No doubt about it – foodies often take themselves
(ourselves) too seriously. The endless
pursuit of the unique ingredient or some elusive source of the best of
something can reek of elitism. And while
we talk of great food as though everyone should experience it, we know we are
enjoying something that prices out many, many people.
Recently a group of artists in Providence, Rhode Island
poked some fun and satirical criticism at us and hit the nail on the head. Check out this article at The Atlantic’s
Citylab and have a good laugh:
I particularly appreciate this passage:
“The artists say Lura
was not intended as a criticism of foodies per se. “It’s just about how easy it
is to feed into hype, the need to belong in a community, and the elitist aspect
of it,” they told CityLab. “People are so into this foodie culture because it
does give you a sense of belonging [and] social hierarchy. It's a niche.”
Modern media has certainly allowed us all to hype whatever
we think should be shared with the world and build a movement – or a moment. Little has staying power so if you’re going
to draw attention to something, you have to have significant hype.
And foodies certainly like to build community and a sense of
belonging. That’s the point of my blog
after all. But I disagree that it has to
be a sense of elitism, hierarchy and niche.
Certainly there’s an element looking for the next Michelin star and the
next big go-to restaurant and chef. But
many of us just enjoy a delicious meal with great conversation. I am happy with a banh mi sandwich for half
the price and triple the flavor of a ubiquitous Subway. Show me a killer falafel spot for a cheap
snack and I will show you a happy guy. I
crave a taqueria and can walk to a half-dozen that make me happy for under
$10. And I don’t want these places
classed up; I have no interest in any elitist attitude about them. I want people to go to these places and enjoy
real food for a great price at a local spot that will keep their profits in the
community and not send them off to some bland, corporate overlord. Sometimes being a foodie is really about
great food at prices accessible to all prepared by neighbors.
That said, this Lura Café project was brilliant and made a
great point. Bravo!
