London and the Sandwich Shop

“Food is a central activity of mankind and one of the single most significant trademarks of a culture” (Kurlansky). While people of all cultures must eat as a means of survival, the foods they eat and the rituals they perform associated with the dining process may be read as texts to gain insights into the culture. Highly successful sandwich shops in Britain reveal the cultural penchant for healthy, convenient foodstuffs during the busy day while suggesting a reverence for slower-paced dining during the evening meal; analysis of the times of operation, methods of delivery, and quality of food serve as indicators of the values of the British population.

In London, sandwich shops such as Eat, Camden Food Co., and Pret a Manger are very common and make a bold statement about what the people of this city value in their food. Before these shops are analyzed as text, however, it is necessary to acknowledge the history of the sandwich as it contributes to the role that it plays today.

While the first sandwich was said to be made in the first century B.C., it was not named until the mid-eighteenth century. John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich England, was said to have requested to have his meat served between two pieces of bread so that he would be able to eat without stopping his gambling game (Serbe). According to Serbe, “his fellow gamblers, no doubt looking for a lucky charm, began to order the same as Sandwich!” The name stuck. Londoners in the twenty-first century eat sandwiches for a reason similar to that of Montagu, not so that they can gamble through meals, of course, but for convenience sake. The busy daily routine that many Londoners experience does not provide much time to devote to eating.

While walking down almost any street in London, it is nearly impossible not to pass a sandwich shop, whether it is one of the chains previously mentioned or a single-family-owned establishment. According to the Food Partners website “the total sandwich market in the UK is worth approximately £3.2bn and is growing at 5%” (The UK Market). This growth is due to “rising affluence, demand for speed and convenience (as a result of time pressures and shorter lunch breaks), and a growing interest in food quality and healthy eating” (The UK Market). By this astounding statistic alone, it is evident that sandwich shops have become a key aspect in the lives of Londoners and warrant discussion when studying London culture.

As revealed through their advertisements and their websites, these shops all pride themselves on a similar aspect--serving healthy, freshly made foods that taste good at a reasonable price. Most of the chain sandwich shops were opened during the mid 1980s to 1990s. According to the Pret a Manger website, founders Sinclair and Julian “created the sort of food they craved but couldn’t find anywhere else” (About). These shops are run by average Londoners who wanted a particular kind of food that had not been previously offered, so they made it themselves and made it available to the rest of the city.

Customer perception is key to the success of these businesses. Turner defines a sign as “the smallest unit of communication within a language system” (14). Signs play a large role in interpreting how these sandwich shops are perceived by citizens of London or people who may be visiting the city. The sandwiches sold in these shops are cut in half diagonally and wrapped in triangular shaped boxes. These boxes are everywhere. People walk down the street or sit on the tube eating their lunch on the go; the box itself serves as a symbol of the healthy foods Londoners choose to eat. Seeing a person eating a sandwich out of a small, clean box sends a message similar to that of a person wearing very clean, crisp clothing. We can read the food just as we would the clothing. These people obviously care about the quality of the food that they are consuming. So while this box, outside of its context in London may be nothing more than a simple cardboard container, being read in this particular text it has cultural significance.

Semiotics can also be used to read these sandwich shops as texts. Slogans such as “healthy choices to help you eat right” that can be seen on Eat bags create the image for consumers that by eating the healthy foods that are offered in these shops, they will be healthy. One statistic shows that “over 30 million people have bought a sandwich on the go this year with the average person buying a sandwich once per week” (“Sandwich”). Consumers can not simply eat one meal a week at a healthy sandwich shop and really be healthy without taking into consideration the other foods they are eating. These advertising techniques make being healthy as easy as buying one of their sandwiches, when in reality there are numerous factors that contribute to good health. While these shops do offer healthy food choices, the implication through advertising that a healthy lifestyle is synonymous with eating sandwich shop foods is not realistic.

In addition to the health benefits portrayed though semiotics is the convenience factor. Semiotics connects with the lifestyles of the consumers of these sandwiches as well. Turner states that “the process of semiosis means that we stitch the signs together” (15). The sandwich read in a context void of any preconceptions would simply be an item of food, but because it has become a food that is eaten on the go, it has now become stitched to the hectic lives that many of its consumers live. The actual sandwich itself allows a meal to be consumed without sitting at a table with a fork and knife, illuminating the fast-paced lifestyle that many Londoners lead, a pace that affects even the dining experience.

