For the past few days, I’ve had numerous friends ask me about my thoughts on Ree Drummond, better known as the Food Network’s Pioneer Woman. She’s certainly divisive, but I’ve never had many opinions about her, good or bad; she exists, and she brings some people joy, which I can’t and won't take away.
Lately, a five-year old clip from her show has been making the rounds online, involving Drummond prepping “Asian wings” for a cabal of hungry men. Thick Dumpling Skin, a podcast and blog staffed entirely by Asian Americans, surfaced the clip last week with the suggestion that it was subtly, but virulently, stoking timeworn anti-Asian sentiment. Take a look:
There’s a lot going on in this choppily edited, frenetic clip. It’s difficult to make sense of on the first watch, but I think I’ve decoded it after 30 views: Drummond plays a prank on the good old wing-hungry boys of her house. She brings out a spread of sesame-coated chicken wings from her oven, shocking the men. “Where are the real wings?” one befuddled man asks. Another weighs in: “I don’t trust ’em,” he claims of the Asian wings. Drummond, after playing fake for a bit, clears it up: She’s just joshing. "I wouldn't do that to you," she replies. She brings out the real American Buffalo wings, the jokester. (I'd take these maligned "Asian wings" over Buffalo wings any day.)
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This incident has initiated a typical call-and-response; look at the replies to that tweet for the gradient of opinions it's generated. Since Thick Dumpling Skin posted the clip last week, there’s been a growing chorus online of people asking the Food Network to take the episode out of rotation. Drummond has yet to issue a formal response to this controversy, though, according to HollywoodLife, a source close to Drummond says she doesn’t understand what the big fuss is about, that it’s mere “PC madness.” It's a sentiment that her supporters share. Some, of course, have insisted that this is a non-controversy, sticking to the playbook of lamenting about the sensitivities of a preciously apolitical space like food.
Anyone who’s skeptical of these claims may be swayed by the more salient point that Thick Dumpling Skin has tried to make. It's pointed out that the Food Network is, in general, shoddy when it comes to portraying the depth and variety of cuisines from Asia; that this Pioneer Woman segment, a mere 30 seconds, is a symptom of the mockery leveled against Asian food on the network. (Never mind that Asia is an impossibly large continent, and that we may very well start by clarifying and giving more nuance to a label like "Asian food.")
When it comes to this particular controversy, I’ll be honest—it’s got a slightly irksome undertone I can't quite place. And even if you don't agree with their read on this segment, there's something crummy about knowing that the concerns of some Asian Americans protesting this clip have been dismissed offhand. To the suggestion that the episode be taken out of rotation, well, I’m of mixed minds; let this gaffe live for the world to see! And, more importantly, please get this show some new editors.
What's your take on this segment? Let us know in the comments.
On Black & Highly Flavored, co-hosts Derek Kirk and Tamara Celeste shine a light on the need-to-know movers and shakers of our food & beverage industry.
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Written by: Mayukh Sen
Popular on Food52
197 Comments
Et
October 24, 2023
Having seen her show...yeah most comments about her are not wrong. Annnnd now Martin Scorsese has put her and the Drummonds under the spotlight. Considering her in-laws family probably had a hand in the exploitation of the indigenous Osage people and actively worked to steal their land and headrights. Karma right?
Dee
September 15, 2020
I think people over think everything that’s said today. People who can’t understand a joke and call it racial are ridiculous.Everything is not about racism. As far as Lee Drummonds goes she is just as good and personable as any tv personality. Another judgmental over ridiculous comment about her. If people don’t like her just turn the channel.
Linda
August 30, 2020
Please people stop taking offense to everything, that someone does or says. Can't we all just get along. Stop taking everything personal. Ridiculous.
Elizabeth D.
December 31, 2019
And therein lies the problem "the context for the joke was that she cooks for people who don't like to eat food with which they are not already familiar."
It's the height of ignorance not to like or try something new (regardless of what it is) just because you haven't tried it before. Ree Drummond's 'oh golly gee/shucks' act was old within the first five minutes of watching her show.
Her cooking isn't all that great nor is it healthy. My husband is Russian, Portuguese, and Chinese (I'm Russian-Jew and Irish). Asian food is among the most complex and nuanced food profiles that exist. Far more interesting than down home too-fatty/heavily-salted comfort food that comes from Ree's kitchen.
My mom always said, if you want to get to know someone, break bread with them. Learn about their food and you'll learn about their culture. That Ree's husband and friends aren't interested is quite telling about how they are open (or not) to learning something new, in other words, they aren't.
Like it or not, the face of America is changing. Eventually, it'll make its way to Oklahoma.
It's the height of ignorance not to like or try something new (regardless of what it is) just because you haven't tried it before. Ree Drummond's 'oh golly gee/shucks' act was old within the first five minutes of watching her show.
Her cooking isn't all that great nor is it healthy. My husband is Russian, Portuguese, and Chinese (I'm Russian-Jew and Irish). Asian food is among the most complex and nuanced food profiles that exist. Far more interesting than down home too-fatty/heavily-salted comfort food that comes from Ree's kitchen.
My mom always said, if you want to get to know someone, break bread with them. Learn about their food and you'll learn about their culture. That Ree's husband and friends aren't interested is quite telling about how they are open (or not) to learning something new, in other words, they aren't.
Like it or not, the face of America is changing. Eventually, it'll make its way to Oklahoma.
Ginger113*
December 4, 2019
I watch FN all the time and I simply love It! But, there are several cooks I cannot even stand to watch for even a little bit. One is the Pioneer Woman and the other one is the Italian lady. I cannot remember her name but she’s youngish. Anyway , they both irritate me for some reason haha. Ree especially. She seems fake and her voice is so baby like and she has all these little rehearsed comments that she makes. Ugh. Just cannot stand to watch Her!!! Not to mention, her food does not seem appealing at all!!!! I don’t even like when she judges the competitions. She only likes “ chewy” cookies. Well who cares! Your one person in. Million!! It’s ridiculous!!!!
Starbakhs
October 23, 2019
Ree is actually very racist. I am an avid food network watcher and I saw her judging a few shows, including food network star. One woman was Indian and cooked amazing food, and she had to present a show with ree. Ree was SO rude with her compared to the other white contestants and didn’t let her do her job, which ended up getting her eliminated. It was shocking to watch. Ree honestly is the new Paula deen. Unoriginal cooking, and racist. I never seen her use a single vegetable in her food besides corn, tomatoes, and iceberg lettuce. And then it’s the most uncreative flavor profiles.
Stephen S.
September 2, 2019
Was I the only one that caught one of the guys saying, as they saw the first wings: "Are you trying to turn us the "other way"? Really? Stupid.
Holly W.
May 11, 2019
All I know is that I tried the ready-to-eat "Fried Chicken with Gravy" from Walmart and found it rather unpleasant. There are frozen meals that are much less expensive that taste twice as good.
I think this woman's cooking is overrated.
I think this woman's cooking is overrated.
Suzie W.
April 27, 2019
I watched her show a few times and decided I did not care for her. Her recipes, like so many of these tv chefs, are extremely unhealthy, although I am sure that are delicious. I also do not care for her too happy attitude, overly cheery. She needs to get over herself.
Angie
March 2, 2019
I like her recipes but she’s not relatable to regular working people. And I personally would have chosen the Asian wings because I don’t care for buffalo wings.
I think it was tacky but she comes across as a rich, better than anyone else, kind of woman.
You’ll never see her feeding the homeless.
I think it was tacky but she comes across as a rich, better than anyone else, kind of woman.
You’ll never see her feeding the homeless.
Trish B.
February 11, 2019
I really think that humans have become a bunch of babies. Stop with the over sensitive nonsense. This wasn't anything to do with Asians in general, it was about an all american food fish being served to American cowboys. It would be the same if an Asian person was serving Campbell's chicken noodle soup to an Asian family and telling them it's Ramen.
EMBER
January 8, 2024
"In fact, the oldest recipe for chicken wings that has been uncovered comes from China in 750 AD, known as the Imperial Consort Chicken Wing."
Know your facts.
Know your facts.
Art
February 8, 2019
I find this article very hypocritical. I'm not Asian but my husbands relatives are. Some Asians in general are very particular about the food they eat. I've made non Asian food and my Asian relatives always want to eat thier own food. Many Asians feel thier food is the best and wont even try to cook American food.
J.l. M.
February 8, 2019
IF your "husband's RELATIVES" are Asian doesn't that make HIM Asian? You seem to exclude him from this.
Or is he Caucasian and was adopted by Asians? That would be a reverse.
Your odd phrasing makes its own kind of point here.
Or is he Caucasian and was adopted by Asians? That would be a reverse.
Your odd phrasing makes its own kind of point here.
Art
February 8, 2019
My husband is Asian but he likes to eat other types of food obviously. His relatives do not. What's does it matter about my husband??? I'm talking about how his relatives have a bias against non Asian food. This article downs non Asians for not wanting to eat Asian food but it happens the other way around too. The article is very hypocritical.
J.l. M.
February 11, 2019
You said "my husband's relatives are Asian" as if he's not.
Do you have an issue with it? Because if you said "my husand is Asian" we'd assume so are his relatives. But you don't want to say that.
Maybe you just didn't write very well but it sounds like a Freudian slip.
Do you have an issue with it? Because if you said "my husand is Asian" we'd assume so are his relatives. But you don't want to say that.
Maybe you just didn't write very well but it sounds like a Freudian slip.
