While I think the premise for the show is excellent I think the choice of host was a poor decision. As someone who grew up in numerous South East Asian countries (now American) I find Mr Zimmern to only fuel the already negative impression foreigners have of Americans traveling abroad - rude, ignorant, culturally insensitive. I think it is fascinating to examine the unique foods of other cultures but it is obvious that even though Mr. Zimmern says he respects others, he clearly does not. Telling hawkers or restaurant owners that their food is "gross", "funky", etc. making heaving motions IN FRONT OF THEM is extremely disrespectful in my book. He also very condescending when he speaks with locals and portrays Asia as somewhat of a "backwater." Mr Zimmern can't hold a candle to Anthony Bourdain who I feel truly appreciates the culture of other countries and always acts as a respectful guest. I hope this show continues but I think you're better off with another guy. Currently the worst show on the Travel Channel.
I personally love this show. Andrew has a great personality and adds some life to what could of been a dull show. But since I'm just a rude, ignorant, culturally insensitive American, you'll probably dismiss my opinion.
You need to get a grip. Most Americans think foods are bizarre if they don't come from Micky D's or if you can't irradiate it in a microwave. There are foods right here in the USA that Americans think are bizarre and they are American foods, i.e. Brunswick Stew(made with squirrel), muskrat, rattle snake, aligator, crawfish(though these are gaining in popularity since Cajun food became Trendy), chicken feet, chitterlings(pork intestines), possum, some people turn their noses up at something as simple as grits. Some of these foods I have eaten and some I haven't it all depends on personal taste and what kind of foods someone grew up eating or is willing to eat. Just because AZ a particular food that a society has to offer is not a knock against that society it is only a knock if you make it that way.
Just because AZ doesn't like a particular food that a society has to offer is not a knock against that society it is only a knock if you make it that way.
he has never trashed any ones way of eating on the show. he has said it is not for him but he doen't knock them for eating it. i find the show very intereting. i like to learn of other people cultures.
Seriously, if is isnt Japan then it is pretty backwater... I've been to China, cambodia, thailand, malaysia... yeah... backwater, honey. And their McD's were all horrible!
Originally posted by singapore_girl: While I think the premise for the show is excellent I think the choice of host was a poor decision. As someone who grew up in numerous South East Asian countries (now American) I find Mr Zimmern to only fuel the already negative impression foreigners have of Americans traveling abroad - rude, ignorant, culturally insensitive. I think it is fascinating to examine the unique foods of other cultures but it is obvious that even though Mr. Zimmern says he respects others, he clearly does not. Telling hawkers or restaurant owners that their food is "gross", "funky", etc. making heaving motions IN FRONT OF THEM is extremely disrespectful in my book. He also very condescending when he speaks with locals and portrays Asia as somewhat of a "backwater." Mr Zimmern can't hold a candle to Anthony Bourdain who I feel truly appreciates the culture of other countries and always acts as a respectful guest. I hope this show continues but I think you're better off with another guy. Currently the worst show on the Travel Channel.
I do understand what you are saying, but most viewers will never experience food from other cultures. While there may be others that could host Bizarre Foods, Mr. Zimmerman acts as I would act, normal without putting on professional and polished front and acting as if he's one of us. This is not PBS.
I'm starting to wonder where you grew up. Have you ever LIVED IN AMERICA? Your being VERY stereotypical, and I don't think you've ever lived in the US. Besides, most of the Americans don't leave their country. And I'm not defending Americans because you think I'm an American. I'm not. I'm a korean, and I'm here defending them because I'm ticked at your stereotypical, small view of the world. Why don't you save up money, and start traveling around the world? Maybe then you will be thinking about deleting this thread, Huh?
This only your opinion, this is not fact. I think he has never shown disrespect to anyone. Is he to smile at everything he eats? It is opinion of how it tastes. Great show, great host.
