Cultural Appropriation of Food Narrative Essay Jess Kapadia, in her blog post “I Still Don’t Understand the Cultural Appropriation of Food” (Links to an ex

Cultural Appropriation of Food Narrative Essay Jess Kapadia, in her blog post “I Still Don’t Understand the Cultural Appropriation of Food” (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. asserts that “no food belongs to anyone anymore.” To back up this statement, she provides all sorts of specific reasons why no ethnic group has the right to claim its cuisine as its own.

For this third writing assignment (100 points), respond in ONE of three possible formats (CHOOSE ONE):

1. a descriptive/ narrative essay;

OR

a formal letter to Ms. Kapadia, her publisher, newspaper, or other news outlet;

OR

a blog post to Food Republic (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

(Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

The quote you will be responding to: “no food belongs to anyone anymore.”

General length requirement: two double-spaced pages (a little over or under is fine).

Your response will begin with a short summary (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. of the gist/essence/main points of Kapadia’s article. 2-3 sentences is sufficient, but feel free to take up to a paragraph using your own words plus a few well-selected short quotations to spice up your distillation of Kapadia’s stance on cultural appropriation with regard to specific cuisines and foods (sushi, tacos, chow mei fun, etc.).

Narrative Essay Response: Most of you are already experts at writing narrative essays, so I won’t say much. I’ll be looking for a specific story serving the purpose of proving your point that food either is or isn’t owned by a particular nation or culture. Descriptive details are a must, and dialogue never hurts. Aim to clearly and concisely express agreement or disagreement (or some of each) via a personal story (first person narrative). Make sure your essay has a thesis that will be supported by the tale that unfolds.

Letter Response: Follow a professional letter format. If it’s a letter in opposition, consider these guidelines (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.. If it’s a letter in agreement, you will probably want to chime in with specific examples of your own—for instance, a biracial upbringing that led to cuisine swapping or hybrid dishes/recipes. Letter writing basics (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

Blog Post: Study Kapadia’s post to see how it’s done. More helpful tips on successful blog post design (Links to an external site.)

Grading rubric:

1. Clear opening/introduction to your narrative essay, letter (include a salutation), or blog post

2. For letters and blog posts: Writer uses textual evidence (direct quotation and paraphrase) and analysis to provide a clearly-stated and convincing argument [minimum three well-developed, substantive, logically ordered, and cohesive (transitions) body paragraphs] that supports or refutes the assertion that “no food belongs to anyone anymore.” // For narrative essays: Writer employs 1st person narrative and descriptive techniques in at least three cohesive and well-developed paragraphs to support a thesis that agrees with or refutes the statement that “no food belongs to anyone anymore.”

4. A concluding paragraph that restates writer’s position, conveys a sense of closure while providing final insight

5. Standard English, including proper use of punctuation and grammar (one point off for each grammatical error, including run-ons, fragments, comma splices, errors in number and person, subject/verb agreement, etc.

6. MLA Formatting