Dee
September 15, 2020
The person who doesn’t get the husbands siblings or other relatives are married to asians.
Francesca
February 5, 2019
To say that I am not impressed with The Pioneer Woman is an understatement. I made the mistake of purchasing quite a few things from her collection from Walmart.ca. Every one of the things I purchased was defective - cheaply made - looked like something you'd buy at the dollar store. So I posted honest 1-star reviews for every item. Each review was initially approved and stayed on the website for a day or two and then disappeared. I then noticed that this happens to almost ALL negative (1 and 2 star) reviews on ALL Pioneer Woman items. When I asked Walmart about it, I never received a reply. When I emailed Ree directly about it, she didn't have the decency to reply either.
Also, I have been trying to get some items replaced directly from Dee, as I was told to do by Walmart, for a month now. After numerous emails back and forth telling me she would replace the items, I have yet to receive replacements or even a shipment confirmation. Every time I email her inquiring about it, I'm told that she hasn't been given a shipment date either. And she leaves me hanging instead of providing the proper customer service she should and getting right on it.
Never again will I purchase anything from this woman and I'm telling everyone I know who even mentions her product line not to, unless they want poorly made, poor quality, damaged items followed by the nightmare of trying to get a refund or replacement.
Also, I have been trying to get some items replaced directly from Dee, as I was told to do by Walmart, for a month now. After numerous emails back and forth telling me she would replace the items, I have yet to receive replacements or even a shipment confirmation. Every time I email her inquiring about it, I'm told that she hasn't been given a shipment date either. And she leaves me hanging instead of providing the proper customer service she should and getting right on it.
Never again will I purchase anything from this woman and I'm telling everyone I know who even mentions her product line not to, unless they want poorly made, poor quality, damaged items followed by the nightmare of trying to get a refund or replacement.
Sarah T.
February 23, 2019
Post your comments to Facebook and I bet you will get an answer. Go to her page and post.
annie
February 2, 2019
I can't stand this woman. The food is unhealthy, she cooks way too much for humans to consume and she looks like death with makeup. Please end this. Even Paula Deen had more class than this b----!
Aden
January 11, 2019
The problem is that she's a terrible and lazy cook with absolutely no idea what she's talking about. Someone like that giving advice to people is just not on.
J.l. M.
November 4, 2018
The real problem is that Ree is so thirsty for fame and fortune that she'll do a racist joke just to pander to any racist viewers. She's a city girl, she knows what she's doing. She's using light racism to get ahead.
And some of you like it.
And some of you like it.
J.l. M.
November 4, 2018
I'm sorry, don't know what an "Asian Wing" even is -- there are so many kinds, and they are so much more delicious than a "Buffalo Wing"! Asian food is an ancient cuisine from multiple countries and the very idea of labeling them "Asian Wings" is awfully vague.
As for Ree, her fake ranch w/its fake happy family is phony. I watch her show sometimes to see what she's cooking but it's increasingly stunt-filled. Unlike Ina Garten, who just has a great palate and yummy recipes and doesn't do stunts.
As for Ree, her fake ranch w/its fake happy family is phony. I watch her show sometimes to see what she's cooking but it's increasingly stunt-filled. Unlike Ina Garten, who just has a great palate and yummy recipes and doesn't do stunts.
Kirstieeeeee
May 26, 2019
I agree that Asian food is delicious and varied, and this whole controversy has justifiably landed Ree in hot water. But you don't have to put down American food to praise Asian food though lmao. Cayenne pepper sauce and butter on wings is perfectly delicious in its own right, you just don't have to insult an entire continent to express that appreciation.
Nee
May 26, 2019
Do you mean the Ina Garten that refused to meet with the kid from the Make A Wish Foundation? You know...the kid with cancer?? That Ina Garten??? She's such a stand up person. Very classy...
Jean
September 25, 2018
What if she had served buffalo wings and the eaters didn't like them and then she joked that she was only kidding and brought out the "real" Asian wings. Should then the buffaloes be upset or the people from Buffalo be offended? It's food, not a commentary on racial equality. Get over it, Mr and Ms Oversensitives.
Sharon
July 24, 2018
Oh no, not again. Please don't resurrect this. EVERYONE, put your hands up and step AWAY from the computer. That's it, nice and easy now. That's good. Back up slowly and leave the room. NOW GET YOUR SORRY BUTTS INTO THE KITCHEN AND COOK SOMETHING!
Shani
July 24, 2018
I just ran across this article. I have never watched Food52 or the Pioneer Woman for that matter although I have heard of both. After reading the article and people's comments I tried to think objectively. What I am concluding is that this is just a symptom of a bigger problem. The reason that these "provocations" are popping up over what seems like the slightest thing is that we as a new world culture have a giant pink elephant in the room. Our diversity has been built on a lot of oppression, suppression and denial that has not really been openly talked about and acknowledged. I think when we take a critical look at ourselves and how we got where we are in America today (the good, the bad and the ugly) then we can start healing. We can't suck it up and move on if we are not honest and open about hearing other people's experiences. The more we try to move on without addressing the inequalities that have occurred and continue to occur the more these "provocations" are going to leak into every area of our lives. When you have a wound in one area that has goes untreated for so long it begins to fester and soon the whole body is infected. There are very few people left who are actually native to this country. We almost wiped out an entire nation so that we could escape political, religious and economical oppression. Now we are inflicting that same oppression on others! Oh the irony! Where there is smoke there is fire. Let's help one another put the fires out. More listening, less judging.
Steven G.
July 24, 2018
Let he who is without sin....
To me this is not a major issue. I'm sure that Ree was not intentionally wanting to disrespect Asians. But what I do take issue with her about is her line of cast iron ware, which is Chinese made, not American made. Lodge is one of a few "old school" cast iron manufacturers that are left over from the o"old days" of cast iron. New manufacturers are appearing (Finex et al). Ree should really consider having an American-based manufacturer of her cast iron line. This Asian issue is not really all that much of a big deal.
To me this is not a major issue. I'm sure that Ree was not intentionally wanting to disrespect Asians. But what I do take issue with her about is her line of cast iron ware, which is Chinese made, not American made. Lodge is one of a few "old school" cast iron manufacturers that are left over from the o"old days" of cast iron. New manufacturers are appearing (Finex et al). Ree should really consider having an American-based manufacturer of her cast iron line. This Asian issue is not really all that much of a big deal.
Michael H.
October 21, 2017
RUKM? OMG. THIS IS NOT EVEN CLOSE TO RACISM. THIS IS LIBERAL BASHING OF TRADITIONAL AMERICAN VALUES IS WHAT IT IS. THESE COWBOYS ARE MEAT AND POTATO GUYS. THEY WATCH FOOTBALL, DO WHAT RANCH HANDS DO. I MYSELF THINK SHE MAKES ALOT OF WHAT I CALL CHICK FOOD. IS THAT RACIST AGAINST MEN THICK SKIN DUMPLING IDIOTS? THESE ARE HUNGRY COWBOYS WHO DONT WANT ANYTHING BUT WHAT THEYVE BEEN EXPECTING. BUFFALO WINGS. A KOKE GONE BAD IF THE RACIST LIBERALS NEED TO DESTROY ALL AMERICA. GO FIND A HOBBY RACISTS. GET REAL.
Lisa E.
March 22, 2017
....hmmm....I think this would be considered fake news. Or in other words truly a non-issue
creamtea
March 15, 2017
She was just messin' with the ranch hands' heads.
One Thanksgiving when we were just married, we went out to a restaurant and I ordered roast beef. I came home, and realized I was turkey-deprived-- not to mention missing my mother's stuffing and sweet potatoes. On any other day of the year I have no interest in turkey. On my Thanksgiving, I want Turkey. On Chanukah, we want latkes. On Passover, we want our braised lemon veal. Since then, I keep to the playbook for certain days of the year. Maybe the other 364 days of the year those cowboys would eat the "Asian" wings. (How authentic were they anyway?) There are certain days of the year you want the same old same old. FWIW my husband and girls want pizza and chips on game day. They eat more interesting (and healthier) food every other day and I'm happy to experiment on them. Incidentally I wouldn't be offended if cowboys turned down a platter of lox and bagels on Game Day. That happens to be my ethnic food. Let them eat Buffalo Wings. Not worth getting into a lather.
One Thanksgiving when we were just married, we went out to a restaurant and I ordered roast beef. I came home, and realized I was turkey-deprived-- not to mention missing my mother's stuffing and sweet potatoes. On any other day of the year I have no interest in turkey. On my Thanksgiving, I want Turkey. On Chanukah, we want latkes. On Passover, we want our braised lemon veal. Since then, I keep to the playbook for certain days of the year. Maybe the other 364 days of the year those cowboys would eat the "Asian" wings. (How authentic were they anyway?) There are certain days of the year you want the same old same old. FWIW my husband and girls want pizza and chips on game day. They eat more interesting (and healthier) food every other day and I'm happy to experiment on them. Incidentally I wouldn't be offended if cowboys turned down a platter of lox and bagels on Game Day. That happens to be my ethnic food. Let them eat Buffalo Wings. Not worth getting into a lather.
creamtea
March 15, 2017
(and P.S. I grew up in a part of Southern California that was then more rural than it is now. The kids who got off the school bus after me my area, on the outskirts, were cowboys.)
NK42
June 3, 2018
"I wouldn't be offended if cowboys turned down a platter of lox and bagels on Game Day."
