Did my wife cross a cultural boundary?

Summary

The author discusses the concept of cultural appropriation, specifically questioning whether his wife's choice to have a BLT bagel, contrary to traditional Jewish bagel fillings, could be considered crossing a cultural boundary.

Abstract

In an era where cultural sensitivity is paramount, the author reflects on the potential offense caused by cultural appropriation, traditionally associated with wearing another culture's attire. He recounts a personal experience at an airport where his wife ordered a bacon, lettuce, and tomato (BLT) bagel, which he initially protested as inappropriate given the Jewish origins of bagels. The author ponders whether such culinary choices, beyond clothing and accessories, can be deemed cultural appropriation and if his wife could face backlash or "cancellation" for her choice.

Opinions

The author suggests that cultural appropriation extends beyond wearing specific cultural attire, potentially encompassing food choices.
He implies a personal belief that certain traditional foods, like bagels with cream cheese and smoked salmon, should be respected and not altered in ways that might be culturally insensitive.
The author humorously questions whether his wife's choice of a BLT bagel, which includes bacon, could be offensive to the Jewish culture from which bagels originate.
He acknowledges the current social climate where actions perceived as cultural appropriation can lead to significant public backlash or "cancellation."
The author seems to be somewhat critical of the broad application of the term "cultural appropriation," as he lightly mocks the idea that his wife's culinary preference could be subject to such scrutiny.

Did my wife cross a cultural boundary?

A smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel Photo by Food Photographer on Unsplash

We seem to be living in an age where we are forever in danger of offending one group or another. Wearing a sombrero at a fancy dress party will offend Mexicans, we are told. The same goes for a feathered headdress. This will offend Native Americans.

This is called cultural appropriation.

I am English and, as far as I am aware, we do not have anything that can be culturally appropriated. Although maybe we can point the finger at American actors who attempt English accents, specifically the Cockney accent, (“Cor blimey Merwy Poppins” You all know who I am talking about.)

I need to know if cultural appropriation has gone beyond just the wearing of another culture’s headwear and onto other aspects of a people’s culture. Because if it has, I fear my wife crossed a cultural boundary some years ago.

This needs explaining.

I grew up in London’s east end, which once held a large Jewish community. This meant plenty of places selling Jewish food. One of my favourite foods was a bagel filled with cream cheese and smoked salmon.

I hadn’t eaten a cream cheese and salmon bagel for many years. So imagine my delight when my wife and I were waiting for a flight in one of our local airports and saw a stall selling bagels with fillings. I immediately ordered my favourite.

However, my wife, who is not from London, did not fancy a cream cheese and smoked salmon filling. She ordered a bacon, lettuce and tomato one.

“You can’t have bacon in a bagel,” I said. She pointed to the list on the wall. The list did include a BLT bagel. The man behind the counter, who had heard my protest, looked at me and shrugged. “You can have anything you want in your bagel.”

So, my wife enjoyed her BLT filled bagel.

Does this count as cultural appropriation?

Will she be cancelled?

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