Perhaps the operating hours of most sandwich shops, 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., suggests that Londoners still value the importance of slowing down for their emotional health and eating at least one meal a day at a leisurely pace. These shops operate in such a way that consumers pick out the food they want, stand in a queue to purchase the food from a cashier, and take the food to eat on the run or sit at a casual table to eat. They lack the traditional dining experience that is obviously still needed emotionally. Eating in a traditional British sit-down restaurant is a much more unhurried experience. These establishments are not designed for the mere consumption of food; the bill is only brought to the table upon request. Waiters do not try to hurry customers out as soon as their plates are empty. This tradition reveals a significant cultural value: the fine dining experience at the dinner hour is as essential to the British way of life as is the fast food services offered during the busiest times of the day. The hours of availability of fast food coincides with the lifestyles of the people; conversely, traditional fine dining at a slower pace is available to the British population well into the evening hours—the time to unwind and to savor the experience of dining with others.

Also, the choice of beverages differs between these two types of restaurants. In the sandwich shops, soda and juice are typically offered as a means of a quick energy boost in the middle of the day. The dinner crowd, however, typically enjoy a glass of wine or a pint of beer in order to unwind after a fast paced day. Hence, the two types of restaurants reflect the values of the culture: maintaining a productive, efficient pace during the work day while relaxing and regrouping during the evening hours.

The price difference between the types of restaurants is significant as well. Sandwich shops that are meant as quick nourishment during a busy day are inexpensive. According to Decision News Media, the average amount of money spent on lunch in the UK is “£2.10, accounting for the declining importance of the lunch occasion as snacking assumes a greater 'share of stomach'” (“Sandwich”). These lunch foods, while they may taste good, are not typically savored as the pricier dinner meals are because of the time factor. Londoners are willing to pay for the dinner experience that they value as it fulfills an emotional need.

Little did the Earl of Sandwich know that his luncheon creation would lead to an entire string of businesses eponymous with his name: the sandwich shop. Further, he could not have guessed that close analysis of the comings and goings of Londoners relative to these fast-food restaurants would reveal significant values and behaviors inherent to their lifestyles. The sandwich shop and all of its idiosyncrasies illuminates a culture comprised of busy individuals who are not only concerned with healthy nourishment on the go but also with the aesthetic qualities of the eating experience. Unlike American restaurant goers who frequent fast-food restaurants at any time of the day and night, Londoners only frequent sandwich shops up until 5 p.m., revealing their devotion to feeding their emotional needs as well as their hunger needs through a more fine dining experience during the evening hours. While the sandwich shop parallels the fast-food craze inherent among other cultures, it also ironically suggests the inverse—a busy British population demands fast food but in a qualified manner. One meal on the go per day is enough for our London friends. Balance appears to be essential.

Works Cited

About our Company. 2008. Pret a Manger. 19 July 2009 .

Kurlansky, Mark. FoodReference.com - Quotes Section. Food Reference Website. 19 July 2009 .

"Sandwich culture keeps Brits at their desks." Food And Drink Europe Marketing of Food Products & Drinks for the Supermarket Industry (prepared, alcoholic, soft, snack, energy, convenience). 03 Dec. 2002. Decision News Media. 19 July 2009 .

Serbe, Diana. The History of Sandwiches & Types of Sandwiches. In Mamas Kitchen Inc. 19 July 2009 .

The UK Market. 2008. Food Partners: Foodservice Solutions. 19 July 2009 .

Turner, Graeme. British Cultural Studies: An Introduction. Thrid ed. London: Routledge, 2003.

Images

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Kurim's Relationship Plight

Children typically look to adults to guide them through the process of growing up. Whether or not they ask for advice, they learn how to act through watching their parents. Kurim’s parents have a crumbling marriage from the very opening of the novel, which does not provide a positive image of love for the boy. In addition to his father’s affair, Kurim is often subjected to his aunt and uncle’s arguing and griping about one another; consequently, he sees that they really cannot stand to be with one another. Kurim also spends enough time around his father’s friend Anwar and his wife to witness the abusive relationship that they have. From a very young and impressionable age, Kurim perceives very negative connotations associated with the concept of marriage.

As Kurim matures and begins experimenting with his sexuality, he finds himself physically in and out of many beds but never emotionally involved in a relationship. At times he seems as if he wants to have a relationship that extends beyond mere sex, but he never allows himself to, suggesting that this avoidance is his way of protecting himself from the pain and misery that he witnesses between the couples around him. Kurim throws himself into a quest of searching for physical pleasure, but even after receiving it never seems to be happy as he is lacking in the connection that extends beyond the physical.

