Food racism

You know, sometimes I also make quesadillas. You can add that to my "expertise" but I mention it more because that is one more dish that is incredibly simple and easy (especially if you microwave them).

I should note that when Gray wrote about decanting the olives, in that particular post she referred specifically to "white people tacos":

https://x.com/briebriejoy/status/2019200627641884919 

I believe the criticism of her only naming foods of brown people as "too complicated" being racist was starting to get to her. I think it was also too late for that criticism to be mitigated by adding a white person food in there, especially a white person food that was inspired by Mexican food.

Well, given her background, she would probably say it is not racism but classism, and that once you economically abolish class then racism no longer exists, but she'd be wrong about that too.

Lots of ways to be wrong.

Still, I think there are some things worth exploring. 

In the post, she says that her mother described it as an easy meal, whereas Gray herself finds it unnecessarily complicated.

People can have different perceptions. As Gray is blaming her issue with these cuisines on executive function, maybe her mother has a higher level of executive function. Gray also mentions cleanup requirements as part of what makes it too complicated. While cleanup could be simplified, taking cleanup in mind is completely valid.

The funny thing is that this post was done quote-tweeting a different user, @PinstripeBungle who had not replied to or quote-tweeted her. He is clearly responding to the discourse, and lists tacos and Thai curry as very easy, so it is relevant. He probably had Gray's posts in mind -- maybe along with others -- but he did not name her. As she has 24 times the followers he does, it's interesting that she saw it and responded.

The other thing that is kind of interesting is that the post that started it all about the sesame noodles had nothing to do with executive function. It exaggerated the expenditure and convenience of trying something new, but those are separate issues.

This is the grace that I will give Gray: if you struggle with executive function and are just starting to cook, learning new cuisine is probably going to be harder. The familiar may be a better starting place.

However, if you don't have anything you are already used to cooking, there are many easy Asian and Mexican dishes and techniques that might be more satisfying than salmon in butter with salt and pepper (and also less expensive).

I think there is a combination of two things here.

1. Gray wants to brag about knowing French cooking, as well, perhaps, as being able to cook simple healthy meals with the knowledge to teach others even though she has executive function. You know what? It's okay to like your accomplishments and want to share them, except...
2. Gray has also bought in to the thinking where foods that are not from the European tradition are lower class. There is a disdain there that has racist origins.

It's important to note that a Black woman can buy into racism. 

Usually I am as much "listen to Black women" as anyone, because at the intersection of multiple marginalizations they often have a greater awareness of how various issues play out. 

Gray's parents taught in international schools where she experienced different cultures and she graduated from Harvard Law School. If a somewhat privileged upbringing made it easier for her to ignore some things, that is exactly how privilege works. 

The real problem is not that she prefers French cooking techniques or that she made racist comments without intending to do so.

The real problem is that for each opportunity she was given to reflect and learn and do better, she just kept doubling down.

Of course she's a leftist!

I know I pick on leftists a lot, and I shall continue to do so (though I hope you will notice me giving Gray the points that I can).  

One thing I am going to add to it in this post is not acknowledging one's part in the current whole.

Food discourse has included many comments about white people not seasoning their food, with mayonnaise being a part of some white people getting very offended.

Of course, you do not have to identify with whiteness in this way. You can embrace other cuisines. You can embrace your cultural heritage in the form of the Italian food of your grandparents or the hot dishes of the place you come from.

Or, you can try and find a way to reassert the supremacy of whiteness. 

Lately, I am seeing more of this: 

https://x.com/AniseNot/status/1754181222341705874 

The myth that white people food doesn’t taste good or lacks seasoning is a massive cope When your ingredients are fresh & superior in taste & texture you don’t need to mask it with braising or spices