The Fetish of Authenticity ~ Gustavo Arellano on the Perils of ‘Cultural Appropriation’

[dropcap size=big]G[/dropcap]ustavo Arellano, L.A. Taco newly minted editor-at-large, appeared on Reason.tv and spoke about the impact of Jonathan Gold's passing, Burritos La Palma, the evolution of food fusion, and "the fetish of authenticity."

In the episode, which takes place at Burritos La Palma, Arellano says both liberals and conservatives are fetishizing things like street food to satisfy their conflicting view points that ultimately relegate people of color to a "less than" status.

"The conservatives want this authentic experience. They want to see how the other side live because for them the other side is lower than them," Arellano explains to host Nick Gillespie. "For the left – the other side – you have to exalt them. 'Oh, these poor, wretched people. We have to protect them.' Have you ever talked to those 'poor, wretched people'? Maybe they don't want your protection. Maybe they're perfectly fine."

Watch the full video below.

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