A Closer Look At "Gendered" Foods

Spoon University|Nov. 7, 2014 12:00 pm EST

Photo by Anna Beckerman

1. Salads

Once I was having dinner with a male friend, and indeed I had in front of me a bowl of salmon and leafy greens. I vaguely recall that we were talking about our favorite foods, and I had probably named something hearty and messy, when he casually mentioned: "What, not one of those salad things that you girls eat?" Never mind that I could be opting to have a salad because of taste preferences, health reasons or just because. Never mind that it's my palate, my body and my life that you're reducing into one sweeping generalization.

Photo by Kathleen Lee

2. Steak

Humans have evolved to a point where takoyaki machines can flip those fluffy octopus balls automatically, but evidently our taste buds have not. Because males are evidently still savage cavemen who need to establish their dominance in the ecosystem, they dig into bloody meats by the slab. Females, while we would like you to take nice, dainty bites out of the vegetarian quiches, please don't eat too slowly as well.

Photo Courtesy of AYZA Wine and Chocolate Bar

3. Chocolates

Want to get laid? All you have to do, according to the media, is give a woman some candy. In no time she'll be nestled in the sheets, wearing silk and other sheer fabrics, with a piece of chocolate positioned precariously on her collarbone. For added effect, have the woman pop the chocolate bar into her open mouth and express unrestrained pleasure at the combination of cheap chemicals and cocoa butter knock-offs.

Photo by Erin Young/Flickr

4. Burgers

Burgers are probably on the top of those '10 Foods Not to Order on a Date' lists. While women should part their lips for creamy desserts, opening their mouths for large, wholesome burgers is a definite no-no. Girls, don't use your fingers – you'll look like a Neanderthal. Guys, don't use the cutlery – you'll look prissy. Maybe we should just stick a screen in the middle of the table and lower it when we're done eating.

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