Exploring Cutlery Hegemony and Cultural Identity
There’s something called cutlery hegemony—essentially, table manners. It appears that Zohran Mamdani struggles with using knives and forks, or maybe he just chooses not to remember how.
In a recent interview featured on “Uncivilized Media,” Mamdani, a Democratic candidate for New York City mayor and member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), is shown being served a bowl of rice wrapped in tinfoil. It’s really just cutlery we’re talking about here. (Related: Some of the core components of the Socialist Rising Star platform turned out to be completely fabricated)
As he prepares to eat, Mamdani states, “This is how we beat the profession, style.”
It seems that he previously ordered “biryani and eggplants” at various restaurants in South Asia with some zeal.
Zohran is clearly more comfortable eating with a knife and fork. The video of him eating by hand feels more like performance art for the white left.
– Drew Pavlou (@drewpavlou) June 30, 2025
Mamdani shares, “When you’re a South Asian Muslim raised in New York City, there aren’t many spots where you really feel at home.” He suggests that this connection with restaurants allows him and many others to find a sense of self.
It’s understandable that “South Asian Muslims in New York City” during the 2000s might experience a sense of displacement, especially given Mamdani’s move from Uganda at age seven. But does he truly not feel at home in New York?
There’s a whole subcontinent where Mamdani could easily find South Asian dishes and enjoy them in ways that suit him. It’s known as South Asia.
Meanwhile, American tourists could feel out of sorts in places like Lorkela, India—where Mamdani’s mother hails from. They often express discontent about missing burgers in places like Bombay and might even criticize their hosts for not serving them what they’re used to. And, surprisingly, he gives the same advice to anyone echoing Mamdani’s sentiments.
Americans don’t eat this way. If you refuse to adopt Western habits, you risk going back to the third world.
– Rep. Brandon Gill (@Repbrandongill) June 30, 2025
As Texas Republican Rep. Brandon Gill noted, “American civilized people don’t eat like this. Refusing Western ways could send you back to the third world.”
Yet, I find it hard to believe Mamdani when he claims he feels most authentic shoveling rice with his fingers. After all, this is the same person who once ate a burrito with a fork and knife on the subway in New York.
His antics in this video seem designed to resonate with two key voting groups: South Asians and liberal white constituents. The former might see his casual approach to eating as “authentic.” The latter may view his disregard for conventional norms as a bold move against their biases. After all, it’s reminiscent of how New York Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez addressed Congress in Spanish without offering translations. (Related: Aging Democrats face dwindling voter support while their opponents seize the moment)
Bon Appétit from Q Train
– Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@zohrankmamdani) March 8, 2025
Mamdani, it seems, thrives on performance. Before entering the political arena, he even dabbled in rap under the name “Young Cardamom.” But his real talent lies in adopting various accents, which he seems to enjoy showcasing.
Ultimately, more than just an expression of identity, Mamdani reveals himself as a product of a theatrical world. In that sense, he embodies the complexities of our global culture. There’s really no singular “American” identity, not even within South Asian communities.
