Randy Chandler
The association of cheese with political ideologies has been a topic of discussion and debate. In the 1980s, the association of brie with liberals, Democrats, and progressives gained traction, with linguist Geoff Nunberg noting that right-wingers associate liberalism with softness and whiteness. This led to the coining of the phrase brie and cream cheese Democrats/liberals, which was used by some GOP politicians. The politics of taste and class, as identified by Pierre Bourdieu, play a role in shaping these associations, with right-wing stereotypes of liberal tastes extending beyond cheese to include items like Volvos, sushi, Heineken, granola, and vegetarianism.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brie associated with liberals/Democrats/progressives | 1980s |
| Brie is soft and white | Right-wingers associate liberalism with "softness" and "whiteness" |
| Latte liberals | Sitting around in a coffee shop drinking a foamy, foreign-named drink is "effete" (another word for gay, which means homosexual, which is bad) |
| Brie and cream cheese Democrats/liberals | A phrase used by some GOP politicians in the 2000s |
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What You'll Learn
Brie and cream cheese Democrats/liberals
The association of brie with liberals, Democrats, and progressives began around the 1980s, with Pat Buchanan's criticisms of the “wine and cheese” suburban set, which morphed into a fixation with brie over the course of the decade. Linguist Geoff Nunberg points out that brie is soft and white, and that right-wingers associate liberalism with "softness" and "whiteness". This does not refer to white supremacy, but rather to the idea of "stuff white people like". This trend continued with the term “latte liberals”, which carries a similar connotation. Latte is a white foamy drink with a foreign name that is hard to pronounce if you are not familiar with it, and this is considered "effete", which is another word for gay, which means homosexual, which is considered bad by some right-wingers.
The phrase "brie and cream cheese Democrats/liberals" was used by some GOP politicians in the 2000s, but there is no evidence that it was ever widespread. The association of certain foods with political ideologies is not new, and it is often used to convey a sense of "taste" and "distinction", as identified by Pierre Bourdieu. For example, in the 1970s, Volvos were associated with liberals because they were ugly and utilitarian. In the 1980s, in addition to brie, sushi, Heineken, granola, and vegetarianism were also considered markers of liberal taste. This evolved in the 1990s to include lattes and other fancy coffees, and in the 2000s, the Prius replaced the Volvo as the car of choice for liberals.
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Cheese's role in the obesity epidemic
Cheese has long been associated with the political left, with brie, in particular, being linked to liberals, Democrats, and progressives. This association can be traced back to the 1980s when Pat Buchanan criticized the "wine and cheese" suburban set, which eventually morphed into a specific fixation with brie. Linguist Geoff Nunberg explains that right-wingers associate liberalism with "softness" and "whiteness," and brie, being soft and white, became a symbol of this perception.
However, this perceived affinity for cheese among progressives seems to contradict the health-conscious image often associated with political liberals. In recent times, the federal government in the United States has been attempting to address the obesity epidemic in the country. Yet, simultaneously, through federal legislation and the farm bill, they are promoting policies that increase the consumption of cheese, a food item high in saturated fat.
Cheese, while beloved by many, has come under scrutiny due to its high fat and calorie content. The high level of saturated fat in cheese is a contributing factor to the obesity epidemic. Cheese is often added to dishes to enhance flavor, and its creamy texture and savory taste make it a popular ingredient in various recipes. However, this versatile dairy product can have detrimental effects on health when consumed in excess.
The dairy industry has a strong influence on government policies, and this has impacted the efforts to combat the obesity crisis. While the government aims to reduce obesity rates, the dairy industry has a vested interest in promoting cheese consumption, which has resulted in conflicting messages and policies. This dynamic illustrates the complex relationship between the government, the dairy industry, and public health interests.
In conclusion, cheese's role in the obesity epidemic is multifaceted. While it is a tasty and versatile food product, its high saturated fat content can contribute to weight gain and obesity when consumed in excess. The political associations with cheese, the influence of the dairy industry, and the conflicting health messages from the government further complicate the issue. Addressing the obesity crisis requires a comprehensive approach that considers the role of various foods, including cheese, and their impact on public health.
