Why I thought it was so important to celebrate Bourdain Day during a global pandemic

I know the world is suffering and my America is falling apart. Some may say I am being tone-deaf by trying to ask others to celebrate the life of a humanitarian who is no longer with us. To that, I say, you just don't get it. The man that I desperately wanted the world to celebrate and remember on his birthday, gave his life trying to shed light on the injustices that we are all waking up to now. If you don't believe me, then obviously you are not a fan of his and you have lived a sheltered, privileged life. The rest of us know, he was in the fight long before this pandemic opened the world's eyes to the great inequities that make the world run. Anthony Bourdain wrote about it, he talked endlessly about it, he gave up everything to travel the world to show us what many of us would have never seen. He sacrificed his body, immune system, and relationships to some extent I'm sure, to educate through entertaining conversations, and food porn, to wake the world up to the importance of sharing a meal and a conversation with someone who is not like you. He made his case to the world from a position of compassion, empathy, and love. The chefs he worked with and highlighted on his shows were never the enemy, they were just like him, lovers of food. At this moment, we need to find ways to connect, listen, and discuss potential solutions to heal and come together. Do I think that farmworkers, meat plant workers, chefs, line cooks, and dishwashers will suddenly get a raise? I doubt it, but we can do better by giving them a voice, helping them get low-interest loans and health care so they can live better lives. No one should ever go without medical help if they need it, if you think otherwise then, you are just flat out cruel. I'll keep fighting for people for as long as I can. I know the world will never be fair. I am not naive but I know this, without the farmworkers, meatpacking workers, factory workers, fast food workers, grocery store workers, cooks, dishwashers, gas station workers, health care workers, critical infrastructure workers, etc., we would all fall into a pit of despair so let's try harder to be more inclusive and kind, it doesn't cost us anything but a mindset change. To those fighting against healthcare for all, I don't know anyone who doesn't want to contribute in some way, shape, or form. Humans need something to do. Just because people might be able to go to the doctor when they need to doesn't mean they won't work hard, it just means they might be able to work longer and harder than before because they will feel better. When people feel well, they are more productive, that's just a fact. I say, lets reverse brainwash America and flood the internet, social media, and traditional media with images of love, togetherness, kindness, and inclusivity. That's how will win our American Dream back.

Quotes I posted on my Instagram posts for #BourdainDay2020

Page 42 The Nasty Bits

Viva Mexico! Viva Ecuador! "Let's be honest. Let's be really painfully honest: Who is cooking. Who is the backbone of the American restaurant business? ...

If you're a chef, manager, or owner, you know the answer: Mexicans. Ecuadorians. Salvadoran guys (and women) from south of the border, many of them with green cards they bought in Queens Boulevard for thirty dollars. Ex-dishwashers with no formal training, minimal education; people who have often never eaten in restaurants as good as the ones they cook in." Page 43 " What is the heart of the matter? The answer to this simple question: When was the last time you saw an American dishwasher? And if you saw one--- would you hire him? If you're like me, probably not." -Anthony Bourdain-

Quote from page 334 & 335 of Kitchen Confidential So You Want To Be A Chef👩‍🍳👨‍🍳

"#2 Learn Spanish! I can't stress this enough. Much of the workforce in the industry you are about to enter is Spanish-speaking. The very backbone of the industry, whether you like it or not, is inexpensive Mexican, Dominican, Salvadorian, and Ecuadorian labor--most of whom could cook you under the table without breaking a sweat. If you can't communicate, develop relationships, understand instructions and pass them along, then you are at a tremendous disadvantage.

Should you become a leader, Spanish is absolutely essential." -Anthony Bourdain-

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