Monday, February 28, 2011

Black History Month


Today marks the last day of Black History Month. This month represents the small effort addressing the continual marginalization of Black people, communities, histories, narratives, etc. Due to the new discourse of post - civil rights era, post - racial era and colorblindness, understanding of inequalities and oppression shifts from talking about structural causes to cultural causes. Instead of talking about struggle and liberation in such a month, America has successfully reduce everyday struggle to superficial and stereotypical means like collard greens and fried chicken or "soul food".

In a a supermarket ad, Rainbow decided to celebrate Black History Month with stereotypical food that dominant hegemony associates with the communities. This particular action is perpetuating stereotypes, robbing people of their individualities and depoliticizing the struggle for equity in America.

These days, "exotic"/ "ethnic"/ "cultural" food become the markers of different ethnicities and racial groups. Humans are no longer living stories, narratives and experiences.


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