Searching for the “real American food”

By Lorna Chacón, Costa Rica (SUSI scholar 2014)

What’s the "real American food"? I asked this question as soon as I arrived to Athens, Ohio, for a six week program on journalism and media, at the Study of the U.S. Institute (SUSI). The SUSI was funded through a grant given by the Study of the U.S. Branch, which belongs to the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State.

“Hamburguers”, somebody told me. “Fries”, another person said. “Pizza”, assured one young man. “Hot Dogs”, one kid said to me. However, I was sure that the “real American food” was much more than we, as foreigners, usually watch on TV or movies, where it usually is fast food.

So, I started to look for the “real American food” here in Athens, since I'm a person who lives in Ohio University’s bedrooms, and doesn't have a kitchen to cook every day.

During my first week, I realized that Athens, and also Ohio, are like the “United Nations of Food”. Here you can find different plates from many different countries.

I started in “Casa Nueva, Restaurant and Cantina” a Mexican-tex and Mex-vegetarian place. Then, I went to “Habibis” to enjoy Lebanese food, and later I was in “Salaam”, where I found Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Moroccan flavors.

In “Chipotle”, I tried Mexican food, while in “ChinaKing” I ordered a big buffet with different Chinese plates. On the other hand, I tried a mix  of American, Japanese and Italian flavors in “Fusion Noodle Company” and in “Ginger”.

I also found in Athens all the fast food brands like Subway, Wendy’s, Taco Bell, KFC, Pizza Hutt, and at the Court Street “Diner” (a traditional restaurant) I found  soups, salads, sandwiches and, of course, burgers.

After my second week in Athens I asked myself again the same question: What’s the “real American food”?

Our Ohio University’s professor, Mary Rogus, invited us to her house for the 4th of July celebrations, and we had a traditional barbecue with meat, chicken, salads and corn.

We also went to professor Bill Reader’s farm, and he cooked for us “Cajun Cuisine” from Louisiana. This style of cooking is named after the french-speaking "Cajun" immigrants.

Cajun food has rice, sausages, seafood, vegetables, and very spicey rice and beans, which by the way taste delicious.

Another day, I went to the “Athens Farmers' Market”, in State Street, and I saw a lot of Americans buying fresh organic vegetables and fruits to cook their food at home.

While in the market, I remembered that Americans use to eat turkey on Thanksgiving Day, and also different pies (like apple pie) for special occasions.

But again, what’s the “real American food”? I think there is no answer for my question because America is a country built by immigrants from many different places. In my opinion, the food is like a mirror of its complex demographic phenomenon, because it is impossible to find the “real American food”, and we can only find “fusion food” that mixes all the different cultures.

Nearly 41 million immigrants lived in the United States in 2012. That is 13 percent of the total U.S. population of 313.9 million according to the Migration Policy Institute.

“In 2012, Mexican-born immigrants accounted for approximately 28 percent of the nearly 40.8 million foreigners born in the United States, making them by far the largest immigrant group in the country. India was the second largest, closely followed by the China (including Hong Kong but not Taiwan), and the Philippines (each accounting for about 5 percent)”, said the Institute.

El Salvador, Vietnam, Cuba, and Korea (each 3 percent), as well as the Dominican Republic and Guatemala (2 percent each), were among the top ten countries of origin. Together, immigrants from these ten countries made up close to 60 percent of the U.S. immigrant population in 2012.

In view of this evidence, the real American food has a lot of colors, a lot of flavors, and a lot of heritages. It is a food cooked with a lot of hands, and also with a lot of hearts, that share one land and one hope.

Two Nigerian scholars visit OU for residency program

By Lindsay Boyle

Two Nigerian scholars have spent almost three weeks in the United States learning about journalism as part of the International Journalism Educator-in-Residence Program.

The scholars, Godfrey Danaan and Taye Obateru, are both professors at the University of Jos in Nigeria. They arrived at Ohio University on July 28, and will depart for Nigeria from Washington, D.C. on August 17.

Though the program was primarily hosted at OU by the Institute for International Journalism, the residence program also included trips to Chicago, Ill. and Washington D.C.

In Chicago, Obateru and Danaan attended the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication 2012 Conference that occurred mid-August. There, they went to a variety of teaching and research panels, presentations and sessions.

Additionally, they spent five days in Washington, D.C., visiting several media outlets and cultural locations, including National Public Radio, The National Geographic, Voice of America, Smithsonian museums, national monuments and more.

The primary purposes of the residency program are to bolster the participants’ professional development, to teach them journalism techniques and to give them new tools and methods to apply to their careers.

Obateru described the program as “quite diverse” because he has had many different opportunities. Some of those included interacting with international journalism scholars who are participating in the Study of the U.S. Institute on Journalism and Media, listening to lectures from professors from various universities, and learning some digital editing techniques.

“I’ve found it very enriching,” Obateru said of the residence program. “It has broadened my horizon in terms of exposure to things and seeing new things, new situations, new circumstances.”


Professors Taye Obateru and Godfrey Danaan share a laugh during an International Mass Media class led by 2012 SUSI scholars Trang Nguyen and Alexandre Twizeyumukiza.

Danaan, who is visiting the United States for the first time, said he has enjoyed not only learning about the 2012 SUSI scholars’ diverse international perspectives, but also being able to share his own perspectives with others.

“I’ve interacted with so many scholars who have come from all parts of the world to share what they teach and to share what they experience and practice,” he said. “To me, it is the most enriching experience I’ve had because it crosses beyond borders.”

Obateru, too, said that conversations with the 2012 SUSI scholars have been one of his favorite parts of the residence.