How would you feel if one of those cowboys flippantly said, "I don't trust them" after being served Jewish fare?
How would you feel if one of those cowboys flippantly said, "I don't trust them" after being served Jewish fare?
Tom K.
February 26, 2020
I can’t imagine that she would be racist. They may not be exposed to a lot in of diversity in Oklahoma because it’s Oklahoma.
And they are not representative of anything normal. They are near billionaires who own everything in town. lol,almost.
This is a staged show like all of them.
My guess... Good people who simple are not exposed to alot of daily diversity.
So i don’t think it was racism. I’ve seen the same thing when Rhea talks and cooks veggie foods the cowboys don’t like. “Women food”. Sexist and racist??? I think it it far less diabolical here. I believe it is simply the response to anything that is different. No ill will that I can see.
Be nice is they had some diversity. But maybe it would be simply again too staged???
They are in a part of the nation that has almost no diversity of any kind. Not her fault. I don’t think it was meant to offend. We can all do better. Respectfully
And they are not representative of anything normal. They are near billionaires who own everything in town. lol,almost.
This is a staged show like all of them.
My guess... Good people who simple are not exposed to alot of daily diversity.
So i don’t think it was racism. I’ve seen the same thing when Rhea talks and cooks veggie foods the cowboys don’t like. “Women food”. Sexist and racist??? I think it it far less diabolical here. I believe it is simply the response to anything that is different. No ill will that I can see.
Be nice is they had some diversity. But maybe it would be simply again too staged???
They are in a part of the nation that has almost no diversity of any kind. Not her fault. I don’t think it was meant to offend. We can all do better. Respectfully
Tran
March 14, 2017
I'm Vietnamese and I don't find the clip itself to be insensitive, for what it's worth. And Food Network is always one of my favorite things. But I do wonder if I'm the only Asian that finds it grating (and confusing) when "Asian flavor" is referenced on any show as if the thousands of years of distinct culinary histories all have one single flavor profile ie. soy sauce, ginger and sesame. My hope is that if people can tell Peruvian from Mexican with enough exposure, they will also come to understand food from each Asian country - each local region even - is all distinctive and delicious.
Amelia S.
March 15, 2017
I'm not Asian, but I've spent time in a handful of Asian countries and I also find the whole idea of "Asian flavor" irksome. There is no such thing!
athy
March 14, 2017
Much of an Ado about nothing!!! We have a whole lot more to be worry about. This in my simple mind is just absurd. With such a successful show,
why would she go out of her way to cause controversy. These are ranch hands that like their food the way they have always had it.
why would she go out of her way to cause controversy. These are ranch hands that like their food the way they have always had it.
witloof
March 14, 2017
Not "everyone" is mad at The Pioneer Woman. I most certainly am not. I agree with the poster who suggested that the context for the joke was that she cooks for people who don't like to eat food with which they are not already familiar, and not a gratuitous slur against the cuisine of another culture. People who choose to take offense when none was meant are tiresome. This kind of discussion is uncharacteristic of, and beneath, Food52.
milkjam
March 14, 2017
mmurray, your words are what I would have written if I had your ability and thoughtfulness.When you strive for provocation, you get provocation. All a growing number of people need is an opening. Please stop giving this opening.
Food52 is to me, a refuge from the gratuitous and inflammatory beast that all too often is the internet.
Food52 is to me, a refuge from the gratuitous and inflammatory beast that all too often is the internet.
mmurray
March 14, 2017
Something I wonder about is whether Food52 has decided that sometimes it just needs to be provocative just to be provocative for whatever reason and this contributor always seems to fit the bill being what at least I have read to be the most extensive, controversial and emphatic comments. I read and follow his articles to try to be fair and have an open mind and every once in a while I say to myself "ah, Mayukh, nice...a lovely sensitive, informational article and less "provocative". I agree with all the posters who say there are enough sites for provocative. Inform me; teach me; engage me. Let me engage in nice, civil discussion and opinion and not attack or condemn. Tell me how to cook better, find better ways to cook what I know; show me pretty and useful things to buy to enrich my life in the kitchen. Honestly there is especially now so much of that provocative now everywhere else. I agree as to why do we feel the need to attack a site that seems to take issue with a TV SHOW. I honestly thought (and hoped) this site was beyond that. These articles which seem (at least to me) to just provoke.(and yes, starting with the provocative titles) do seem to be that just for provocative sake. It's too bad if we have to limit our exposure to articles on this site because of the unnecessary provocative nature of some articles and the unnecessarily nasty, vitriolic and close-minded comments. really too bad.
Becky
March 14, 2017
I watch the show a lot and while I see how this can be offensive to some, I also think it's unfairly taken out of context. Throughout the show and the blog, Drummond has frequently poked fun at the fact that her husband isn't a very adventurous eater, even (Drummond jokes) refusing to eat dishes with wine in them. This was yet another part of that running theme rather than an intentionally anti-Asian move.
Lindsay-Jean H.
March 14, 2017
We love lively discussions, but we want to keep Food52 a welcoming and respectful place. Please remember to stay respectful and keep responses to the topic at hand rather than attacks or judgments about other people (whether the subject of an article, the members of our team, or your fellow Food52ers)—we will remove any comments that are abusive or otherwise violate our Terms.
Nancy
March 14, 2017
Nice idea, Lindsay-Jean.
But have never seen your "Terms" and a quick look at the bottom of the page shows no link.
Maybe post them prominently, both on the Features page and Hotline.
Or direct us to where we can see them.
But have never seen your "Terms" and a quick look at the bottom of the page shows no link.
Maybe post them prominently, both on the Features page and Hotline.
Or direct us to where we can see them.
Lindsay-Jean H.
March 14, 2017
Hi Nancy, you can find a link to them at the bottom left of the page (or right here: https://food52.com/terms).
Nancy
March 14, 2017
OK, LJ, I found them.
BUt/and they are so long and detailed. Look like they were written by lawyers, and are the things you click "yes" on without reading to get new phone or software.
Recommend you make them simpler, have a link that's easier to find and rename them, or make a separate section, simply "Terms for Commenters and Contributors".
BUt/and they are so long and detailed. Look like they were written by lawyers, and are the things you click "yes" on without reading to get new phone or software.
Recommend you make them simpler, have a link that's easier to find and rename them, or make a separate section, simply "Terms for Commenters and Contributors".
SKK
March 14, 2017
Please respond to my question.
As a member of Food52 since 2011, my understanding of the purpose of Food52 is "Helping people become smarter, happier and better cooks." How does this article forward the purpose?
As a member of Food52 since 2011, my understanding of the purpose of Food52 is "Helping people become smarter, happier and better cooks." How does this article forward the purpose?
Lindsay-Jean H.
March 14, 2017
Hi SKK -- As Kenzi noted, we believe it's important—and relevant—to start these types of conversations, in this case, about the different meanings foods have to different people. Sharing current topics in an even-handed way, and learning from each other’s opinions on them, certainly plays into making sure we’re all encouraging each other to be as thoughtful as possible about the food we cook and eat.
beth.nelson1
March 14, 2017
But this article did nothing to start a conversation about the different meanings foods have to different people. What important or relevant conversation do you think was started by this article? Reading through all the comments it is abundantly clear that the vast majority disagree with these kind of click bait articles.
SKK
March 15, 2017
I agree with beth.nelson1. And you did not answer my question as to how the article forwarded the stated purpose? There was no important or relevant conversation that came out of this article. It did not make me become a "smarter, happier and better cook." It created upset in a community that has an intent to come together. And this topic was not presented in an even-handed way. If that was the case the title would have not been "Why is Everyone Mad at Pioneer Woman?" It would have been something like "Re-thinking Food Network" I am disappointed by editors' response to this piece.
BerryBaby
March 14, 2017
I watched this, more than once, it's an older episode that has been shown many times. Ree was playing a joke with the cowboys that was it. She makes Asian dishes often. Like the episode where she makes Chinese takeout for her and her daughter. The men were acting, all FN shows are scripted and there was nothing intented other than making two versions of wings and fooling the men. FN shows more reruns than new shows. Check the dates...many are from 2008 or earlier.
scott.finkelstein.5
March 14, 2017
I feel like pretty much everything said in the article could have fit into a title. It's just that "blog angry that old TV episode shows some people not likeing recipe presented as 'asian'" wouldn't have actually attracted any clicks, unlike the current inaccurate and uninformative specimen.
Sharon
March 13, 2017
Gee golly, can't even check my email today without a dozen new posts from Food52 jamming my inbox! Don't know how ANYONE can say this isn't "click-bait" when it's clearly baited everyone to click on it. How long are we going to chew on this nonsensical cud?
Jordan
March 13, 2017
A lot of valid points have already been well articulated, so I won't reinvent the wheel here. I will just say that I haven't felt like I was in The Food Network's target demo for awhile now, let alone The Pioneer Woman's, so when I heard about Thick Dumpling Skin's original post, and then got into the details of their discontent, I guess my reaction was mostly Not Surprised.
Ree Drummond lives on a ranch in Oklahoma. Having grown up next door to her state, in Arkansas, although I'm uncomfortable with the segment personally, I know it aired the way it did because that's the kind of thing folks in that part of the country find humorous. It would never even dawn on them to consider how it might look to someone of Asian background.
Having said that, while I would hope Food Network would see this as an opportunity to do better at representing and honoring cultural diversity going forward, I believe the ball of raising the level of discourse will be left firmly in the court of the non-traditional media (like Food52, and the Thick Dumpling Skin podcast) going forward.
