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submitted 2 years ago by Marighost@lemm.ee to c/news@lemmy.world

“We want to acknowledge some feedback received regarding our Juneteenth celebration,” Pezzuto said in his letter obtained by The North Carolina Beat. “Although our intent was to celebrate this nationally recognized day, some of you voiced your concerns regarding the associated food choices.”

In other words, we're sorry you were offended.

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[-] exanime@lemmy.today 12 points 2 years ago

Asking because I don't know, please don't read into it more than that...

What's the problem with chicken and watermelon? Other than not been a fancy food, it seems a step up from the pizza lunches we normally get

I understand there is a link (not a negative one, as far as I know) between African American folks and fried chicken... But as a Venezuelan native I would not be offended if my work served me Arepas as a celebration of anything related to me or my culture

[-] Marighost@lemm.ee 27 points 2 years ago

There is a long-standing history of using fried chicken and watermelon (among other foods) to negatively depict Black People in the United States. I agree that both foods are excellent (watermelon even being a popular summertime fruit that can feed a lot of people), but having them together on Juneteenth (a day of celebration for the freedom of Black People) is pretty on the nose.

[-] exanime@lemmy.today 12 points 2 years ago

Thanks for the answer and the link. I was unaware the link between Black people and fried chicken was derogatory... I assumed it was more cultural like Polish people and Perogies or British people with fish and chips

[-] Duamerthrax@lemmy.world 7 points 2 years ago

If it wasn't for derogatory imaginary, it probably would fit the same cultural niche as Perogies or fish and chips for African Americans or at least the ones with family from the south.

Buying a whole chicken was a cheap source of protein for poor families and because refrigeration was nonexistence to rare for these families for a long time, deep frying chicken was an easy way to preserve the meat from spoilage for about a week. Long enough to finish it. Because of how frequently the same basic dish was served, families would come up with personal recipes and spice mixes.

[-] Cethin@lemmy.zip 3 points 2 years ago

It'd also likely not be seen as derogatory if it weren't being served to them by their white corporate masters. I'm certain many black families enjoy these dishes to this day for juneteenth. However, some rich white people deciding to serve their workers that for a day celebrating the freeing of black Americans is a horrible look and there's no way anyone assumes anything but stereotypes used to make fun of black people for decades.

[-] MrShankles@reddthat.com 3 points 2 years ago

I feel like I gotta derail for half-a-spell: Perogies are amazing and one of my comfort foods.

That is all

[-] skulblaka@startrek.website 2 points 2 years ago

Yeah I can't blame the Polish for loving perogies for the same way I can't blame Mexicans for loving tamales. They're just good-ass food.

[-] MrShankles@reddthat.com 2 points 2 years ago

I'm nether and love both... is that cultural appropriation or appreciation? Idk, I'm just kinda a fatty

[-] b000rg@midwest.social 5 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

Charlotte, NC has a long history of racism and played a huge role in the civil rights movement, so the location plays a large part in why this is such a big deal.

this post was submitted on 20 Jun 2024
348 points (96.3% liked)

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