
Congressman Brandon Gill sparked outrage after mocking NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani for eating with his hands, calling it “uncivilized”
A Bite Too Far: Congressman’s Comment Sparks Cultural Clash
Culture Shamed – In a moment that has since gone viral, Texas Congressman Brandon Gill reshared a video of New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani eating rice with his hands and commented, “Civilized people in America don’t eat like this. If you refuse to adopt Western customs, go back to the Third World”.
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The remark, widely condemned as racist and culturally insensitive, was aimed at Mamdani, a progressive politician of Indian and Ugandan descent, who had just secured a surprise victory in the Democratic primary. The video, originally shared by a right-wing account, showed Mamdani casually eating biryani with his hand during an interview, a practice common in many South Asian, Middle Eastern, and African cultures.
Gill’s comment was met with immediate backlash. Critics pointed out the irony: Gill is married to Danielle D’Souza Gill, daughter of Indian-American conservative commentator Dinesh D’Souza. Social media users were quick to remind him that his own wife comes from a culture where eating with hands is not only normal but deeply rooted in tradition.
One user wrote, “This is how your INDIAN WIFE eats, you dumb [expletive],” while another added, “Doesn’t your dad-in-law eat like this?!”. The internet wasn’t just angry, it was unforgiving.
Hypocrisy Exposed: Danielle D’Souza Gill Joins the Fray
As the controversy snowballed, Danielle D’Souza Gill stepped in to defend her husband. In a post on X, she wrote, “I did not grow up eating rice with my hands and have always used a fork. I was born in America. I’m a Christian MAGA patriot. My father’s extended family lives in India and they are also Christian and they use forks too”.
Her statement, intended to distance herself from the cultural practice, only added fuel to the fire. Critics accused her of internalized bias and of throwing her own heritage under the bus to support a racially charged narrative. Some even shared photos of her father, Dinesh D’Souza, eating with his hands, calling her a hypocrite.
The backlash wasn’t limited to cultural circles. Political commentators, civil rights activists, and even fellow lawmakers condemned Gill’s remarks. Many saw it as a deliberate attempt to “other” Mamdani, who, if elected, would become NYC’s first Asian and Muslim mayor.
MAGA activist Laura Loomer also joined the attack, calling Mamdani “disgusting” and comparing his eating habits to animals. Her comments were widely denounced as Islamophobic and racist.
Culture, Politics, and the American Identity Crisis
This incident is more than just a social media spat, it’s a reflection of the deep cultural and racial divides in American politics. At its core lies a question: What does it mean to be “civilized” in a multicultural society?
Eating with hands is a practice rooted in mindfulness, tradition, and community. In many cultures, it’s a symbol of respect and connection to food. To label it as “uncivilized” is not just ignorant, it’s an erasure of centuries of cultural heritage.
Zohran Mamdani, son of acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, has not publicly responded to the controversy. But his supporters have rallied behind him, turning the moment into a broader conversation about cultural acceptance and the dangers of ethnocentrism in leadership.
The irony is stark: in a nation built by immigrants, a Congressman married to an Indian-origin woman chose to mock a fellow American for embracing his roots. The message this sends to millions of immigrants and people of colour is chilling.
Conclusion:
Brandon Gill’s comment wasn’t just a political misstep, it was a cultural affront. In trying to shame Zohran Mamdani, he exposed a deeper intolerance that still festers in American politics. But the internet wasn’t having it. The collective clapback was swift, sharp, and necessary.
As America grapples with its identity in an increasingly diverse world, this incident serves as a reminder: cultural pride is not a weakness, it’s a strength. And no one should be shamed for the way they eat.
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