Not only does Kurim know that his parents are not happy when they are together but he witnesses his father have sex with another woman. His father’s actions model a way of dealing with difficult situations in life. Kurim’s biggest conflict in life results from his unresolved quest to find his identity. Just as his father uses sexual encounters as a quick fix for his unhappy marriage, Kurim follows suit by pursuing many women. While Kurim may not be conscious that he emulates his father’s actions, witnessing his father’s affair is significant and traumatic—a life-altering event—one which most likely plays a role in the manner in which he conducts himself with women.

The London Eye

The flight on the London Eye offered a unique view of the city. The sight that held my attention for the majority of the ride was Big Ben and Parliament. From the ground, this site has the appearance of a very powerful and protected structure. While standing at the base of the tower and looking up to the top, it is near impossible not to feel extremely small. The numerous guards that surround Parliament add to the sense of inferiority that those around the building already feel due to its immense size. The architecture of the building also adds to its grand nature. The figures that line the rooftops point to the sky. This creates a feeling similar to that of a cathedral that maybe the people who partake in activities inside Parliament are closer to a higher power or deity than the common people. The view of Parliament from the London Eye, however, is in stark contrast to that from the ground.

While slowly travelling higher and higher above Parliament, I felt as if the power that seems to be held by this structure was temporarily transferred to all of the people who now stood above it. The difference in height obviously played a role in this short lived power shift, but there was another factor that surprised me. Being above Parliament, I was now able to see more of the building than just the four outer walls. I was able to see what these walls are hiding or protecting. Even though this view did not give me any useful power, it felt as if I were looking into a fortress. The security guards that are quite intimidating on the ground were not even visible from the sky. Parliament seemed much more vulnerable from this view.

I really enjoyed being able to experience London from such a different perspective.

Summertime Number 9a

My experience at the Tate Modern was quite different than I had expected. I had not realized that there was such a wide array of modern art styles. After having spent many hours in museums with art dating from before the modern era, having the opportunity to spend some time with these unique art forms was refreshing. I must admit that I felt that many of the pieces did not seem as if they required much talent to create, but maybe modern art is more about thought than skill.

The piece that I was most attracted to was Jackson Pollock’s Summertime Number 9a. I felt like this painting really expressed the change that took place in art as the modern era began. Unlike paintings created in earlier centuries, this one has no set structure. While it may have many interpretations, it does not express a concrete idea as previous paintings do. This painting portrays the sense of confusion and loss of meaning in life that people were feeling during this time period. Every person that looks at the painting may take something different away from it, and by the same token a single person may see something different each time he views it. This aspect of the painting helps express the uncertainty that people of this era were feeling. Perhaps Pollock’s painting provided him a means of trying to grasp a fresh way of thinking.

It is All About Power

After visiting the Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral, I was left with the feeling that while these historic sites are vastly different in appearance and purpose, they share the commonality of exerting immense power over their visitors.

I must admit that before visiting the Tower of London I thought that it was a single tower; I was shocked to discover that it is a fortress that holds many harsh memories. Events such as the Little Princes murders at the Bloody Tower, Anne Boleyn’s execution at the Scaffold Site, and the torture of numerous men at the Tower’s very own torture chamber, while barely a fraction of the gruesome occurrences that took place there long ago, send an explicit message to the people of London. The reputation of the Tower at the time that these atrocities took place must have been enough to create a sense of fear among London’s citizens to encourage them to obey the government. Visiting the tower in the twenty-first century does not hold the fear of facing the same tragic fate as many in years past, but merely knowing the history still sends chills down visitors’ spines.

While St. Paul’s Cathedral does not possess a terrifying history, the belittling awe that is created by the immense size of the structure and grandeur of the glittering painted ceilings allows a power as strong as that at the Tower to be held over those who pass through the Cathedral doors. I was immediately stunned by the height of the Dome and the paintings speckled with gold that covered it. The overwhelming size and magnificence of the building causes the people inside to feel minuscule in comparison to the deity being honored by the building. Fear of something that is so much larger and seemingly more powerful than one is enough to cause conformity. This gives a substantial amount of power to that god as well as those who run the church. Power can obviously be created using diverse methods, but the goal of that power is ultimately the same.

