The ridiculousness of ‘cultural appropriation’ may have hit a new level. At Oberlin College, students have come out against Asian dishes like sushi.
A piece last month for the Oberline Review, “CDS Appropriates Asian Dishes, Students Say,” does actually feature those who take issue with campus food. It is not that the complaints don’t exist then. But, they are no less unfounded and unnecessary. The piece takes it a step further by adding that the “uninformed representation of cultural dishes has been noted by a multitude of students, many of who have expressed concern over the gross manipulation of traditional recipes.”
The complaints from students take issue with various forms of “a cheap imitation.” There are issues with substitutions and with dishes not cooked appropriately. When it comes to sushi, the popular food item is described as “the pinnacle” of the dreaded cultural appropriation:
“When you’re cooking a country’s dish for other people, including ones who have never tried the original dish before, you’re also representing the meaning of the dish as well as its culture,” Joshi said. “So if people not from that heritage take food, modify it and serve it as ‘authentic,’ it is appropriative.”
Welcome to campus dining in the United States of America. Somebody should tell these students not to expect so much. If they don’t hold campus dining to such high standards, perhaps they can understand that the poor resemblance is not meant to be offensive. Very few American students would likely not actually expect to enjoy a truly representative and authentic dish while on campus.
As is also mentioned in the piece:
Gross said Bon Appétit did not intend to serve the dishes disrespectfully and that there is room to correct the issue.
The Washington Post had a similar take. As Justin Wm. Moyer begins his piece:
Students have complained about campus dining for years, it’s hardly a new issue. This new take is just a sad an all too serious spin on it. But hey, maybe these students are on to something. With the dreadful accusation of cultural appropriation at hand, perhaps schools like Oberlin will finally improve their campus dining to the benefit of all.
