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

Donald Trump Reassigns Kristi Noem As Special Envoy—Markwayne Mullin To Take Over As U.S. Secretary of DHS

Former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has been reassigned to the role of “Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas,” which will have its first meeting with like-minded right-wing leaders from 12 Latin American countries. Mullin, who is currently a House Representative for Oklahoma’s 2nd district, will take on the role of Secretary of DHS at the end of the month, where he’ll likely be ready to take on all of the U.S. in a fistfight.

City of Masa: L.A. TACO’s Ultimate Guide to Tortillas in Los Angeles

Life is too short for bad tortillas. Here’s how to choose flour and corn tortillas that have the power to change your outlook on life.

March 5, 2026

U.S. Troops Raise Alarm After Commanders Frame War on Iran as ‘God’s Plan,’ Claiming Trump is ‘Anointed by Jesus’

The complaints report similar declarations from different commanders, who describe the Iran war as Trump’s bringing of “Armageddon.”

March 4, 2026

50 Mutual Aid Groups Demand Repeal of ‘Anti-Homeless’ Zones in Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez’s District

“I have voted against every single 41.18 motion that has come into city council,” Soto-Martinez says in his defense during an interview with L.A. TACO at the protest.

The 10th Death in ICE Detention in 2026, Dead From a Tooth Infection

Councilwoman Ellis, who is Haitian-American and a registered nurse, tells the Arizona Daily Star that she is outraged, “Nobody should die from a tootache. Something has to be done.”

March 4, 2026

Supreme Court Blocks California Law That Protects Transgender Students From Being Outed by Their School

The lawsuit was first introduced by Christian teachers in San Diego County, who argue that following the measure violates their First Amendment rights and freedom to exercise religion.

March 4, 2026
See all posts