SCPL Online NonFiction Book Club discussion

We've already discussed how the author writes that it's imperative that everyone should try working in the service industry for some period of time.

But later on in her book she goes on to say that there is a dark side to working in the culinary industry - particularly for women. An expose on how Kate Burnham was treated in the kitchen at a Toronto restaurant inspired Jen to organize a conference to discuss sexism in hospitality named Kitchen Bitches: Smashing the Patriarchy One Plate at a Time. In an op-ed in the New York Times, Agg called out the "chaotic environment of accepted abuse and harassment, supported by an understood code of silence."

Do you think that there are still a number of industries where sexism is the norm? Is the restaurant industry at the top of this list?

Do you think that Jen's efforts to bring attention to the problem of sexism in the restaurant industry has made a positive difference?

I have few comments here. First, Agg states that everyone should work in service, and then goes back on that when talking about food writers/bloggers. She says that maybe it’s better that they don’t work in “the industry” because they are writing for a “non-industry audience.” I thought that was really interesting and oddly insightful for her to make that concession.

Back to the question, I do think that the restaurant industry is particularly bad when it comes to sexism and sexual harassment but it’s not the only industry and that still doesn’t make it right. Look at what we learned about media relations during the Jian Gomeshi trial (even if he was acquitted). The restaurant industry is run by egos and egos tend to ignore injustices.

Do I think Agg’s efforts to bring attention to the problem has been positive? Not particularly. She’s an awkward hero. A self-proclaimed capital F Feminist but to what end? She has definitely succeeded in making people mad. I’m not sure how constructive her involvement actually is though. I guess on some level any attention to the problem is good I’m just not sure how it will lead to change or what that process would look like.

Such great insight Heidi - thank you!

I was reading through a few articles about Agg's new book and the Gomeshi trial was brought up numerous times and referred to by Jen herself pointing out that we haven't really moved forward at all in terms of sexism and equality in the workplace.

That is an excellent phrase that you used to describe Agg - an awkward hero. She's passionate, but inconsistent, which is confusing. She's angry and demands change, but to a violent and theatrical degree (literally smashing a plate during her conference), which makes her a little scary and intimidating. She's well spoken/written but has a tendency to be crass for the sake of it, which makes her a leader who will always be fighting for respect.

I admire her courage and veracity but I doubt we could we could be friends.

Yes! Violent and theatrical are great adjectives. The idea of a “leader who will always be fighting for respect” is also bang on. If she could reign in her wild side she would likely get more respect but I think she’d also lose something of herself. The other question in this discussion talks about her level of authenticity and I think her crassness is part of what makes her who she is. I doubt we could be friends either. I’d even be a little nervous to meet her even though I’d love to eat at The Black Hoof someday.

Authenticity is a great way to describe the author. She must have some degree of likeability and command a great deal of respect from certain type of people who appreciate that - otherwise she wouldn't have any staff to work for her!

I'm not altogether sure that Charcuterie is my thing but I'd love to be a fly on the wall and watch Jen in top form while working at the Black Hoof!