Ree Drummond lives on a ranch in Oklahoma. Having grown up next door to her state, in Arkansas, although I'm uncomfortable with the segment personally, I know it aired the way it did because that's the kind of thing folks in that part of the country find humorous. It would never even dawn on them to consider how it might look to someone of Asian background.
Having said that, while I would hope Food Network would see this as an opportunity to do better at representing and honoring cultural diversity going forward, I believe the ball of raising the level of discourse will be left firmly in the court of the non-traditional media (like Food52, and the Thick Dumpling Skin podcast) going forward.
Nora J.
March 13, 2017
The comments below and replies to the tweet are far more inflammatory than the article or the original tweet. Weird and disappointing. I guess you can post like grownups, Food52, but there’s always someone who will still go big-drama-adolescent on you. I hope that won't discourage you from continuing.
I was done - DONE- with extreme PC garbage as of 11//9- and I found Thick Dumpling Skin’s original tweet and blog post wonderfully civil, respectful, and anti-inflammatory. They felt the segment was anti-Asian (no kidding! - I found it squicky from a female perspective, as well) and said so, and commented "not cool". That's *exactly* what people do who have an objection they want to raise, while giving the speaker the benefit of the doubt.
I have a great deal of respect for Thick Dumpling Skin NOT demanding that the episode be taken down. Maybe that's the right thing for TFN to do; maybe there are other better ways to address the issue, like looking seriously at how they treat Asian food at a programming level, or maybe they decide this is awesome, their target audience specifically prefers programming that make aggrieved liberals scream.
But the demand for specific apologies/responses for something that was not meant to offend (however dumbass) is just.....gross. Worse than the episode criticized. It smacks of religious zealots demanding nonbelievers recant their heresy or be burned at the stake.
Threatening someone into a show of compliance does not educate, enlighten, persuade, change minds – quite the opposite. So come on, people, just STOP that! Look what is happening - we liberals can't afford to be aggrieved, self-indulgent 13 year olds. It hurts our cause INFINITELY more than it helps it.
Ree Drummond is an educated, conservative, parochial red-state housewife; her fans, based on the limited sample of my Facebook feed, are a similar demographic. I predict if you asked them about this issue, you’d get a saltier response that “PC Nonsense”. Meanwhile, my elitist leftie foodie friends are all “Pioneer Who? Like Little House on the Prairie?” Different demographics.
Just to say - if you are a liberal watching Ree, you have to accept that you are NOT the target audience and that you’re observing different culture, one that may jar your sensibilities. And if it offends you that much, turn it off. If you must say something, be civil and maintain perspective, like Thick Dumpling Skin.
And if you want to change anything, even make a small dent in someone’s culture, you are in for a long haul. You are going to have to engage people and learn what they care about and manage to be persuasive about what you care about and then you are going to have to wait years for change to happens. That’s how it works.
I was done - DONE- with extreme PC garbage as of 11//9- and I found Thick Dumpling Skin’s original tweet and blog post wonderfully civil, respectful, and anti-inflammatory. They felt the segment was anti-Asian (no kidding! - I found it squicky from a female perspective, as well) and said so, and commented "not cool". That's *exactly* what people do who have an objection they want to raise, while giving the speaker the benefit of the doubt.
I have a great deal of respect for Thick Dumpling Skin NOT demanding that the episode be taken down. Maybe that's the right thing for TFN to do; maybe there are other better ways to address the issue, like looking seriously at how they treat Asian food at a programming level, or maybe they decide this is awesome, their target audience specifically prefers programming that make aggrieved liberals scream.
But the demand for specific apologies/responses for something that was not meant to offend (however dumbass) is just.....gross. Worse than the episode criticized. It smacks of religious zealots demanding nonbelievers recant their heresy or be burned at the stake.
Threatening someone into a show of compliance does not educate, enlighten, persuade, change minds – quite the opposite. So come on, people, just STOP that! Look what is happening - we liberals can't afford to be aggrieved, self-indulgent 13 year olds. It hurts our cause INFINITELY more than it helps it.
Ree Drummond is an educated, conservative, parochial red-state housewife; her fans, based on the limited sample of my Facebook feed, are a similar demographic. I predict if you asked them about this issue, you’d get a saltier response that “PC Nonsense”. Meanwhile, my elitist leftie foodie friends are all “Pioneer Who? Like Little House on the Prairie?” Different demographics.
Just to say - if you are a liberal watching Ree, you have to accept that you are NOT the target audience and that you’re observing different culture, one that may jar your sensibilities. And if it offends you that much, turn it off. If you must say something, be civil and maintain perspective, like Thick Dumpling Skin.
And if you want to change anything, even make a small dent in someone’s culture, you are in for a long haul. You are going to have to engage people and learn what they care about and manage to be persuasive about what you care about and then you are going to have to wait years for change to happens. That’s how it works.
E
March 13, 2017
LOVE this, you wrote a bunch of my thoughts out in a way I was struggling to do. I agree - threatening someone into compliance is not much better than ignorance, since the person feeling threatened is not likely to comply anyway, and is probably going to feel resentful and further the divide. And totally agree with the target audience comment too - I know I am not in her target audience at all, so when I saw the clip (and it made *me* feel weirded out, but not really racist) I just though "well this definitely flies for her target audience, and that definitely does not include me."
Anyway great comment!
Anyway great comment!
Denisious
March 14, 2017
I am of the same mind as you guys, the process is looooong for basic inner beliefs to change (i.e. something one believes but is totally unaware of this belief's impact on others) but we must keep fighting the good fight
PaulMichaelTM
March 13, 2017
I sent this to Kristie already, but I'll say it again.
How is this click-bait? The author simply brought attention to a current topic. He presented the original source and made a comment about it. He didn't try to force-feed ANY agenda upon the reader. He simply shed some light on the matter. He left the article open-ended for a constructive conversation regarding the concerns some Asian-Americans have had with being 100% disregarded for bringing it up. Personally, I have watched the show and I enjoy Rhee as a tv hostess. Particularly because it is a whimsical portrayal of what ranch life might be like. I have never lived on a ranch so I find it entertaining. Will I consider her to have a command over asian cuisine -- not likely. Do I find this clip racist? Not necessarily. I get the joke and I understand that this clip is probably taken a little out of context (which the author states is likely what happened). It doesn't mean that the authors comments about the Food Network aren't supported or felt by a large number of people. So, let's stop with the "click-bait" bit. We all have the freedom to read what we want and to "click" on what we want.
How is this click-bait? The author simply brought attention to a current topic. He presented the original source and made a comment about it. He didn't try to force-feed ANY agenda upon the reader. He simply shed some light on the matter. He left the article open-ended for a constructive conversation regarding the concerns some Asian-Americans have had with being 100% disregarded for bringing it up. Personally, I have watched the show and I enjoy Rhee as a tv hostess. Particularly because it is a whimsical portrayal of what ranch life might be like. I have never lived on a ranch so I find it entertaining. Will I consider her to have a command over asian cuisine -- not likely. Do I find this clip racist? Not necessarily. I get the joke and I understand that this clip is probably taken a little out of context (which the author states is likely what happened). It doesn't mean that the authors comments about the Food Network aren't supported or felt by a large number of people. So, let's stop with the "click-bait" bit. We all have the freedom to read what we want and to "click" on what we want.
E
March 13, 2017
Though we have differing views, I still totally agree with you overall! One person's cup of tea (liking Rhee as a hostess) is another person's lukewarm stale water, but ultimately the point is this article was not click-baity - it just presented why Asian-Americans are feeling dismissed and upset. I, too, didn't think the clip was racist (as someone who has been slurred at with racist words, we use racist too often for everything) - I just thought it was kind of crummy and strange. Anyway, this comment is just one bit of proof that people don't need to totally agree to still be respectful to one another!
scott.finkelstein.5
March 14, 2017
It's the title. It's neither informative (as it says nothing about what happened) nor accurate (the angry people number in the dozens), so that it's clearly written to get people to click on a story that they'd otherwise have zero interest in.
Ann-Marie D.
March 14, 2017
FYI: "Clickbait is a pejorative term describing web content that is aimed at generating online advertising revenue, especially at the expense of quality or accuracy, relying on sensationalist headlines or eye-catching thumbnail pictures to attract click-throughs and to encourage forwarding of the material over online social networks. Clickbait headlines typically aim to exploit the "curiosity gap", providing just enough information to make readers curious, but not enough to satisfy their curiosity without clicking through to the linked content. From a historical perspective, the techniques employed by clickbait authors can be considered derivative of yellow journalism, which presents little or no legitimate well-researched news and instead uses eye-catching headlines that include exaggerations of news events, scandal-mongering, or sensationalism."
E
March 13, 2017
1. A lot of these comments (but not all) are from people who conveniently made accounts only today hmmm 2. There's nothing clickbaity about the url title or the piece title, it's literally a question posed related to someone entrenched in the food world, with the following piece trying to explain a few view points as to why people are mad. There was absolutely no trash talking in this piece, and no one was trying to spread hate. In fact, this article was trying to make sense as to WHY people are upset. 3. People are using some dated, and dare I say, racist terms in the comments like "oriental" so I can't say I take those comments seriously when they try to have an opinion on a topic about Asians feeling dismissed. 4. Yknow, I personally dgaf about the Pioneer Woman, I don't fit her demographic at all, and I think she's all shtick BUT watching the clip... that just seems like how she's always come off since the inception of her blog, even pre Food Network. It's crummy and crappy, but the Pioneer Woman's audience is an audience that doesn't care about the crumminess. So although it wasn't a great clip, it's in line with her shtick. I'm passing on being personally upset by this as an Asian (though South Asian, not East Asian like the wings are claiming to be) because this is par for the course with her.
