Kaylin King
Soul Food as a Complex Cuisine: Decolonizing Conceptions of “Health”
This module will help learners identify and analyze common colonial attitudes towards traditionally African American “Soul Food” cuisine as inherently “unhealthy.” The module briefly introduces the current discourse, describes staples of the cuisine, and shares resources that aim to deconstruct the negative connotation and stigma these dishes have. After completing the module, you’ll be able to understand how to approach African American cuisine through a postcolonial lens to critique pervasive, problematic colonial attitudes towards sustenance crafted by a historically marginalized group of people. Complete this module if you have interest in African American studies and desire, in any capacity, to dismantle colonialist attitudes that persist toward African American lifeways to this day.
The module is intended for high school-level students enrolled in African American Studies courses in American public schools. In addition to readings, the module contains examples of Soul Food recipes with a focus on their ingredients and preparation.
Structure
After this module, you should be able to work through and be critical of colonial judgements and notions of African American cuisine as inherently “unhealthy” and instead understand Soul Food as a complex cuisine.
Learners should expect to spend roughly 30 minutes to an hour on each of these materials. Explore the different aspects of this module at whatever interval you believe will allow you to fully digest the materials.
This module is less about showing, proving, or even explicitly teaching something. Rather, by completing this module, I hope that learners will gain the confidence to be critical of absolute statements about “health” and cuisine, and to always question the validity of any argument, especially if it pertains to a marginalized group and their culture. The reading materials in this module provide a good introduction to the current discourse, but after that, it is up to the discretion of the learner on what they explore next.
Kaylin King is an African American woman who is majoring in Comparative Human Development and Anthropology at The University of Chicago.
Learning Resources
“Black Southern Food Isn’t Killing Us: The ‘Plate’ is Not the Real Problem” on Andscape by Nylah Burton (2022)
This article discusses how Soul Food is not “killing” the Black community by causing health complications, as is commonly assumed. Instead, Burton argues that the real culprit is systemic racism that marginalizes Black people and puts them more at risk for health complications.
“‘Saving’ Soul Food” in Gastronomica by Kimberly D. Nettles (2007)
A nuanced academic approach to the Soul Food discourse. Nettles wrestles with the relationship Black culture has to Soul Food and how this complicated relationship morphs depending on the context.
“Origins of Soul Food” Research Guide by SUNY Schenectady County Community College (2022)
A great resource that shows staple ingredients found in traditional Soul Food and visually displays the many diverse types of food groups that appear in Soul Food cuisine.
Sweet Potato Pie recipe on Cook For Your Life
Even a decadent dessert that is a staple of Soul Food cuisine can be prepared close to the traditional method with less sugar and fat.
Curried Green Beans recipe on Cook for Your Life
Offers a new take on a traditional Soul Food side dish.