The Untold Story of Fried Chicken
We’re all familiar with the stereotype that Black people love fried chicken. It has been used to degrade, dehumanize, and uphold racism. But where does this stereotype come from? And why was fried chicken singled out?
In this episode, we explore the answers to both of these questions and show the role that fried chicken has played in perpetuating white supremacy. Plus, my dad makes an appearance at the end of the podcast to share his perspective too.
Bite-Sized Black History
Bite-Sized Black History is a program that empowers you to teach the little ones you love about brilliant Black Americans who have been largely overlooked by our history books. We have two different seasons featuring 12 different people in each season, and each season comes with a workbook with illustrations to color and reflection questions to discuss.
Articles, Studies, & Podcasts Referenced in the Episode
“Where Did That Fried Chicken Stereotype Come From?” Code Switch Podcast
“‘Writing History With Lightning:’ The Birth of a Nation at 100,” by Rachel Janie, TIME
“‘The Birth of a Nation’; The 1915 Film Screened at the White House Depicting Blacks as Savages,” by Michael Eli Dokosi, Face 2 Face Africa
“Prejudgements of Those Who Eat ‘Healthy’ vs ‘Unhealthy’ Food for Breakfast,” by Michael E. Oakes and Carole S. Slotterback
“Jubilee,” a cookbook by Toni Tipton-Martin
“‘The Fried Chicken Capital:’ Where Racial Progress Began Along the Rails,” NPR
First Name Basis Podcast, Season 3, Episode 11: “The One Thing I Wish You Knew About Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”
First Name Basis Podcast, Season 3, Episode 24: “Cancel Culture Pt. 3: Removing Statues”
“So You Want to Talk About Race” by Ijeoma Oluo
Song credit: “Sleeper” by Steve Adams” and “Dive Down” by VYEN
