An Aussie woman was called a “coloniser” for opening a NY shop selling Australian sushi. But Adam Liaw says it’s very much a thing – and anyone who disagrees simply hasn’t done their homework.
This is something I’ve always warmly noticed about Mexicans in general - a love of seeing their culture exported and embraced around the world.
“Cultural appropriation” often seems to emit from the mouths of those not from the culture they are claiming is being appropriated.
It’s beautiful to see how piñatas are a childrens’ birthday party staple in all corners of the globe, how fresh tacos are eaten at British tables on a normal weeknight. It’s a celebration of a culture, not a theft. If I hadn’t encountered a burrito one night in Germany many many years ago, I perhaps would never have made the journey to witness the architectural beauty of Zócalo plaza, the wonderful paintings of Siqueiros, or learned of the rich culture of Mesoamerica at Teotihuacan.
Every year, on my birthday, I celebrate by cooking carnitas (as taught to me in Mexico City) and elote to share with all my friends and family. Sufficed to say, everyone who has eaten it is now fully aware of the culinary brilliance of Mexico (and we’ve a few friends signed up to join us on our next trip to Mexico)!
Food is a language of international understanding and a powerful tool for breaking down the barriers between cultures. “Australian” sushi isn’t a slight against the Japanese but a sign of deep love for Japan and how that love is an integral part of modern Australian identity.
This is something I’ve always warmly noticed about Mexicans in general - a love of seeing their culture exported and embraced around the world.
“Cultural appropriation” often seems to emit from the mouths of those not from the culture they are claiming is being appropriated.
It’s beautiful to see how piñatas are a childrens’ birthday party staple in all corners of the globe, how fresh tacos are eaten at British tables on a normal weeknight. It’s a celebration of a culture, not a theft. If I hadn’t encountered a burrito one night in Germany many many years ago, I perhaps would never have made the journey to witness the architectural beauty of Zócalo plaza, the wonderful paintings of Siqueiros, or learned of the rich culture of Mesoamerica at Teotihuacan.
Every year, on my birthday, I celebrate by cooking carnitas (as taught to me in Mexico City) and elote to share with all my friends and family. Sufficed to say, everyone who has eaten it is now fully aware of the culinary brilliance of Mexico (and we’ve a few friends signed up to join us on our next trip to Mexico)!
Food is a language of international understanding and a powerful tool for breaking down the barriers between cultures. “Australian” sushi isn’t a slight against the Japanese but a sign of deep love for Japan and how that love is an integral part of modern Australian identity.