I am searching for panelists to join me for two sessions centered on representations of food and authenticity in popular culture. I plan to submit these two panels to the Popular Culture and Media Division and the Feminist Scholarship division at ICA 2023 (Toronto).

The term ‘authentic’ is often thrown around in food circles, by producers and consumers alike. While long-regarded as synonymous with honesty and truthfulness (Zukin, 2008), authenticity is also defined by class, worth, and broader value-based judgments (Strand, 2013). Moreover, authenticity is linked to cultural omnivorous sensibilities and how we consume food and food media. Therefore, what does it mean when a restaurant declares themselves to be a purveyor of authentic Southern food? What does it mean when PBS’ America’s Test Kitchen promotes a recipe for authentic baguettes? Or what does it mean when a chef on TikTok describes their cuisine as authentic? What is the impact of using authenticity on social media?  

If interested, please respond to the Google Form by Friday, October 7, 2022. Per the division’s guidelines, please send a 150-word abstract for your paper, as well as a brief (<100 word) description of your background and qualifications regarding the topic. Please use the following link to submit your abstract via Google Forms: