They weren’t eating the food I love in appreciation. They were eating it as a gross-out challenge. Eating foods from different cultures is not an obstacle to overcome. It’s an experience to be had.

I thought this whole thing was ridiculous and offensive. This organization had a toxic work environment, so I didn’t dare object. But it is a problem, because it reflects a colonial and discriminatory mindset that impacts how the company views and treats its employees. Who has the power? Who is important? Who bows to whom?