To those who are upset - I feel you, but the pioneer woman has always been like this. Just scroll through all of her vaguely ethnic recipes, and then read the comments. And look at her other vaguely ethnic recipe show clips. This one wing video is but one example. You all are probably not in her demographic anyway, so yea it sucks that she and her fans are dismissive towards your justified feelings, they don't care so you won't be able to change their minds.
Now pass me some KFC - Korean Fried Chicken, PLEASE!
To those who are upset - I feel you, but the pioneer woman has always been like this. Just scroll through all of her vaguely ethnic recipes, and then read the comments. And look at her other vaguely ethnic recipe show clips. This one wing video is but one example. You all are probably not in her demographic anyway, so yea it sucks that she and her fans are dismissive towards your justified feelings, they don't care so you won't be able to change their minds.
Now pass me some KFC - Korean Fried Chicken, PLEASE!
Sandy B.
March 13, 2017
I am proud to be following a blog and website that not only posts such interesting and even-handed viewpoints but that engenders such a volume of intelligent and well written comments on such a spectrum of provocative positions.
Rachel
March 13, 2017
Sarah, Kenzie.... Why? Why poke at a sore spot... again? This is the same condescending snark (ironically exactly the same subject... making fun of Ree Drummond for being a toothless, tasteless, backwater Okie) that turned me almost permanently from your site last time. Why do this to your readership? I thought that Amanda and Merrill put out that article that talked about the positive power of community, rather than the divisive snarking.
Dianas
March 13, 2017
This doesn't seem very adult to be trashing another blog author and tv personality online. Someone is always trying to spread hate and discontent. I hope this isn't the kind of article food 52 will continue to publish.
Cleowhiskey
March 13, 2017
It's not clear to me why everyone's so upset with Food52 for running this article and letting people know about Asian American activist activity with regard to a food tv personality. This is merely information and I'm glad to know about it. If it's "clickbait," you're the ones who _chose_ to click on the article. I find it disheartening that when Asian Americans kick up a fuss over something that can be construed as a racially charged put-down of their group, it's greeted with vituperative scorn. There's every reason to find the cooking segment racially derogatory. For men to say "I don't trust them" about FOOD is totally coded language. It's an act of projecting an enduring stereotype about Asians as being "hard to read" or untrustworthy onto food that supposedly represents them. Who says they don't "trust" food? You might not like the taste or flavor, but TRUST?!! There's definitely something going on with that choice of words. Get over your anti-PC outrage, people, and let Asians have a chance to express their anger over everyday acts of racism too.
meg
March 13, 2017
People who don't understand why this clip is problematic have likely never lived the experience of having your food scorned or disdained the way the first set of "asian" wings is here. The mere fact that you follow a website about food and cooking - that you take time out of your day to read about recipes, techniques, and ingredients - conveys that you understand the importance of food in our culture and our hearts; that you yourself place some degree of importance on creating and sharing dishes that foster joy and warmth. I would find it hard to believe that those calling this "PC bullshit" would not be offended (or at least a little bit stung or sad) if someone turned up their nose at a dish that their mother or father made for them when they were sick. The food that we associate with our homes and families evoke powerful emotional responses, and our attitudes towards different cultural cuisines speak volumes about what cultures are valued over others. If you think the gastronomic arena is an environment safe from white privilege, you are sorely mistaken. Ethnic food has had to fight to be seen as equal to Eurocentric "classical" cuisines and is still woefully under- and misrepresented in many parts of the country. Is this the most offensive thing on TV? No. But there is a deep historical and cultural context to the negative feelings it elicits, and those should be respected.
joebuckeye
March 13, 2017
I read the "offensive" parts of the broadcast. It wasn't racist, and falsely accusing someone of racism is just as bad. They owe her an apology. Her family doesn't like asian wings, so what.
Sherry
March 13, 2017
I'm Oriental (NOT Asian, which is as bad as labeling Irish. Jewish, Greek, etc. under the generic "White" umbrella) and to me the Thick Dumpling Skins are a bunch of thin-skinned crybabies with a major chip on their collective shoulder. Get over it, people. These guys were expecting buffalo wings. If you were promised cake for dessert and were given sliced fruit instead, wouldn't you be less than enthusiastic?
Marie F.
March 13, 2017
I have seen this episode and it is not at all "anti-Asian." There must have been comments taken out of context, because I found this whole thing laughable. Either that or, people are subscribing to the blog called "Marlboro Woman" who must have been a bully growing up. Her cronies spend lots of time online trashing Ree. It's pretty scary. Also you have to pay to belong to her blog. People with too much time on their hands!
Darlene
March 13, 2017
The part in the clip that bothers me is when she says "I wouldn't do that to you" as if foisting "Asian Wings" upon her "cabal of hungry men" was somehow offensive, because I too would have preferred the Asian wings any day, but I find the title of this article and some of its commentary more inciteful than insightful. I also have a general problem when people dig up things that happened years ago as if people couldn't possibly have learned or grown in that period of time. If anyone who reads this article can confidently say that anything they expressed five or more years ago was completely without offense or provocation in the light of the current day, then congratulations on your prescience. As to the Pioneer Woman's televised show, I'm ambivalent, as she doesn't tend to feature recipes that strongly appeal to me. I did catch a very recent episode that featured bento box lunches for cowboys on the range (keep in mind the individual "Point of View" that the Food Network insists each of their hosts hammer home) and Mason jar salads (not sure based on the filming date if that was on trend or trailing the caboose) but my primary take away was being appalled that she squeezed lemons into dressing and not only took no pains to prevent the seeds from getting into the bowl, but with several evident lemon seeds floating on the surface, she just proceeded to stir it up and pour it over the salad. That is the kind of OCD thing that bothers me in a cooking program (I am apparently related to Saturday Night Live's "Anal Retentive Chef")
Austin B.
March 13, 2017
Can I find bottles of your delicious tears in the Food52 store? You (and Thin Dumpling Skin) are sad little babies.
Ann-Marie D.
March 13, 2017
Any article that elicits a comment like "You are sad little babies" from another reader does not belong on food52. We have officially come into the crass insults we try to escape from other websites. Managing Editor, case closed.
scruz
March 13, 2017
i'm beginning to cringe when i come to food52 because i never know if i will be reading more pc garbage, micro aggressive overly sensitive searching for true justice cultural appropriation trigger warning cupcake bs. let's just talk cooking, cooking science, recipes and leave the bs to Facebook and the rest.
KK
March 13, 2017
If people actually watched The Pioneer Woman, they'd know she loves Asian-inspired food and was teasing the cowboys with her dinner. This is a non-issue being turned into a controversy.
Hasini R.
June 28, 2020
The point os why is this teasing? What ind of jerks react to “asian “ spiced wings whatever that means like someon it earthworms into their lunch in grade school and then say, i don’t trust them?
Molly
March 13, 2017
Seriously? For a group with the name "Thick Dumpling Skin" they sure do have thin Asian skin. Get over yourselves. She's a cattle rancher from the US of A. Asian food isn't exactly her bread and butter. How about Asians produce a cooking show and showcase their fare?
Carl
March 13, 2017
Anna Carson-Dewitt - What is your response to your own question? Personally I look to Food52 not for this kind of messaging. Read the Food52 Manifesto - this 'very provocative' communication simply does not belong. It smells of crass commercialism that online is an example of "clickbait" I follow many culinary threads and personalities and have for many decades. Why did I read the post? Because someone on my team was surprised and forwarded it to my attention because they know I'm a huge fan of Food52 and it's founders and what they contribute to cooking for "everyone" I DO NOT expect this kind of messaging to be promoted via their social media feeds. Food52 is about the positivity of kitchen, cooking, food and the entire experience "if you cook....." this simply doesn't belong. That ok with you Anna?
Anna C.
March 13, 2017
To all the people saying that this discussion of food as part of our larger culture isn't relevant and is "clickbait" and a "waste of space"-- if it's such a non-issue, why did reading Thick Dumpling Skin and Mayukh's genuine reactions to this clip make you so upset? Why not just go on with your day? As you react so strongly to something that you could just as easily ignore, you might ask ourselves whether some part of their commentary resonates with you and make you feel criticized and attacked. What about this resonates with you in a way that causes you to take it so personally?
Ann-Marie D.
March 13, 2017
I didn't read the article as yoi can glance at 3 words and see IT IS NOT RELATED to food52's old magic. This is a pattern from writing about kitchen tiles and recalled sofas - again nothing to do with food, however they want to connect it to entertaining and design.
Brownie H.
March 13, 2017
Wow. I will be unfriending Food52 on FB and unsubscribing your emails. So sick of this hate. Shame on you.
