The New York Times just ran a story about the coterie of anti-cilantroites (my coinage). I look particular offense to this article because I covet cilantro and I’m aghast at those who don’t. I don’t understand these people. Matt has often said, “You’re pretty close-minded for someone who touts such open-minded, liberal views.” This is true. There are no opinions in my orbit: only what is or isn’t. For example, I often very flippantly say Mac users are smug. I say I’m repulsed by iPods and Mac Books and Steve Jobs (and really, wasn’t it Steve Wosniak who really developed with first Mac?!). A normal person would recognize the culturally enormity of their brand and their pioneering technology. A normal person may not own an Apple product, or may even be irked by the self-congratulatory tone of their products and clientele, but they wouldn’t hate them. I do. On NPR a few years back I heard the term for Apple users was “iJerks” and to this day I spit that out when someone waxes poetic about the iPad (which makes me think of a high-tech maxi-pad, really).
I was giving my rampant hatred a lot of thought recently. I think when someone says they “hate” things, they should sit down sit and think about that a bit – carrying all that hatred around just isn’t healthy.
I gave it a lot of thought (picture a thoughtful montage set to some dreamy music), but I realized I was right to hate what I do. There is just no excuse for SUVs, luxury brands, olives, and the modern-day Republican Party.
Whew – I’ve said my peace. (Please don't hate me.)
wehooah there... no olives? of any ilk? it's an interesting perspective on cilantro, though; makes me wonder if folks of Mediterranean origin (or Hispanic of Thai cooking where cilantro is a regular ingredient) generally be less averse than people of cultures who aren't inundated with it.
ReplyDeletespeaking of offending health nuts and foodies everywhere: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mercola/agave-this-sweetener-is-f_b_537936.html
my warmest thanks to you and to your mom for your kind thoughts :)
I too hate SUVs. I drive a bug so yeah. I hate hate hate giant vehicles except for school buses. Olives don't really bother me but I don't eat them.
ReplyDeleteLeave it to the NYT to expand my world view just a wee bit more. I, too, read about the anti-cilantroites the other day while shaking my head in dismay, and I honestly wondered if these haters needed tongue scrapers or olfactory adjustments. I just couldn't bend my mind around some of their descriptions. Cilantro is the most amiable and refreshing of all the herbs. So much so that I could very well compare it to a summer's day; thou vines art so lovely and so temperate.
ReplyDeleteHa, funny that you spelled peace, instead of piece, on this kind of a post. Fitting, and funny.
ReplyDeleteA world without olives would be a world without olive oil. Now that would be a real loss to a foodie. Be careful what you wish for!
ReplyDeleteRagamuffin,
ReplyDeleteI tend to think the food the olive sits atop is simply a vehicle for the ego maniacal olive, for the olive is overpowering and all-encompassing. Thanks for sending that link - I am still curious about stevia, however, b/c I have a difficult time with other sugar substitutes (and sugar itself at times).
To anonymous: My God, you're right - I didn't even think of olive oil. I feel truly ashamed as olive oil is pure liquid divinity!!
Lindsey: Agreed about SUVs - there is no reason a family of two who drives the mean, hard PAVED streets needs a SPORT utility vehicle.
Danita: Produce Junction sells bunches of cilantro for 3/$1!!! It's insane and it goes without saying our fridge has been overtaken by their sweet aroma, which is just fine by me. We cook a lot of Mexican and Indian dishes so it gets some heavy use. I think you should start a new blog called "Crazy for Cilantro", by the way.
Nathan:
I didn't even realize I misspelled "piece" in the phrase, so I think any sort of wit was decidedly unintentional! Sigh.