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Century Blogs

Unnatural impiety

Nov 30, 2010 by David Heim

A few times I've come across Anthony Bourdain's food show No Reservations. Bourdain is the "bad boy" of TV gourmets--he's profane and sarcastic, and apparently an erstwhile user of hard drugs. This is, of course, a different persona for a host of a food show. Apparently viewers are intrigued by Bourdain as an edgy alternative to the always-bright-eyed enthusiasm displayed by the usual food show host.

Still, Bourdain's persona strikes me as deeply incongruous in a theological way. A celebration of food and of the amazing tastes and textures of the world seems incompatible with cynicism. Working with food should call forth some enthusiasm. Maybe even reverence. Some kind of natural piety.

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Anthony Bourdain fails as a cynic...

Posted by Anonymous on Dec 03, 2010 - 12:38 am.

I understand how you get the impression that Anthony Bourdain's persona, if not the man himself, is mired in cynicism. Actually, his cynical self only lasts so long in most episodes. At some point his love for food and for life gets the best of him -- he lets himself speak from the heart.

I suspect that Bourdain is actually a profoundly vulnerable person, and hence very attached to long-standing, rough-talking, rocker dude posturings. As for his relationship with God -- I have often prayed for the guy. I think he'd be a wonderfully atypical disciple.

Laura Fissinger

Mr. Heim, I think its telling

Posted by Anonymous on Dec 03, 2010 - 06:29 pm.

Mr. Heim,

I think its telling that you only watched "a few times." A tough stretch to draw "theological" conclusions based on such a limited exposure to the datum. Furthermore, your personal opinion about Bourdain manifesting in a theological critique is a reach...in my opinion. Why "should" food "call forth some enthusiasm."? Seems like you are wanting your opinion about somebody to be girded in theological analysis...but I see no such basis. Can you elaborate?

Thank you,
Joshua
http://staffordsgreenhouse.blogspot.com/

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