Carl
March 13, 2017
I agree with Kristie Powell - I'm MORE ASHAMED of FOOD52 for promotely ClickBait. I think if we poured through every comment on Burnt Toast and all the various posts, we could easily create a brouhaha of even greater magnitude. I get Rhee, I grew up on a 170+ year old Texas Historic working ranch, but was educated in the US and Internationally. I feel like this kind of Food52 post is no better than Donald Trump stirring up racist sentiment in his campaign rallies. I do not believe that the Pioneer Women is racist whatsoever. I also find it offensive in reader comments below for blasting her about recipe originality. Never has she said "I created this recipe from scratch" She's a home cook, who is cooking on a stack of hand-me-down recipes and books in the way that most cooks at least where I grew up do. I have 4 generations of recipes that have morphed over time across my family going back to Norway, Germany and the Carolinas before my family settle in Texas in the mid-1800's. Come on my friends - have a little charity in your hearts. Amanda & Merrill can't you find something else to stir up conversation to generate sales and following??? Seriously!!!
Tracy W.
March 13, 2017
If you watch her show regularly you know her ranch men love 'American classic' flavors and she, herself loves food with an Asian flair. I bet those were for her and she made the others for the men.
Hasini R.
June 28, 2020
Again, i fon’t trust them? What is that? Also msybe these men need to grow up. Buffalo wings were also invented relatively recently. If they van like frank’s hot sauce, they can like sriracha unless their minds are closed
Nicole B.
March 13, 2017
Have any of you fed a group of Cowboys? They are typically pretty simple meat and potatoes kinda guys. You put anything unusual on their food and they are liable to not trust you for years to come and that definitely includes putting sesame seeds on chicken wings. It has nothing to do with political correctness and everything to do with razzing Cowboys on their lack of adventurous taste in food.
Kristie P.
March 13, 2017
I'm Asian, and I found the clip confusing and poorly acted, not racist. I'm most annoyed that I fell for your shameless clickbait.
PaulMichaelTM
March 13, 2017
How is this click-bait? The author simply brought attention to a current topic. He presented the original source and made a comment about it. He didn't try to force-feed ANY agenda upon the reader. He simply shed some light on the matter. He left the article open-ended for a constructive conversation regarding the concerns some Asian-Americans have had with being 100% disregarded for bringing it up. Personally, I have watched the show and I enjoy Rhee as a tv hostess. Particularly because it is a whimsical portrayal of what ranch life might be like. I have never lived on a ranch so I find it entertaining. Will I consider her to have a command over asian cuisine -- not likely. Do I find this clip racist? Not necessarily. I get the joke and I understand that this clip is probably taken a little out of context (which the author states is likely what happened). It doesn't mean that the authors comments about the Food Network aren't supported or felt by a large number of people. So, let's stop with the "click-bait" bit. We all have the freedom to read what we want and to "click" on what we want.
Tracey J.
March 13, 2017
I sort of started this comment storm with my remark which could have in hindsight been worded differently, for that I am sorry. And trust me I did not come here looking for controversy. I came looking for dinner, but the article caught my eye and it's well written and it merely poses a question, and an important one in these divisive, insane times. An article and video that 5 years ago went unnoticed suddenly becomes fodder for a bigger issue in our society. And despite the fact so many want a food site to only be a food site, as someone said, this goes to all parts of life these days. Gardening sites, dog sites, fly fishing sites I'm sure it's on all of them. When a society loses the basic fabric of it's decency, humanity and empathy an off handed remark made 5 years ago by a cowboy about a chicken wing starts dripping with other meanings. Meanings that were not evident at the time. When people who live here and yet come from other countries are worried about being sent away, profiled, abused, killed or kicked out - A taco is sadly no longer just a taco. Suddenly not knowing the difference between Indian and Chinese food has different value attached. And despite the fact she's in rural Oklahoma if you deal with food and put recipes out there you should know about what you are writing. And I agree with the person who said if you are a public figure who hurts feelings - especially now when life is a tinder box then you explain yourself. I am sorry if I offended Christians. I am a Christian/Jew who believes in Buddhism. So, the anti-semitism is now an issue now too. To the person who said they are an atheist home schooler, I know atheists who home school because they don't want their kids exposed to god. People do things for very different reasons. And no, I don't know why everyone makes the choices they make. But, whoever said you can blame Trump and Bannon for this had it right. It's not the fault of the liberals that we are left with Trump. But we are and sadly his rhetoric enters all doors, even a wonderful, informative happy place like Food52. And now I will go make my Jerusalem Cous Cous with Scallops with Lemon Creme Fraiche and wish you all a nice evening. And refrain from commenting here in the future unless it's to say "awesome leg of lamb."
rachaelmr
March 13, 2017
I care neither here nor there about Drummond and her show - I've come across her a few times on Pinterest and find her nominally interesting. However, when someone tells you that your actions highlight something that bothers them - the compassionate thing to do is apologize and learn. PC is only PC if you are doing it to be blase and not sensitive to people's concerns - to be correct is to be aware that you are not the only person in the world and act accordingly. She may not get it now, but I hope she figures it out.
Frank
March 13, 2017
"I’ll be honest—it’s got a slightly irksome undertone I can't quite place"
I'm willing to bet it's the insipid concept and terrible "acting" that bothers you about this segment not any subtle racism (and certainly not "virulent"...). As an intelligent Asian person, that's what irked me about this segment more than anything.
I'm willing to bet it's the insipid concept and terrible "acting" that bothers you about this segment not any subtle racism (and certainly not "virulent"...). As an intelligent Asian person, that's what irked me about this segment more than anything.
Lauren N.
March 13, 2017
The Pioneer Woman isn't exactly known for her worldliness...That said, her ignorance sometimes leads to rather hilarious mistakes on her blog. My husband (a native Mumbaikar) and I had a good laugh at her recipe for "Indian chickpea curry" that features pictures of dish with chopsticks. Let's put aside the fact that chopsticks are almost nonexistent in India, and just imagine someone trying to eat wet-curry coated chickpeas with chopsticks....
Panfusine
March 13, 2017
I've met her twice at the BlogHer meet ups and she was the classic affable TV personality. Having said that, Personally I never ever had any illusions whether she knew the basics of Indian food beyond the stereotypical chana masala / Saag paneer. While its indubitably rude and insensitive esp. when its being broadcast on national TV, her ignorance of cuisines other than her small ranch world isn't something I would waste my time fretting over. Her loss entirely. Hopefully she has since broadened her wisdom since this episode.
Batsheva R.
March 13, 2017
I think "Thick Dumpling Skin" needs to develop thicker Dumpling Skin. I have very strong Iraqi and Syrian roots and can complain from here to tomorrow about how middle Eastern Food is portrayed under one umbrella, blah blah. There is more to ME food than Hummus and shakshuka, i promise you. But at the end of the day, it's food for Pete's sake. If it's good, eat it, who cares? This PC nonsense has taken the enjoyment out of everything. For the record, I don't follow Ree's blog, don't have her books, haven't ever seen the show, but I'm still willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. Not everything is laced with malicious intent. Can we go back to being chilled out, normal people with a sense of humor and an ability to shrug off careless comments?
Ann-Marie D.
March 13, 2017
I sincerely ask you to read the comments below. In an incredibly divisive world that we live in now, where there is conflict everywhere, you've achieved to bringing it here to food52. Important and relevant? Conjecture that she was being racist? "When they go low..." let's discuss it? From recalled sofas to this, not sure where food52 is going?
Kenzi W.
March 13, 2017
Hey Ann—that would be me. I believe that issues like these affect home cooks everywhere, whether you're a big Ree fan and you think she was unfairly taken out of context, or you're personally offended by what you see. We believe it's important—and relevant—to start these conversations with our readers.
SKK
March 13, 2017
This article is off purpose with your stated purpose of "Helping people become smarter, happier and better cooks." This issue does not affect why I have been with Food 52 since the beginning. It calls for opinions and divisions rather than learning and sharing. 5 years ago - come on!
E
March 13, 2017
KEEP IT UP, Kenzi/Food52! If we don't discuss the tough topics, we all become complacent. And we can not afford to be complacent anymore. Food is no exception, topics wise - there are a lot of tough topics that cut deep, such as the one presented in the article today, and they need to be discussed even if it can get ugly! :)
scott.finkelstein.5
March 14, 2017
"Start conversation" of course being the favored euphemism for "throw up random hot takes and clickbait and pretend it's journalism."
Kim
March 14, 2017
I thought Food52 was a cooking community. I feel like this article has done nothing but get the community all riled up, and not over whether peas belong in guacamole (which they don't, just saying). I don't know that I consider this title click bait, but it certainly seems deliberately inflammatory. I haven't heard about this drama anywhere but Food52, either. This article is just another in a line of disappointments from Food52 as of late. I understand trying to diversify and broaden the topics you cover. But what was the intended result here? And why do you need, as you say, to start these conversations with your readers?
Food52 was a place to come to for a break from politics and drama, I thought. A place to talk about recipes and cookbooks and our communal love for food and cooking.
Also, and I know this isn't the thread for this, but what WAS up with the stupid couch article?
Food52 was a place to come to for a break from politics and drama, I thought. A place to talk about recipes and cookbooks and our communal love for food and cooking.
Also, and I know this isn't the thread for this, but what WAS up with the stupid couch article?
Kenzi W.
March 14, 2017
Hi Kim—this news was written about over a number of major networks including AOL, Huffington Post, and Fox. If you're coming to our site for a break from the politics, there are a bevy of articles and videos for you—but as a general rule, we won't stay away from a topic just because it is political. There's an explanatory post that our founders wrote on this subject—I'd be happy to link you. Regarding the couch article: We heard from a number of thankful users who had not yet seen that news; they had a $1200 refund waiting for them and they didn't know. That's a service. I'd be happy to discuss anything else constructive you have to say about that story, but it's a little hard to unpack your criticism as it stands.
