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Is there a risk of cultural appropriation in the growing popularity of international cuisine?

Pearlie Nevitt

Hey friend!

I think your question is really interesting and I'll do my best to answer it. In my opinion, there is a risk of cultural appropriation in the growing popularity of international cuisine. Let me explain what I mean by that.

First of all, it's important to define what cultural appropriation is. It's the adoption or use of elements from a culture by people from another culture, often without understanding or respecting the original culture's significance. This can lead to the commodification of the culture being appropriated, and can cause harm to the people whose culture is being used.

Now, let's look at international cuisine. It's become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people trying foods from all around the world. While this can be a good thing, as it exposes people to different cultures and can create a sense of unity, there is also a danger of cultural appropriation.

For example, when a dish from a particular culture becomes popular, it can be detached from its cultural context and become a generic, commercialized version of itself. This can erase the history and significance of the dish, and make it seem like it's just a trendy food rather than an important part of a culture.

Additionally, when people who are not from a particular culture try to recreate a dish, there's a risk that they might do it in a way that distorts or disrespects the original recipe. For example, if someone tries to make a traditional Mexican dish but adds ingredients that are not traditionally used, they might be changing the dish in a way that doesn't respect the culture from which it came.

Another issue to consider is the power dynamic between cultures. In many cases, the cuisines of marginalized cultures are appropriated by dominant cultures. This can perpetuate a sense of exploitation and disrespect, as marginalized cultures are often not given credit for their contributions to cuisine.

So, in conclusion, while the popularity of international cuisine can be a positive thing, there is a risk of cultural appropriation. It's important for people to approach different cuisines with respect and understanding, and to be mindful of the history and context of the dishes they're trying. By doing so, we can appreciate the richness and diversity of different cultures without causing harm or erasure.