Why do we think Australians should get involved with A Taste of Harmony?
Nearly 50% of Australians are born overseas or have one parent born overseas. We speak almost 300 different languages we are a melting pot of culture. There is no better way of getting people together than over a plate of food and that is why I feel the taste of harmony is such a great initiative that allows people to share their culture through the food that they eat.
It’s an easy way to break down cultural barriers. Having different foods on the table is already a conversation starter and an easy way to get involved because everyone is curious about food. It’s a neutral platform of getting to know people better.
When you start talking about different cultures you start to realise there’s so many similarities, they’re just referred to differently. Those conversations are very easy to have around a table of food. All my fondest memories of travelling are always about the food and the flavours we tasted while in a new place. Food is just a great way to be introduced to something new without being too conscious or aware of doing so, it ends up being a more relaxed and laid-back way of learning about different cultures.
While I think the taste of harmony is something that all organisations should consider participating in a lot of times, I find that people are wary about cultures and differences. A personal interaction with someone from a different cultural background or the opportunity to ask questions about food and lifestyle opens an opportunity for conversation.
In a lot of different cultures, they say that good food is meant to be shared with friends or a guest in your home is a gift because you can share your table with them when you take the time to learn about your friends and colleagues cultural background you learn about what is stereotyped and what is real. Often, you'll find more similarities than differences amongst yourselves.
Taste, Experience and Explore the Harmony in your workplace
Visit tasteofharmony.org.au to register your organisation and to gain access to everything you need to plan, promote and run your activity. For further information, email contact@tasteofharmony.org.au