Skip to Content
Tacos

The Fetish of Authenticity ~ Gustavo Arellano on the Perils of ‘Cultural Appropriation’

[dropcap size=big]G[/dropcap]ustavo Arellano, L.A. Taco newly minted editor-at-large, appeared on Reason.tv and spoke about the impact of Jonathan Gold's passing, Burritos La Palma, the evolution of food fusion, and "the fetish of authenticity."

In the episode, which takes place at Burritos La Palma, Arellano says both liberals and conservatives are fetishizing things like street food to satisfy their conflicting view points that ultimately relegate people of color to a "less than" status.

"The conservatives want this authentic experience. They want to see how the other side live because for them the other side is lower than them," Arellano explains to host Nick Gillespie. "For the left – the other side – you have to exalt them. 'Oh, these poor, wretched people. We have to protect them.' Have you ever talked to those 'poor, wretched people'? Maybe they don't want your protection. Maybe they're perfectly fine."

Watch the full video below.

RELATED:

One Chef's Day: What It Was like to Cater at Jonathan Gold's Family Farewell

When the Jewish Bakers of Boyle Heights Were Radical Socialists Instead of Trump Supporters?

Do You Know How to Read Tacos? Steven Alvarez Does

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

Sunday Taquitos #9: There Will Be Blood

Stop us if you’ve heard this one before. Sunday Taquitos! Art by Ivan Ehlers.

January 4, 2026

DAILY MEMO: ICE Returns to Santa Maria for Fourth Day in a Row; At Least 40 Taken

ICE agents were active in Santa Maria in the early morning, plus multiple sightings in Hemet, Thermal and Mecca.

December 30, 2025

L.A. TACO’s Most-Read Lists and Guides of 2025

This year, L.A. TACO compiled unique lists and guides for our readers to deepen their appreciation for L.A. and the people in it. We shared our top picks for local independent businesses, ways to get involved within your community, and strategies for resisting ICE in Los Angeles.

December 30, 2025

L.A. TACO’s Most-Read Daily Memos of 2025

Most federal agents and officials would prefer for their actions to go unnoticed, but Memo Torres has dedicated nearly every single day of the past six months to documenting and exposing the often heinous and violent abductions taking place across Southern California.

December 30, 2025

L.A. TACO’s Most-Read Culture Stories of 2025

These were L.A. TACO's most-read culture stories of the year.

December 30, 2025

The 25 Best L.A.-Centric Books Of 2025

While a book cannot stop evil forces, it can educate us, warn us, and prepare us for what’s coming. The books listed here not only meditate on current events like the Los Angeles wildfires, late stage capitalism, and rising xenophobia, they also reflect our vibrant local literary culture.

December 30, 2025
See all posts