Flinders University. Australia: Deep-fried Mars bars and deep-fried pizza are Scottish emblems in the British media. True or false, Scotland’s stereotypical deep-fried diet has become
part of a “vicious cycle”, Flinders University’s latest international
visitor Dr Christine Knight says.
Dr Knight, a Visiting International Research Fellow from the
University of Edinburgh, UK, will present her ongoing research into the
negative stereotype of the Scottish diet in the UK media and popular
culture at a free public seminar next Tuesday (February 17).
“The Land of the Deep-fried Mars Bar” – Stereotypes of the Scottish diet in the UK media
will explore how the Scottish diet stereotype circulates through the
press, becoming part of a vicious cycle with negative effects on eating
habits.
“In 1995 the UK media reported that a Scottish fish and chip shop had invented the deep-fried Mars bar,” Dr Knight says.
“The story went viral and since then the deep-fried Mars bar has
become an emblem for the poor Scottish diet in the UK press,” she says.
“Scotland has one of the highest obesity rates in the world, and
significant problems with related illnesses like heart disease. But by
continuing to highlight the stereotype, the media reinforces and
encourages poor eating habits, creating a vicious cycle.”
According to Dr Knight, different media present the stereotype differently.
“The pattern of using Scottish food culture to express national
tensions within the UK can be traced back to at least the 18th Century,
for example using haggis.
“Some Scottish media outlets display a sense of national pride about
Scotland’s notorious deep-fried foods, but others are much more
critical, focussing on healthier Scottish produce like salmon and
raspberries.
“My aim is to understand these differences so we can help to break the vicious cycle.”
Dr Knight, the Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellow in Science,
Technology and Innovation Studies at the University of Edinburgh, joined
Flinders School of Health Sciences in January on a one-month Visiting
International Research Fellowship.
As part of her fellowship, she is working with Dr Jessie Gunson on
the importance of iconic national foods in national identity in
Australia, Scotland and around the world.
“The Land of the Deep-fried Mars Bar” – Stereotypes of the Scottish diet in the UK media
will be held at Flinders University Victoria Square, Level 2, Room
2.02, on February 17 from noon- 2pm. Book by February 13 to Jessie
Gunson: jessie.gunson@flinders.edu.au or 8201 7646.
- See more at:
http://blogs.flinders.edu.au/flinders-news/2015/02/10/scotland-of-deep-fried-mars-bars/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=scotland-of-deep-fried-mars-bars#sthash.j6DDYWOR.dpuf