Skip to Content
Tacos

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.

RELATED:

One Chef's Day: What It Was like to Cater at Jonathan Gold's Family Farewell

When the Jewish Bakers of Boyle Heights Were Radical Socialists Instead of Trump Supporters?

Do You Know How to Read Tacos? Steven Alvarez Does

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

A Reddit Post Is Helping One of L.A.’s Most Iconic Mexican Restaurants, But It’s Far From Safe

This taquería nixtamalizes its own masa for handmade tortillas and despite surges of protesters nearby, their sales continue to suffer on Olvera Street.

April 3, 2026

Weekend Eats: Questlove’s Burgers and Mini Kabob Enter the Westside

Plus a favorite farmers market highlights island cuisine, a flour tortilla-based local taquería grows, and Prosperity Market is having a party to launch its kitchen and grocery store on wheels.

April 3, 2026

Bye-Bye Bondi: Trump Fires Attorney General, Accused of Continuing to Cover Up for Epstein Files

President Donald Trump is bringing his personal lawyer, who represented him during trials regarding “hush money” and election interference, into the ring as acting Attorney General.

April 2, 2026

Who Is L.A.’s Hero Posting Up These Anti-ICE Parking Signs?

This sign-maker uses the city’s own "uniform" to fix what he sees as a broken system with professional-grade materials. In a city where bureaucracy moves at a glacial pace, a new wave of activists has decided that if the government won't act, its citizens will.

April 2, 2026

The Ultimate Guide to the IE: Inner Inland Empire

Home to nearly 5 million people, the Inland Empire is one of Southern California's most misunderstood communities. Written by actual Inland Empire natives, our official guide cuts through the stereotypes and takes you straight to the real spots, including dishes and vibes you just can't get in L.A.

Daily Memo: Hospitalizations, Car Crashes, and Kavanaugh Stops Continue with ICE

ICE has continued targeting courthouses, jails, sending folks to hospitals still, crashing their vehicles, and performing Kavanaugh stops still, which, if you’re still unfamiliar with the term, are basically Supreme Court-endorsed racial profiling stops.

See all posts