If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve likely come across Kalen Allen, who has captivated audiences with his entertaining video series, “Kalen Reacts.” In these videos, Allen watches food prep tutorials, providing hilarious commentary on the dishes and the culinary choices made by the creators. But there’s more than just humor at play; Allen’s critiques often highlight a troubling trend of cultural appropriation, particularly regarding dishes traditionally associated with Black culture. This raises the provocative question: “Can you truly gentrify cornbread?”
Absolutely, you can.
In one of the first “Kalen Reacts” videos I stumbled upon, Allen critiques a Tasty video featuring four methods to prepare cornbread. While cornbread has deep roots in southern cuisine, it’s a staple that many Black Americans, who often trace their ancestry back to the South, hold dear. For many, cornbread is simple and pure—just a touch of butter (honey butter if you want to be fancy). Most of us rely on Jiffy mix, which is both affordable and delicious.
While I appreciate the effort from Tasty to broaden culinary horizons, let’s leave cornbread alone. For heaven’s sake, do not add whole kernel canned corn to the batter—it looks unappetizing. No one ever thought, “You know what would improve this cornbread? Cotija cheese and cilantro!” Allen humorously declared, “I rebuke this in the name of all that is good.” I couldn’t agree more. His question about gentrifying cornbread made me reflect on other foods that have undergone similar transformations in recent years.
Kale: A Trendy Transformation
Take kale, for instance. This leafy green has been a staple in Black diets for generations. Yet, when it became trendy among white consumers, it exploded in popularity. I’ve never been a fan of kale, but I remember my mother preparing it with collard greens, simmering them with smoked turkey leg and generous amounts of vinegar. That was comfort food. But then, in Los Angeles, I saw a kale craze take hold, with green juice and kale smoothies popping up everywhere.
When Black people ate kale, it was just food. But once it became a hipster phenomenon, the price soared, and I had to hear friends complain about it. Why must people drink their greens? Green juice tastes like liquid salad—if you want a salad, just eat one!
The Rainbow Food Obsession
And what’s with the obsession over rainbow-colored food? Sure, I love vibrant dishes, but the trend has gone overboard. Rainbow salads, acai bowls, spring rolls, bagels, and even sushi have all jumped on the rainbow bandwagon. I was baffled when I saw a food truck offering rainbow elote (Mexican street corn). Did it really need to be more colorful? The answer is no.
Macaroni and Cheese: A Sacred Dish
Finally, let’s discuss macaroni and cheese—arguably one of the most iconic Black comfort foods. Baked mac and cheese is a sacred dish, and you can’t change that. Please don’t try to put breadcrumbs on it; that’s just wrong. The first time I encountered this was in a school cooking class, and I was horrified when my teacher suggested it.
Mac and cheese should consist of only pasta and cheese. No toppings like cornbread crumbs or Ritz crackers! And for the love of all that is holy, DO NOT put vegetables in mac and cheese. If you’re tempted to add Brussels sprouts, step away and rethink your life choices.
Kalen Allen also addresses some of the gentrified versions of mac and cheese, and they’re worth watching. The need to modify beloved dishes is perplexing—it’s as if moving into our neighborhoods and opening overpriced cafes isn’t enough. Just leave our food alone.
If you want to elevate your culinary game, consider using seasoned salt—not that generic stuff, but Lawry’s. It’s a game changer and will keep you from ruining classic dishes.
As Kalen says, “white folks need to be stopped.”
Conclusion
In summary, Kalen Allen’s critiques expose the issues surrounding cultural appropriation in food while also delivering comedic insights that resonate with many. His videos encourage viewers to appreciate traditional recipes and question culinary trends that dilute their cultural significance. And if you’re interested in the topic of home insemination as well, don’t miss our post on the home insemination kit or check out this resource on pregnancy from CCRM IVF. For more on pet parties, visit the authority site.