Stigma and Septimus

Perhaps the most intriguing character to me in Mrs. Dalloway is Septimus Smith. Obviously, Septimus suffers from post traumatic stress disorder as a result of his war experiences. My exasperation with Dr. Holmes’ persistent declarations that nothing is wrong with this former soldier grew to rage when Septimus takes his own life. Septimus clearly demonstrates characteristics of mental illness, even suggesting off-handedly, “Now we will kill ourselves” (65). The ludicrous nature of Septimus’ behavior and comments seem to almost make Dr. Holmes so uncomfortable that he vehemently denies the reality of this man’s condition. The treatment of insanity in this work of literature prompted me to consider the reality of mental disorders and struggles among contemporary soldiers returning from battle as well as whether or not we have become more sophisticated in our recognition and acceptance of such diagnoses.

Although, on the one hand, I feel confident that the medical community has made great advances in the treatment of war-related mental illness, I wonder about the types of stigmas that are associated with seeking medical attention for such ailments. While the social mores of Mrs. Dalloway seem far removed from ours, we haven’t really made as much progress as we might like to think in terms of acknowledgement of conditions that could be perceived as weakness among the protectors of our nations.

The National Gallery

Like most of the other must-see attractions that I have visited since my arrival in London, the National Gallery was very overwhelming. I must admit that I really wasn’t sure what to expect to see there. I had no idea that I would be seeing some of the most famous paintings that I have studied throughout my schooling. I wandered from room to room in awe trying to keep a certain amount of structure to my visit, but unable to keep from getting lost in rooms full of artwork that I never imagined I would have the to opportunity to see.

While I spotted a painting in almost every room that caught my attention for one reason or another, I was most attracted to room 45 which held many works of Vincent Van Gogh. Seeing these paintings pleased me more than any others because they are paintings that are more accessible than the ones that are typically only studied about in textbooks. “Sunflowers” is one of Van Gogh’s paintings that can be found on a multitude of everyday items, from mugs to bags to computer backgrounds. Having seen this painting in its original form, however, has caused me to realize that I could not fully appreciate it by merely looking at photographs or replications of it.

While standing before this immaculate painting, I noticed a key element that makes it such a great work of art – texture. Photographs of this painting cannot portray the three dimensional nature that was created by the brush strokes. The paint appeared to be so thick that it followed the brush off of the canvas. Using this technique, Van Gogh was able to paint flowers that appear to have actual petals protruding from the painting.

The National Gallery was the first art museum that I had ever visited, and it helped me develop a much greater appreciation for viewing art in its natural form.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey was truly a breathtakingly beautiful place to see. The intricate detail of the architecture gave a grand introduction prior to even entering the Abbey of the magnificent sights that waited inside. I was overwhelmed upon entering the building at how much there was to see. The Poets’ Corner, however, was the part of the Abbey that most interested me. It was the area that I could relate to most easily, having studied the great works of so many of the men buried there. Being able to see the graves of Charles Dickens, Geoffrey Chaucer, Lord Alfred Tennyson, Robert Browning, Thomas Hardy and so many others helped me to gain an even greater appreciation of their work. Seeing their graves made the fact that they were people rather than just names on a page so much more real to me. I’m sure that had I been given the opportunity to see the Poets’ Corner while I was studying the work of these men, I would have had a greater appreciation for it. Students who live in England and are given such an opportunity are truly fortunate.

Dorian Gray and Shallow Hal: Two Sides of the Same Coin

When reflecting on my overall impression of Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, I am intrigued by the timeless nature of the theme so poignantly portrayed in this work. Obsession with youthfulness and physical appearance is perhaps one of the most negative traits of humanity.

Dorian Gray is described as being “wonderfully handsome, with his finely-curved scarlet lips, his frank blue eyes, his crisp gold hair” (17). The artist who painted his portrait “worshiped him” (17). Contributing to his charm was “ all the candor of youth… as well as all youth’s passionate purity” (17). It was Gray’s unfortunate obsession with his appearance that led to his downfall. Despite his charmed life, one in which he wished never to age and was granted that request, he made despicable choices and was callous in his dealings with other human beings. Metaphysically, his true nature was revealed in the decaying portrait, an artistic rendering of his likeness that captured the unattractive essence of his being. Through Dorian, Wilde illuminates the true nature of human beauty—intangible.