Kim
March 16, 2017
Regarding the couch article: perhaps the people who weren't aware of the refund should follow a furniture website or a style blog - or contact the company since THEY should be notifying customers.
It's fine that Food52 won't shy away from a topic just because it is political, but, in this case at least, I feel like Food52 covered a topic just because it is political. I don't need you to link me with the post I think you mean, the one about diversifying the content. I read it. I still don't see how an article with a title like this isn't meant to get people wound up, and not in a positive or constructive way. This clip was from 5 years ago. Movies in the 40s had lots of content we would all find non-PC now; should DVDs of them stop being made and should they stop being streamed?
I have been with Food52 for a while now, and I'm not threatening to go anywhere any time soon (not that it would matter if I did). I still love and look forward to so much of the content. I have found, though, that more and more articles are disappointing because they feel so far from what I thought Food52 was meant to be. I hate to see an article like this become a new norm or a trend, I guess.
It's fine that Food52 won't shy away from a topic just because it is political, but, in this case at least, I feel like Food52 covered a topic just because it is political. I don't need you to link me with the post I think you mean, the one about diversifying the content. I read it. I still don't see how an article with a title like this isn't meant to get people wound up, and not in a positive or constructive way. This clip was from 5 years ago. Movies in the 40s had lots of content we would all find non-PC now; should DVDs of them stop being made and should they stop being streamed?
I have been with Food52 for a while now, and I'm not threatening to go anywhere any time soon (not that it would matter if I did). I still love and look forward to so much of the content. I have found, though, that more and more articles are disappointing because they feel so far from what I thought Food52 was meant to be. I hate to see an article like this become a new norm or a trend, I guess.
Ann-Marie D.
March 13, 2017
c'mon Editors! who is letting these articles through. what type of culture are you trying to create here? it pains me to write these articles because i LOVE food52 but you're losing your way.
Gayle M.
March 13, 2017
yep - this is an an unnecessary article. Love Food 52. Don't lower yourself. Just silly.
SKK
March 13, 2017
This article is so much lower than the bar set by Food 52, which I understand to be - "Helping people become smarter, happier and better cooks." How does this article fit with this purpose? Totally unprofessional to be involved in disparaging another food blogger and their followers. Stop this silliness.
SKK
March 13, 2017
As I just finished reading all the comments to date, the only result I see from this article is another wedge being driven between communities rather than building community. This is not Food-52 I know and love.
McKelly
March 13, 2017
Oh Food52, Return to your origins,please!! Stop this silliness & stop selling $10 gadgets for $65.00....but I love so many of the recipes!!
Matt
March 13, 2017
Her blog was disgusting and uninspired and filled with homophobia and misogyny before she got a show, and somehow the quality of her food has gone down hill since her show started.
Moshee
March 13, 2017
I'm so tired of the anti-PC BS that has risen since late 2015. Good manners are good manners. Racism is racism. Homophobia is homophobia. Sexism is sexism. Food is NOT without politics - nor should our cooking websites be (sorry for split infinitive there). I've noticed a HUGE SPIKE in fake Russian accounts on my favorite blogs lately. Like our venerable (ha) president, my paranoia is getting the better of me. I honestly believe that Steves Bannon/Miller is paying them to go on "our" safe sites and comment negatively on any "PC" or liberal political posts. Mayukh read these comments below and try to tell me I'm wrong! AAAAHHH. I fight them on twitter all day and now I have to fight them on Food52 and the other sites I love. Um, sorry to the regular readers. I take the blame for this one. Anyway, Pioneer Woman is ridiculous. She doesn't deserve our precious time. Nuff said.
E
March 13, 2017
Not gonna lie, I'm kind of getting a kick out of having to fight these people, if only because I'm trying to do it with kindness (I hope?), and you're right - we need to discuss the tough issues, including in food, or else we risk becoming even more complacent.
Dishlicious
March 13, 2017
Geez, when will this nonsense end? Sure, it seems odd when shown out of context with the rest of the show. But I remember seeing the whole segment, and the premise is that the guys are expecting buffalo wings (as usual), but she made her favorite asian wings for herself and decided to mess with the men by pretending that is all she prepared.
Ann-Marie D.
March 13, 2017
This article and its type are not worthy of what food52 used to be - a very cool bar-setting website that discussed top knotch ideas on food. Are you trying to make food52 into Jerry Springer?
Beachypam
March 13, 2017
Ridiculous! Life is just too short and wonderful to stir the pot like this. Some people are so miserable with themselves that they LOOK for things to be offended by. This woman certainly never meant to offend anyone. I hope she never addresses this and continues to expand her repertoire. I enjoy Food 52 and part of that enjoyment stems from its positivity in culinary information. Stay away from the crybabies and drama. There's enough of that elsewhere. I love Asian food and have a deep respect for Asian chefs. Ree's wings in no way, shape or form were meant to be offensive.
Jen
March 13, 2017
I particularly liked the Pioneer Woman segment showing one of Drummond children emptying bags of antibiotics into the cattle feed. My takeaway from the "Asian Wings" segment, is that this cooking program is about plain, old American cooking. If you're looking for something more in tune with an enlightened society, don't set your sights on rural Oklahoma.
Joy H.
March 13, 2017
Without any other context, the clip shows just another type of micro-aggression (the idea that "Asian" wings aren't "real" wings, etc.) that I'm used to experiencing pretty regularly. If you're not familiar with the term, I really like this Youtube clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDd3bzA7450
That said, I really don't think anyone in the video meant to be offensive, but that doesn't mean it can't be hurtful to people who experience things like this every day.
That said, I really don't think anyone in the video meant to be offensive, but that doesn't mean it can't be hurtful to people who experience things like this every day.
kimmiebeck
March 13, 2017
Ridiculous! Self-righteous PC know-it-alls taking every opportunity to point out the slightest perceived offense is one of the reasons we're stuck with Trump as our president.
Babette's S.
March 13, 2017
Thanks Kimmiebeck, I agree 100%. What a waste of space this was. It really disappoints me to see FOOD52 stooping to this kind of crap. I personally have a strong dislike for THE FOOD NETWORK & nearly all of their shows. For me, PBS food shows are far better & more interesting. To those feel "Asian slighted/maligned", don't forget two terrific giants of Asian cuisine on PBS, Ming Tsai & Martin Yan, and plenty of others since their shows who have put the spotlight on Asian cuisine. Food Network shows are a lot of fluff & commercialism & even reality TV crap. I want to watch cooking shows that inform, instruct & inspire me. I'd say there are a lot of thin skinned people out there of all races & persuasions. I know little of Ree Drummond, aside from a few recipes of hers that I have. I have no idea if she is homophobic or Asian phobic, but I did get anything of a slur to Asians from that clip. This is an example of how taken out of context something can be perceived other that what it really is.
Too bad FOOD52 doesn't keep on the great path they've been on since day one, in sharing, informing & teaching & inspiring. Makes me think of a fun cooking show (not on PBS) I enjoy (now in syndication), Anna & Kristina's Grocery Bag show where the two life-long friends review & make recipes from a different cookbook each week, prepare a meal for a prominent chef who reviews their end products created from the cookbook's recipes. They also feature a food product or kitchen too/gadget evaluation & vote.
Too bad FOOD52 doesn't keep on the great path they've been on since day one, in sharing, informing & teaching & inspiring. Makes me think of a fun cooking show (not on PBS) I enjoy (now in syndication), Anna & Kristina's Grocery Bag show where the two life-long friends review & make recipes from a different cookbook each week, prepare a meal for a prominent chef who reviews their end products created from the cookbook's recipes. They also feature a food product or kitchen too/gadget evaluation & vote.
Cindy
March 13, 2017
I am not mad at the Pioneer Woman. I have better things to be mad about. When we call a food by it's region of origin, I don't assume we are singling out the people of such. It's indicative of the flavors of that particular region, peoples etc.
Bevi
March 13, 2017
Not mentioned in this article are remarks Drummond has made on her blog that are insensitive to people with special needs.
Rachel
March 13, 2017
Bevi, I'd like you to actually provide a link to her blog where she calls her own brother "retarded." I checked in www.pioneerwoman.com and could not find a single mention of the word "retard," "retarded," "mental retardation"... other than a mention of "fire-retardant material" in a blog post about her dad being a veteran. If you're going to make accusations like that, then back them up with evidence.
Kat
March 13, 2017
I'm an Asian American and I have no issues with what she said. All the other commenters are correct, it was totally taken out of context. People like what they like. If people start getting their panties in a knot every time someone or something offends them, no one is ever going to leave their houses or turn on their TVs. I hate tomatoes and not a big fan of things with tomato sauce - I've turn my nose to some Italian dishes, but that doesn't make me anti-Italian nor do my Italian friends condemn me as being racist. And I'd take the old school wings over the Asian ones.....
Barbara
March 13, 2017
First of all, Tracey is speaking out of ignorance concerning home schooling-as is the case these days, people tend to give their opinions about issues that they know nothing about. As far as Ree goes, once again, people are looking for things to be "offended" by when no offense was intended. Get a life and laugh at yourself!
Jacquelyn B.
March 13, 2017
wow they tried to ruin Dean the person who complained was actually trying to promote a cookbook now this someone must want the pioneer woman's timeslot or to promote themselves or cause at the expense of someone else isnt that always how it is?
Annie C.
