Everyday, when I look at the Dining Commons’ online menu to see what is available, I notice that options have names such as “Indonesian Style Tofu,” “Singapore Tofu,” “Mediterranean Chickpeas” and “Tuscan Farro Salad,” among others. I find myself automatically questioning why these dishes were given these names, with what intention they were named in this way and whether or not, given these names, they were cooked authentically. While these practices are most likely a well-intentioned attempt to appeal to students from different cultural backgrounds, instances such as these clearly miss the mark and can be construed as offensive.
The Oxford Dictionary defines cultural appropriation as “the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices, ideas, etc. of one people or society by members of another and typically more dominant people or society.” Within this context, the names of menu items in Blanchard constitute cultural appropriation, because food is such an important aspect of culture. The dining hall is naming these dishes in such a manner without regard to the specific preparation used by these cultures.
If Dining Services would like to continue using these names, I recommend that they do research into the cooking practices of these cultures in order to include cultural backgrounds in a respectful and inclusive manner. Refusing to do so does the opposite; it takes ownership of a less dominant culture without being mindful of their unique customs and practices.
Preparing authentic dishes from these different cultures would be an exceptional step in increasing the visibility of these groups without minimizing the aspects of their culture which makes them unique.
Additionally, there are a few dishes that are improperly named, prepared or both. For instance, the plantains that are offered with other Latin American foods are improperly prepared. While they are supposed to be fried, they are either baked or not fried correctly. I am considerably concerned by the incorrect preparations of these foods.
The “Tabouli” offered periodically in a few varieties is also drastically inaccurate. The correct name of this dish is tabbouleh, and it is prepared with parsley, olive oil, bulgur wheat, lemon juice, mint, onion, salt and pepper. The variation offered at the Dining Commons, called “quinoa tabouli,” is not seen in typical Middle Eastern cuisine.
I do not think that the Dining Commons is including these dishes in their chosen manner to intentionally be disrespectful. If Dining Services would like to truly be inclusive and respectful of different cultures, they should research the cooking practices of these cultures in order to truly honor these different groups. If they do not intend to include these dishes and their respective cultures in a respectful manner, they should simply eliminate the dishes altogether, rather than cook them improperly.