The increase diversity within regions triggered an alteration in cultural practices and beliefs. This notion of spreading cultural diversity can be seen from the Trans Atlantic Trade System, where African civilians were taken as slaves to work in the New World or taken directly to the Old World. According to Philip Curtin, author of The Atlantic Slave Trade, “The numbers were so great that Africans who came by way of the slave trade became the most numerous Old-World immigrants in both North and South America before the late 18th century.” This happening caused diversity among countries that were within the slave route. Specifically to the Caribbean and Central American country of Belize, the indigenous people were the Maya’s, but due to the effects of the slave trade, slaves were brought to Belize in the 18th century causing a mixture of people and culture, “In 1850, African slaves in Belize still identified themselves according to the tribes they came from in Africa. One section of Belize was known throughout the first half of the 19th century as Eboe Town, Eboe being a tribe in Africa.” The arrival of African’s caused the Maya’s that resided in Belize for thousand of years to move into the remote rural areas of the country, however, even before this …show more content…
As a country of immigrants Belize has seen a tremendous rise in Chinese population, causing their own influence among the culture. A study done by Richard Wilk explains how, “the new wave of immigrants opened take-away stands offering small portions of fried chicken and other familiar foods at very low prices. The low price of “dolla fry chiken” made it immensely popular in every Belizean town.” The low price “dolla fry chiken” became a concern among public health officials as they blamed the Chinese for rising rates of high blood pressure and diabetes. Similarly, much of what is considered the typical American foods have become very popular among the Belizean community by influences from the internet and the television. McDonalds and Starbucks have become a symbol of Americanization, influencing Belizeans. It is considered normal for when family members or friends go abroad to bring back a McDonald’s burger or a Starbucks coffee mug as a gift to Belizean citizens. These effects of globalization has caused many Belizean cuisine businesses to go out of business due to the overpowering Chinese or American cuisine business. This causes a threat to the Belizean cuisine and the culture. As globalization continues to evolve in Belize the local culture and its distinctiveness fade away slowly and