March 13, 2017
I appreciate the discussion Mayukh brought to this article. While some may not view Drummond's actions as racist, they're problematic to say the least. And the dismissal of Asian American's claims over this segment IS crummy. Their concerns have value and should be heard. Being politically correct is truly the least you can do, especially when you're a white woman with a platform aka a show on the food network. She needs to do better.
Joy
March 13, 2017
Apparently you never watched the whole cooking segment! How can you comment on it?
OhMisha
March 13, 2017
Asian wings to this crowd, is the same as saying colored wings, or jewish wings, they don't get how offensive their take on basic cultural stuff is, and are shocked when everyone else outside their comfy orb points it out.
HalfPint
March 13, 2017
What I find irksome is the outright rejection of these Asian wings because it was out of everyone's comfort zone. As someone who discovered great food because I was taught to try everything before passing judgement. It's annoying that these folks didn't even want to try something because it wasn't familiar. And when it's food from your culture and background, it stings a bit.
That said though, not every food show has to be a teaching moment. I kind of understand Ree Drummond's idea about food that her family and friends love. She's not trying to open up new horizons. She's trying to feed the fam and it's a large group, so she's not going to offer 'exotic' and new. This should not be the expectation of The Pioneer Woman. Like @Lisa wrote, consider the context. Should we Asians be annoyed? Yes, but not outraged. It's like going to an Amy Schumer show and being offended by the anti-Trump jokes.
That said though, not every food show has to be a teaching moment. I kind of understand Ree Drummond's idea about food that her family and friends love. She's not trying to open up new horizons. She's trying to feed the fam and it's a large group, so she's not going to offer 'exotic' and new. This should not be the expectation of The Pioneer Woman. Like @Lisa wrote, consider the context. Should we Asians be annoyed? Yes, but not outraged. It's like going to an Amy Schumer show and being offended by the anti-Trump jokes.
ABone
March 13, 2017
Tracey Jackson- Lots of assumptions about Christians and home-schoolers. Please tell me you were being sarcastic.
Twinkle
March 13, 2017
While this isn't the content I would like to see (who wants to see the disappointing or careless side of any individual?!), discussion of a nationally known food personality (who who started as a food blogger) on a food blog is completely appropriate. I welcome thought-provoking content & commentary from both sides of the coin; however, dismissive commentary does little to enhance the conversation and I'm surprised at some of the knee-jerk reactions in the comments section today.
Whiteantlers
March 13, 2017
I have no issues with Mayukh writing about this at all. I think given that the gaffe or the non-PC behavior or whatever you wish to call it happened 5 years ago, whomever originally dredged this up (not you, Mayukh) is scraping the bottom of the barrel for controversy and brouhaha making. Me-I can't stand wings no matter where they're from, who made them or what kind of sauce they have.
Nancy E.
March 13, 2017
I think to fully understand this segment, you have to know quite a bit about the Drummonds.
First, Ree, before she met Ladd, graduated from the University of Southern California and was an adventurous cook and eater and a vegetarian. Ladd (or Marlboro Man, as she used to call him) was pretty much her polar opposite - he was also college educated, but as far as his food likes go, he was cowboy all the way. He (and pretty much all the men at the ranch) eats beef, beef and beef. And the occasional wing. Her menfolk are truly meat and potato guys. They might be willing to try an Asian-style wing, but game day calls for traditional wings. The joke here was she initially acted like she didn't make any other kind.
She, in the meantime still loves her sushi and pasta, but she only gets to indulge when the men are elsewhere. The whole premise of her blog was how this "big city girl" learned to cook for this ranch guy the way he loves to eat. I think the clip was taken out of context - this episode was for a big game day feed with his old college buddies. There is nothing anti-Asian here. Just surprise that they weren't getting the wings they were expecting.
First, Ree, before she met Ladd, graduated from the University of Southern California and was an adventurous cook and eater and a vegetarian. Ladd (or Marlboro Man, as she used to call him) was pretty much her polar opposite - he was also college educated, but as far as his food likes go, he was cowboy all the way. He (and pretty much all the men at the ranch) eats beef, beef and beef. And the occasional wing. Her menfolk are truly meat and potato guys. They might be willing to try an Asian-style wing, but game day calls for traditional wings. The joke here was she initially acted like she didn't make any other kind.
She, in the meantime still loves her sushi and pasta, but she only gets to indulge when the men are elsewhere. The whole premise of her blog was how this "big city girl" learned to cook for this ranch guy the way he loves to eat. I think the clip was taken out of context - this episode was for a big game day feed with his old college buddies. There is nothing anti-Asian here. Just surprise that they weren't getting the wings they were expecting.
Hasini R.
June 28, 2020
Of for god’s sake, they were not even willing to try it. She could have offered both. Them they said they did not trust them, wth?
kristina
March 13, 2017
Really????? You're trying to start crap over a 5 year old show that never said ANYTHING bad about the wings or asians, and pull the episode! what a bunch of stupid jerks! used to look forward to your post, not anymore. bye
kristina
March 13, 2017
Really????? You're trying to start crap over a 5 year old show that never said ANYTHING bad about the wings or asians, and pull the episode! what a bunch of stupid jerks! used to look forward to your post, not anymore. bye
Chip R.
March 13, 2017
Ree Drummond is as harmless as Paula Deen. But because she is a home cook, not a chef, the multitudes must put her in her place. The truth is, to be on FN now, you must be either a home cook or a home cook that is a C list celebrity. Leave the woman alone. She has done nothing wrong....
Joy
March 13, 2017
I agree with "milkjam". I don't come to Food52 for someone's controversial thoughts about other chefs.
Dianne
March 13, 2017
I think people need to get over themselves! I mean, Really??? The only "beef" I have about Ree Drummond is that she lives on a cattle ranch, but has an episode where she actually buys hamburger at the supermarket!!
Tracey J.
March 13, 2017
Drummond is a devout Christian fundamentalist who home schools her children so they won't be exposed to outside ideas and anything that could corrupt them, perhaps like Asian kids. I don't doubt they are all racist.
victoria
March 13, 2017
Wow. As a contributor on this site, I think Food52 should be more considered about their own sites contributors and clean up their site before feeling uncomfortable about another woman's site. Some things are best kept to yourself, such as your obvious hatred toward Christians, Ms. Jackson.
Nancy E.
March 13, 2017
Seriously? if you had bothered to read her blog, you would know that she started sending her kids to the public schools, but they are so many miles away from town that the kids spent hours every day commuting back and forth. They finally made the decision to home school for convenience. She and her husband are both college educated (USC and Arizona or ASU), their oldest daughter is currently away at college, and they are starting to visit schools for the next oldest.
Tracey J.
March 13, 2017
Considering I am a baptized Episcopalian - I do not hate Christians at all. Quite the contrary. I am saying that people who choose to keep their children from other people usually do so because they do not want them exposed to other people or their ideas which to me translates into some form of not wanting to be around other people and that in this present tinder box climate can be looked at as racism. And I'm sorry I posted it here as whoever said this site is not the place is right. I'm just sick of people picking on other races at the moment.
victoria
March 13, 2017
Your assumptions as to why people do what they do are just as bad if not worse and contribute to the "picking" on people you say you are "sick" of. It's usually best to take a breath and look at a whole of a situation. Truce.
beth.nelson1
March 13, 2017
Wow. This comment is much more offensive than anything Ree said in her show. I'm not a fan of the Pioneer Woman but I do know Ree from way, way back before she became a food blogger and was just a homeschooler who liked to take photos. You have no idea what her motivation is for homeschooling. You have lumped homeschoolers into a tidy little box and it is clear you know next to nothing about them. I am an liberal, atheist homeschooler who chose to educate my children myself for many reasons but none of them were to keep them away from other people or ideas. Your bias is clearly on display here.
Jennie V.
March 13, 2017
You really have no clue about homeschooling do you? My kids are homeschooled and are around other children all the time. We live in California so we are well diverse. Maybe you should educate yourself before judging and lumping people into categories.
irinakt
March 13, 2017
Jumping from a ridiculous dispute (about CHICKEN WINGs for chrissake) a presumption that "I don't doubt they are all racist" shows the reflexive over-reaction of the slacktivists who indulge projecting their own neurosis onto complete strangers. I just came here to find a wing recipe. Don't matter if they are hawaiian, buffalo, asian. If you have a good german or mexican or african wing recipe I will not be opposed to reading it. And if I don't like it doesn't mean I don't like anyone from those countries. Maybe I just feel like Italian.....
Hasini R.
June 28, 2020
I e do you think they or their friends socialize in any way with peopke from other backgrounds?
Hasini R.
June 28, 2020
I am not a watcher of her show but has any person of colour other than a farmhand, including native americans, ever been featured? And dont tell me there are no indigenous people in oklahoma, that sayS a lot about how her children are raised and what her values are.
Katy
March 13, 2017
If you watch the whole episode, she mentions that the boys like traditional wings, but she loves both types. Her husband never likes the "fancier" things she eats and never strays from the ordinary. It's completely taken out of context.
milkjam
March 13, 2017
If this kind of article is going to be the norm on Food 52, I will be very disappointing. I have lots more to say, but this is not the appropriate site for this type of discussion. The web is full of such sites and I choose to avoid them.
Lisa
March 13, 2017
Consider the context, as that was probably the name of the recipe (clip is over 5 years old). I have a recipe for wings that I got from an Asian American family (Chinese) and they're called "Oriental Wings". They're super good but I suppose I shouldn't share it.
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