It's a soju party and everyone's invited!

Korean drinking culture centers on communal rituals and social hierarchy, where the act of pouring for others reinforces social bonds rather than individual consumption. Irene Yoo, author of *Soju Party*, notes that this tradition, rooted in history and home-brewed spirits, has evolved into a vibrant social practice involving specific etiquette and "anju" food pairings. Conversely, the American prison system weaponizes food as a tool of punishment. Leslie Soble, author of *Eating Behind Bars*, reveals that incarcerated populations are subjected to ultra-processed, nutrient-deficient meals that mirror the worst excesses of the industrial food system. This environment systematically denies individuals the ability to express identity or show care through shared meals. Ultimately, these two perspectives illustrate how food functions either as a vital mechanism for cultural connection or as a dehumanizing instrument of state-sanctioned neglect.