The influencer community likes to appear particularly politically correct and inclusive, but one of its most famous representatives, Hank Ge, is now facing accusations of cultural appropriation.
Colorful brunch dishes with lots of fruit, hummus and other delicacies, pizzas with special toppings – Hang Ge not only runs several restaurants in Vienna, his online presence also suggests many exotic things. According to the influencer and restaurant owner himself, he expresses his love for the Indonesian island of Bali in particular. But the holiday feeling in central Europe is of course not selling badly.
Accusation of cultural appropriation
But that is precisely a thorn in the side of the Indonesian community. The collective ‘Cinta Cinta’ accuses Hank Ge, real name Hendrick Genotte, of enriching himself from Indonesian culture ‘without approval, recognition or compensation’.
What is sold under the influencer’s brand in restaurants and also packaged in supermarkets has virtually nothing in common with Indonesian cuisine: ‘Indonesian cuisine is as diverse as the island state.’ Under the Hank Ge brand, on the other hand, ‘dishes from South Africa’ and West Asia and North Africa such as hummus and falafel were packaged in plastic with a feel-good message and marketed with a Bali feel”.
“I wanted to bring the spirit of the island to Vienna”
Hank Ge responded to the collective’s post and justified himself by saying that he has been traveling to Bali for 15 years and has learned to appreciate “nature, culture and local people.” The names of its brands are ‘based solely on an appreciation of the extraordinary atmosphere and mood of Bali’; he wanted to bring the ‘spirit of the island’ to Vienna.
He does not convince the Indonesians with this. They see it as just another form of colonialism. “Leave Bali and Indonesia and any other form of cultural appropriation out of your business ideas and products,” they demand.
Social media users are divided. While some can understand and even support the criticism, others side with the influencer: “Do you think he should call it ‘Hendrick’s Fruity Breakfast House’?” However, another user is on the side of the critics: “There’s just that you shouldn’t use the concept of brunch.”
Source: Krone
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