Individuals in contemporary society still wrestle with the illusive nature of beauty. Many are befuddled by mere physicalities, focusing on outer beauty while ignoring the development of their inner selves and failing to appreciate intangible qualities in those around them. As in Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, a modern film entitled, Shallow Hal, depicts the struggles of a young man obsessed with youth and beauty. Like Gray, Hal experiences a metaphysical transformation that allows him to see the truth. Wilde reveals the inherent ugliness of Gray’s character through the portrait, while Hal’s vision is altered, allowing him to see physical beauty only in those who possess inner beauty. As in Dorian’s portrait, callous, narcissistic people, although physically beautiful, appear to be hideous to the enlightened Hal.

Although Dorian Gray’s bitter end contrasts sharply with Hal’s promising beginning, both tales underscore the essence of true human beauty and its powerful influence in our lives.

The Black Death: A Spine-chilling Devastation

While visiting the Museum of London, I found myself most intrigued by the Black Death. Also known as the Great Pestilence, the Black Death first struck London in 1348 and by 1350 had killed an astounding 40,000 people. Half of London’s population had been taken by this mysterious illness. The disease was known to have spread from Asia possibly on rats or fleas, but there is still disagreement as to what truly spread the Black Death. As the chilling film played in the exhibit revealed, the “rotting corpses” that lay about the streets after the “chilly stiffness” had taken over their bodies was thought to have been “caused by the sins of men.” The symbolism that is placed aside this devastating disease reveals the workings of semiotics in fourteenth century London.

I found that the physical structure of this exhibit contributed to its effectiveness. It was composed of crimson colored walls that snaked around each other. An ominous film was projected on one of the walls, while a list of those taken by the plague faded on to and then off of an adjacent wall. The narration that accompanied the film seemed to jump from one speaker to another, giving a sense of the unpredictable nature of the Black Death that the victims must have felt. They never knew who it would strike next.

Another aspect of this exhibit that struck me was the lack of physical evidence from this time. The lack of these articles speaks for itself; the Black Death left nothing behind. Only stories and speculation remained after it vanished. The idea of narrative plays a large role in how the Black Death is remembered. With word of mouth being the main source of teaching about it, what kind of adjustments could have been made to the actual events? Could stories have been made to seem less severe to preserve the innocents of children? Or perhaps, they were made to seem even more terrifying as a means of frightening people to keep them from committing sins that were associated with its original existence. I am by no means attempting to belittle the horror that the victims of the Black Death faced but merely trying to understand the complex role that stories play in society.

The Multi-layered Nature of Cultural Studies

Graeme Turner’s British Cultural Studies provides thorough explanation of what it means to study a culture. Specific studies showcased and methodologies explored provide a good foundation for a student visiting London for five weeks of exploring a new culture.

One advertiser’s treatment of the campaign for Ski yoghurt reveals the use of semiotics, the connection of a concept with a product, to entice consumers to consider the food a “lifestyle product,” associating it with “existing myths of youth and of a healthy outdoor life-style” (16). As the focus of my study will be the British dining experience, I realize the importance of paying attention to advertiser’s use of semiotics to capitalize on the ideals of the British people; such observations will provide insights into the mindset of the British consumer.

Consumers occupy a variety of roles within families. Much like the studies related to British television viewing habits, the power structure within the family most likely defines the dining experience and decisions surrounding it as well. In terms of viewing patterns, males were often bullies who determined program selection, and women did not have much leisure time to devote to viewing. Children were often sent upstairs to watch black and white televisions in their bedrooms (121). Like the viewing experience, the dining experience is also a daily family activity. Gender and generational roles are essential to my study as they constitute subcultures of society as a whole. Consideration of subcultures is essential in understanding the synergy of a society which comprised of numerous multi-faceted groups.

Perhaps the most significant aspect of cultural studies explored in Turner’s book is the multi-dimensional nature of cultural studies. He refers to a book entitled Doing Cultural Studies: The Story of the Walkman and explains the many layers of study required in order to understand a single product: the Sony Walkman. From this analogy, I was able to envision an organizational web of sorts that I will use to define my study of the British dining experience.

Turner’s text not only clearly delineated the cultural studies realm but also provides insights into British culture that will serve me well as a first time visiter and researcher in London.

I'm new at this whole blogging thing, so here goes.

I'm a chemistry major at Augusta State University, I work at Hallmark, and I have a miniature dachshund named Tabasco. I have travelled around the US, but I have never left the country. I'm very excited about this trip to London. Can't wait to meet everyone!