What is Cuisine?

Cuisine, the foods and methods of preparation traditional to a region or population. The major factors shaping a cuisine are climate, which in large measure determines the native raw materials that are available to the cook; economic conditions, which regulate trade in delicacies and imported foodstuffs; and religious or sumptuary laws, under which certain foods are required or proscribed.
 -Encyclopedia Brittanica

The major factors sited above as shaping cuisine are climate (environment), economic conditions, religious law (moral ways of being).  I'm interested in how American cuisine has been shaped by these factors.  Or rather how it should be shaped by these factors to move us to a more sustainable food future.

Some of what I've learned since reading In Defense of Food, watching Food Inc and now reading Animal, Vegetable Miracle... 

Climate
use of non renewable fuels pervasive in conventional farming
fuel used to transport food long distances 
excessive use of pesticides on crops


Economic conditions
Americans on average spend less than 10% of income on food
Cheap food often leads to over consumption and waste (what's cheap is not precious)
Food desserts exist in resource limited neighborhoods 


Religious laws (moral way of being)
Does the way we eat negatively impact God's creation?
Should we eat animals (sentient beings)?
Are farmers and farm workers receiving fair pay and safe working environment?


As I've learned Cuisine at it's Best is local, seasonal, sustainable (socially and environmentally) and mindful.