I kind of agree that sometimes Andrew seems disrespectful by making rude comments or faces. Anthony Bourdain is great! He's truly is an open minded traveler with a great sense of humor.
Originally posted by rosto67: The show is great. Andrew Zimmern is not culturally insensitive. At least he eats the food he encounters.
AZ spits out the food that he doesn't like (durian, stinky tofu, etc.) He seems disrespectful, especially when he says it's disgusting and he doesn't know how people can eat that.
what respect??? He just tells it as it is..It is a matter of taste. If he likes it he says he likes it. If he doesn't he states so. Now that is a respectable and honest show host.
If you don't like his style don't watch. One less viewer like, trust me, the show still goes on.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: besang,
Originally posted by besang: what respect??? He just tells it as it is..It is a matter of taste. If he likes it he says he likes it. If he doesn't he states so. Now that is a respectable and honest show host.
Hello, did you not see how he spitted out the stinky tofu and said that it was gross but told the cook/restaurant owner that the meal was "awesome?" That's being fake and two faced, not at all respectful.
Ok guess what, I just ate pig intestense I went to an argentinan grill and saw long tubular things on the grill,and said ok give me some of those..and you know what it wasnt that bad it has a hint of bacon flavor the cruchier the better. If you get a piece that's not so well done it will be pretty chewy. oh and a little grainy from time to time..lol but overall its alright ..so thats my wildest food ive eaten bring on the eyeballs and balls!! im game!! .....P peace cheers !!
since my dinner wasnt so wild,its called chittlins,thats been eaten forever in a day but for me,it's a big feat...anyways... I figured id kick it up a notch, and go outside and find a bug, i found an two ants and ate them live!! hows that for wild?? yes i did.. it didnt taste like anything i ate them really fast strange aftertaste.. I have got to get some brains!!!! and blood jello. and all sorts of bugs..until then suspense music...i have a dish that will knock your socks off. i call it : Red wine dijon fresh rasberry shrimp stir. its awsome. peace cheers!
Andrew Zimmern is NO MORE culturally offensive than American so-called health nuts who stare you down if you are eating BREAD or SUGAR of any kind! Rock on Andrew. I love your show.
You have GOT to be kidding me. I think the only ignorant person that was mentioned in your post, was YOURSELF. How do you honestly expect someone to like every different food they try, and none the less, expect the HOST to lie to his viewers on the taste of particular foods he didn't find very delicious. And seriously, don't be so thinned skinned on Andrew Zimmermans "LLITTLE" funny faces or negative reactions to the foods he didn't care for. At least he tried them and is being honest. It's not that often you find him disliking foods at that. If you think Andrew Zimmerman is being disrespectful, I hate to see your comments rating from an ill mannered, mild ignorant, to an incredible rude person.
quote:
Originally posted by singapore_girl: While I think the premise for the show is excellent I think the choice of host was a poor decision. As someone who grew up in numerous South East Asian countries (now American) I find Mr Zimmern to only fuel the already negative impression foreigners have of Americans traveling abroad - rude, ignorant, culturally insensitive. I think it is fascinating to examine the unique foods of other cultures but it is obvious that even though Mr. Zimmern says he respects others, he clearly does not. Telling hawkers or restaurant owners that their food is "gross", "funky", etc. making heaving motions IN FRONT OF THEM is extremely disrespectful in my book. He also very condescending when he speaks with locals and portrays Asia as somewhat of a "backwater." Mr Zimmern can't hold a candle to Anthony Bourdain who I feel truly appreciates the culture of other countries and always acts as a respectful guest. I hope this show continues but I think you're better off with another guy. Currently the worst show on the Travel Channel.
Travel Channel Discussions 
P peace cheers !!
since my dinner wasnt so wild,its called chittlins,thats been eaten forever in a day but for me,it's a big feat...anyways... I figured id kick it up a notch, and go outside and find a bug, i found an two ants and ate them live!! hows that for wild?? yes i did..