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Cheese and the federal government
The association between cheese and politics became more apparent around the 1970s and 1980s. During this time, certain consumer preferences became linked to political ideologies. For instance, Volvos, with their utilitarian design and Scandinavian origins, were seen as symbols of socialism. Similarly, Brie, a soft and white cheese, became associated with liberalism and progressivism. This connection was likely due to right-wingers equating liberalism with "softness" and a certain type of "whiteness".
The linkage of Brie cheese and liberalism was further perpetuated by GOP politicians in the 2000s, who referred to "brie and cream cheese Democrats/liberals." This phrase added to the growing perception of liberals as elitist or out-of-touch with the working class. However, it's worth noting that this phrase may not have been as widespread as a few isolated instances suggest.
While the specific reasons why progressives may or may not like cheese are not clear, the broader implications of these food associations are significant. They reflect the politics of class and taste, as identified by Pierre Bourdieu, where consumer choices become expressions of social distinction. This dynamic continues to evolve, with new foods and beverages becoming associated with different political ideologies over time.
In conclusion, the relationship between cheese and the federal government is complex, influenced by economic, health, and political factors. While the government promotes the cheese industry, it also grapples with the potential health consequences of high cheese consumption. This dynamic illustrates the multifaceted nature of policymaking and the unintended consequences that can arise from seemingly unrelated issues.
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Cheese as a symbol of liberalism
Cheese, particularly brie, has been associated with liberalism and Democrats/progressives since the 1980s. This association was first made by Pat Buchanan, who made comments about the "wine and cheese" suburban set, which then morphed into a focus on brie over the course of the decade. Linguist Geoff Nunberg points out that brie is soft and white, and that right-wingers often associate liberalism with "softness" and "whiteness". This idea of "whiteness" refers to the concept of "Stuff White People Like", not white supremacy. This trend continued with the term ""latte liberals", which carries similar connotations of effeteness, another word for gay, which was considered negative at the time.
The association of cheese with liberalism can also be understood through Pierre Bourdieu's concept of "taste" and "distinction", which refers to the politics of class as expressed through consumer preferences. In the 1970s, for example, Volvos were seen as ugly and utilitarian, associated with liberals and the working class. In the 1980s, in addition to brie, sushi, Heineken, granola, and vegetarianism were also considered markers of liberal taste. This continued into the 1990s and 2000s, with lattes and other fancy coffees, and the emergence of craft beer, respectively.
Therefore, cheese, and particularly brie, has been used as a symbol of liberalism, often in a negative light, by right-wingers to associate liberals with "softness" and "whiteness", and to mock their consumer preferences and class.
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Cheese as a symbol of distinction
Cheese, along with other consumer preferences, has been used as a symbol of distinction to represent the politics of class. In the 1970s, Volvos were associated with liberals/Democrats/progressives. The cars were described as "ugly and utilitarian", serving as a symbol of distinction for the left. In the 1980s, brie, a soft and white cheese, became a fixation for the right wing to mock the "softness" of liberalism. Linguist Geoff Nunberg points out that the association of brie with liberalism plays into the stereotype of "Stuff White People Like", further reinforcing the politics of class. This trend continued with sushi, Heineken, granola, and vegetarianism.
In the 1990s, lattes and other fancy coffees became symbols of distinction, with the white foam of the latte deemed "effete", a term that was used as a derogatory reference to homosexuality. The 2000s saw the Prius replace the Volvo as the car of choice for liberals, and veganism emerged as a radical sect that was even more feared and hated than vegetarianism. Craft beer also became a matter of taste and distinction, with the working and middle classes' traditional drinks of coffee and beer becoming upscale choices.
While the phrase "brie and cream cheese Democrats/liberals" was used by some GOP politicians in the 2000s, there is no widespread evidence to support that it was ever a common phrase. However, the association of certain consumer preferences, like cheese, with political ideologies continues to be a topic of discussion and controversy.
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Frequently asked questions
The association of cheese with progressives is a stereotype that gained popularity around the 1980s. Right-wingers associated liberalism with "softness" and "whiteness", and certain types of cheese, like brie, were seen as effete.
In addition to brie, other foods that have been associated with progressives include sushi, Heineken, granola, lattes, and craft beer.
While the association of brie with progressives was particularly prominent in the 1980s, it's worth noting that cultural and culinary preferences evolve. The perception of cheese as a marker of political affiliation may shift over time, influenced by various social and economic factors.