Both scholars expressed a desire to practice and teach what they learned at OU upon their return to Nigeria. Danaan said that he believes his students will truly benefit from his international exposure when he shares it with them.

“I know I’ve learned a lot and I’m going back with so much,” he said. “My program should be broadened in the perspectives that have been shared here.”

Obateru said that he is interested in looking into possibilities of partnerships between OU and the University of Jos.

Additionally, they each expressed a desire to one day attend the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism Ph.D. program.

“I’ve fallen in love with the school, with the facilities,” Obateru said.

Both Obateru and Danaan heard about the program from one of their colleagues, Nancy Katu-Ogundimu, who is currently a doctoral graduate student in the School of Media Arts and Studies of the Scripps College of Communication at OU.

Danaan said he was “enticed” when she explained the prospects of programs at OU. According to Danaan, she spoke with Dr. Yusuf Kalyango, Director of the Institute for International Journalism, who agreed to get Obateru and Danaan involved in the International Journalism Educator-in-Residence Program.

Because the program is a cost-share program, it was funded partly by the Institute for International Journalism at Ohio University, and partly by the University of Jos.

Sending love from London one last time, Cheers

By Melissa Wells

It’s hard for me to begin this post. There’s a lot I want to say that I know words won’t do justice. I’ll give it a try.

We’re done, goodbye, peace out or as the brits would say, cheers. It’s been absolutely unreal. I have really appreciated the hospitality from everyone here. They have been nothing but kind, approachable, and genuine, well, some of them anyway. There’s always that choice few that hate “you Americans” and can’t wait until you get out of their precious city. However, London really is precious, it has so much to offer to so many different cultures and backgrounds. I could most certinaly see myself here someday. Maybe. I hate that there are no free refills and i’ve probably heard “mind the gap” enough to last a lifetime.

Scripps London group touring around the UK

Kerry Crump, Myself, Jenna Stenger, Katie Grady, Megan Hickcock

Our mens and women’s basketball teams were tremendous these past weeks, both winning gold. Also, Coleman Scott, the wrestler I interviewed and did a story on, won bronze. I am so happy for our athletes and I am so blessed I actually got to meet them. It is something some journalists work their entire careers to do.

Also, I got to meet with THE Debbie Antonelli this week! Before USA played Australia on Thursday we met outside of North Greenwich Arena. Speaking with her was one of the highlights of my trip. She has worked very hard to be where she is today. She does it all and with three boys! You go girl! It encouraged me to be my absolute best and as a women, never take no for an answer. I would love to have her job, so would many. Check out what we talked about and the story I did on her on our site. http://scrippslondon2012.com/2012/08/former-bobcat-goes-from-business-to-broadcast/

We even got to tour the USA House on Friday morning! It was very cool to be able to see where all the athletes chill. It was so beautiful inside. They have a free yogurt bar, waterproof televisions on budwiser themed decks, and unlimited olympic apparel! An OU grad gave us our tour.

Last time the Olympics were in London

All of the USA athletes that have medalled 

USA Olympic Team

Honestly, I can’t even believe I was here for all of this. It was like a dream. This trip really made me realize the struggles of a journalist. It also made me realize if I didn’t have those struggles, it wouldn’t make the job worth it. This is for me, this is what I want to spend my entire life doing. Wether I make one million dollars a year or can barely make an honest living, it doesn’t matter to me. The things that matter to me most are more than just money, more than just material things. Family is everything, people are everything, happiness that you can maintain is everything. Everyone is so blinded by so many flashy and extravagant things they can’t see that anymore. I use to always wish I would win the lottery, or something. I pray to god that I never do (and I won’t because I don’t play and because i’m not lucky). I just want to work hard, make enough, surround myself with great people, and possibly help someone or change their life with my work. That’s what I think a journalist does, they help people. I know it doesn’t always directly seem that way, but they do, they impact people’s lives. They can tell a story someone is too afraid to tell, or can’t by themselves. They help get information to people that really need it. We’re more than just press, we’re story tellers. We are here to be strong for others that are weak. As I journalist, I promise to always do that and to be someone that someone else can count on for consistency and realness. I will always wake up and try to be the best person I can be. I know i’m not perfect nor will I ever be, but I promised myself to always make a conscious effort. London has really reiterated these feelings for me. After traveling to a different country it really made me appreciate the way I was raised and the outstanding family that I have. They are the reason I try to be the best I can possibly be, as a daughter, a student, and as a friend to others. My family are the best people I know (I said best, not most normal or sane). In all seriousness though, they are great. They are the kind of people that would welcome you into their homes and make you feel special. They are the kind of people who would give you the last piece of pizza or the last dollar out of their wallet. They are the reason why I am who I am today and for that I am forever grateful. I’m on the journey to chase my dreams because of them. My pap has always said, “hold on tight to your dreams” and I promised him I always will.

I even got my wallet stolen yesterday (Don’t want to talk about it). Who wired me the money? My wonderful mim and pap. They are indescribable.

   Me at Opening Ceremonies

Just weeks ago this was me at opening ceremonies. Now it’s closing ceremonies and the Olympics are over. The love and passion that came out of people these past weeks has been amazing to see. The games are more than just sports, they are a way people from different cultures come together. It’s beautiful to see, to say I was apart of it is something I will forever cherish.

Thank you Ohio University and the E.W Scripps School of Journalism for making this possible and for making this girl’s dreams come true. Also, thanks to my family for paying for it….. $$$

I hope those that have followed my blog have enjoyed reading it, somewhat. I appreciate all the support and kind words most have given me.

I’m headed to the airport tomorrow morning, let’s all cross our fingers that I don’t miss my flight, again.

With all my love from London,

xoxo Mel