Is the determination of some politicians to play the xenophobia (fear of foreigners) card as the election nears a dumb thing? Well, yes, obviously. But Masterchef could be the proof we needed to show opportunistic policy makers to re-think their anti-foreigner rhetoric. That’s the fascinating theory posed by Fairfax pop culture writer David Dale that caught my attention last week.
David Dale talked about attending a seminar called “The MasterChef Phenomenon” which suggested that the show is actually causing a cultural transformation (or echoing one that’s already happening). And that is the celebration of cultural diversity. Through food and people in a totally non-threatening, apolitical and inclusive way. He wrote:
The crystallising moment happened two weeks ago when Adele, a contestant of Italian background, served up little pastries called crostoli to George, a judge of Greek background, watched by contestants Jimmy, of Indian background, and Alvin, of Malaysian background, who were the other finalists in a challenge to make the dish they remembered most fondly from childhood.
Pauline Hanson doesn’t stand a chance after MasterChef. Its worshippers embrace a powerful belief system: Australia is the most entertaining place to live on earth, because our history of immigration has created an endless array of pleasures.
Here’s the interesting bit. Despite blitzing the ratings every night in virtually all key demographics, there’s one demographic who aren’t buying the Masterchef hype and stubbornly refuse to watch: the over 55s.
Most Sundays, they choose to watch Xenophobia Weekly Border Security. David Dale has a fascinating theory about this:
Here’s the theory. MasterChef celebrates diversity. It could not exist without the national obsession with multicultural cooking. Could it be that the oldies are the last bastion of xenophobia in this otherwise generous land? Are the over 55s responsible for the opinion polls that suggest Australians are opposed to immigration? If so, are the politicians who pander to what they imagine to be the racist underbelly of this country actually wasting their time trying to please people who won’t be around to complain about the effects of greater diversity?
Many over 55s got rather cross with the suggestion that there could be xenophobic (fear of foreigners) reasons for their refusal to embrace the Masterchef phenomenon. In a follow up column this weekend, David Dale wrote about the 55+ readers who told him the real reason they didn’t watch Masterchef after reading about his theory. According to them:
“It cynically manipulates the emotions of contestants and audience; it overdramatises to the point of nausea; it turns what should be a relaxing pleasure into a tense competition; it is tediously repetitious; it emphasises esoteric ingredients and techniques that are irrelevant to family cooking; there are too many ads; judge Matt is pompous and pretentious; judge George is crude and eats with his mouth open.”
So there. Do you think there’s an argument to be made about Masterchef inadvertantly (or perhaps deliberately) giving multiculturalism a good name? Is it about the casting? The food? The drama and tears?
Top Comments
Ok I'm coming in a bit late but I've been wanting to have a winge about this show for ages.
Why the HELL does it have to be on every night of the god damn week! Its over kill and it's driving me crazy! The first one was great thoroughly enjoyed it. The second one was absolutely condescending/contrived and boring and in my living room every ...... night! Also I hate GEORGE so full of himself would love to wipe that smerk off his face. The other two are fine but not every night please!
Now where up for the kiddy version which im sure will be even more contrived.
That is a great piece. Spot on as well.
You see it in the playground.
My 6yr old daughter loves sushi, my 9 yr old sons favourite food is burrtitos...
colour, race...does not come into it.