Why Do Our Worst Fears Play Out In the Food World?

If you’re paying attention to what’s going on in the world, and it’s hard not to considering the nonstop media coverage, you’re aware that the coronavirus is catching on quick. Quicker than Old Town Road. Quicker than TikTok. But perhaps most importantly, quicker than the common cold. People are confused. People are scared. And people are taking matters into their own hands. Already, we’ve learned people are using Tito’s Vodka to make their own hand sanitizer despite the fact there isn’t enough alcohol content in Tito’s to be effective. But more disheartening than the idea of people trying to create ineffective home remedies using vodka is the fact that sanitization these days includes a healthy dose of racism. There’s been a backlash against Asian Americans, not just in terms of avoiding businesses in Chinatown, but literally psychos spraying strangers in public in order to “cleanse them.” We can’t make this shit up.

Pour Tito’s vodka into a glass, not a soap dispenser Photo: Tito’s Vodka/Facebook

The most painful news is always the slow burn, the “saying it without saying it” attitude we’ve come to accept in America. Seeing neighborhoods like Chinatown in New York City, typically centers of lively commerce whose restaurants breathe so much life, being abandoned by visitors takes the life out of us. The idea that avoiding Chinese food will protect against the coronavirus because the first cases were documented in China is beyond stupid. People who are sick coming into contact with other people are how viruses spread. But food is a reflection of culture, and culture doesn’t always look so pretty. The food world feels the brunt of our panic. It feels our fears. But it also can be a solution. And seeing people come together to support Chinatown and Asian American businesses in this time of need is just a small gesture we here at Leisurely want to share. So go out. Stuff your face with dumplings. Or do yourself one better and MAKE DUMPLINGS! The only way to overcome the fear is to look it straight in the eye and devour it. So why not at least make it taste good?

To learn more about how you can help support Chinatown businesses in NYC, click here.