Publix Popular Culture

Culture. One of, if not the most, important aspects in creating diversity in a society. Differences in culture can be easily distinguished within a community. For example, one can effortlessly experience different cultures just by going to different food markets in the community. There are food markets that are “common” to the general public of the community while there are others that are specific to a certain cultural population within the community. In the region of Georgia, United States, Publix is a well-known food market which is seen as “American”. What makes Publix an “American” market? In contrast, there is a community just outside the circle of Atlanta that is heavily populated by Latinos and Hispanics. In this region of Georgia,

Since food is an important aspect in culture and can vary between each, looking at the products supermarkets sell is integral. Publix sells products that are seen as “common” American goods manufactured by “common” American companies. For example, Oreos are labeled as “America’s Favorite Cookie” and due to this reputation, people imply that if the store sells them, then the store is American. This product is displayed and advertised in all of Publix’s supermarkets. Another example is the sodas that are on sale. Publix’s sells soft drinks that are viewed as American; such as Coca-Cola which is an American made product. On these products, the English language is used for nutritional facts, company facts, and ingredients. Due to this, one can interpret that English is the primary language used in the community. In contrast, The Buford Farmers Market features items known to the Latino/Hispanic people. For example, kids’ snacks are not the “regular” Oreos. Instead, the Farmers Market has snacks like Pinguinos; a Latino-made treat based off of the American Hostess cupcakes. Because these snacks are only sold and distributed to the Latino and Hispanic markets, the Farmers Market is categorized as such. Unlike Publix which features sodas like Coca-Cola, the Buford Farmers Market sells Jarritos, a soda made in Mexico. Looking at the packaging of these products, we see the same information we normally see on American goods, but in Spanish. The ingredients information include words like azúcar or agua destilada instead of sugar and distilled water. This supports the idea that Spanish is the primary language used in the store, and thus, in the community. The signs and advertisements within the store are in Spanish, but sometimes provide an English translation which supports this