Japanese Obentos
by Cristian Molina
1. Ideological State Apparatus
1.1. The state controls the mothers by indoctrinating the idea of obentos
1.2. The state tells mothers it is their job to raise good citizens with the same ideologies of the state.
1.2.1. The practice of making obentos is a very useful way to raise good citizens.
1.3. The state's function is to instill these ideologies as they shape the country's viewpoint of the world.
2. Cultural Aspects of Food
2.1. Japanese food is very reliant on the presentation of the food.
2.1.1. The food must first look good before it can taste good. It must be small pieces and easily eaten.
2.2. The container the food is packed in is just as important as the food that is in it.
2.3. The food must be enticing to the child.
2.3.1. Because of that, many food are given a more natural appearance.
2.3.1.1. Foods such as apples are shaped in to roses, or rice and vegetables are made to look like cows, pigs, and other livestock and animals.
3. Gender
3.1. From an early age students at school are taught the primary gender roles.
3.2. Gender roles are reinforced by the use of obents.
3.2.1. It is the mother's job to reinforce the correct gender roles from an early age through the use of obentos.
4. Ideologies Learned in Nursery
4.1. The nursery age is a time where teachers easily shape the students into what will become good citizens
4.1.1. The teachers are there to reinforce ideologies of the state as well as make the students more comfortable.