Thanks for your perspective, I think you are spot on. After studying abroad in China 20 years ago the propaganda we have here is converging on being as overt as what I saw there. Hopefully enough Americans course correct before it gets worse.

Im old enough for pre you tube. No one taught me to cook. I stopped eating meat and dairy pre 18 years old and either had to learn myself or eat crap stuff.

I started with a few cook books and simple stuff. Made the same thing over and over again and refine it, like a stir fry. What I learned then translates to the next thing.

I try to learn a few “new” dishes or techniques every year and its built up over 20+ years…