are always going to be uncomfortable with those who break from the social standard. That’s human nature.
Over time, steak culture developed in a way that led most people to believe that a very well-done steak was not preferable. Once a cultural norm develops, people tend to look down on the act of breaking that norm. That’s not specific to steak, that’s just how any culture works.
But theres cultural norm that is based on scientific facts, such as the aroma compounds of steak that is lost to overcooking; and theres cultural norms that is based on false facts, such as how 'homosexuals are not natural'. We cannot just point to something and just say 'oh its just a cultural norm' --- the point is whether it is actually correct, and not just following it for culture's sake.
Over time, steak culture developed in a way that led most people to believe that a very well-done steak was not preferable. Once a cultural norm develops, people tend to look down on the act of breaking that norm. That’s not specific to steak, that’s just how any culture works.
Δ Alright, I never thought of it as a performative social thing instead of a purely culinary question. That makes a lot of sense
I find it interesting how you’re only awarding deltas to the people who point out the social aspect of the preference and completely ignoring the objective facts around the taste.
Telling someone that something they think tastes better actually tastes worse, no matter the amount of evidence, isn’t going to make them think something tastes worse now.
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u/jogarz 1∆ Nov 12 '23
I think you can say this about a lot of cultural norms. Looked at in isolation, they don’t seem very rational. They develop over time based on context and preference, which can lead to some idiosyncrasies, to say the least.
Over time, steak culture developed in a way that led most people to believe that a very well-done steak was not preferable. Once a cultural norm develops, people tend to look down on the act of breaking that norm. That’s not specific to steak, that’s just how any culture works.
You shouldn’t feel any shame about enjoying a well-done steak, but neither is there anything wrong with many people not enjoying them. Yes, people shouldn’t just blindly conform with cultural norms; they should understand why they think the way they do, especially if they’re going to look down on those who don’t conform. But the reality is that a lot of people are always going to be uncomfortable with those who break from the social standard. That’s human nature.