Anthony Bourdain Cooks Up Some Controversy

Anthony Bourdain is no novice when it comes to edgy maybe even questionable comments, but the chef, author and Travel Channel star may have cooked-up some trouble with a controversial statement he made while in Jamaica filming an episode of No Reservations.

From the South Florida Caribbean News:

According to ReddingNewsReview.com, Bourdain referred to women as “b***ches” when describing dancehall music in the Jamaican-themed episode of the show. It was reported that Bourdain made the following statement about dancehall, “There’s no rootsy, laid back Rasta vibe,” Bourdain narrates. “This ain’t about standing up for your rights or praising Jah or anything like that. Like Reggaetón, its mutant cousin, dancehall is the hardcore beat behind lyrics concerning, for the most part: acquiring possessions, getting respect on the street, beating down perceived enemies and enjoying the physical charms of varied, if not multitudinous, b***ches.”

It appears that some are attempting to make this a Don Imus moment, but I really doubt that is the case.  First of all Bourdain is about as accepting of anything unique and diverse as they come.  He hates “the norm” and degrades all that is typical and unoriginal about the world.  If you watch No Reservations and read Bourdain, he not only considers himself an expert of all things palatable, but his expressive point-of-view goes beyond food into culture and music.

I am not an expert on Dancehall Reggae, and I doubt either is Bourdain.  The South Florida Carribbean News continues its report speaking with veteran female Dancehall Reggae artist, Nadine Sutherland, who was displeased with his remarks but sees no reason to flog him about a music that has been taken from a music that originated through the economic and social struggle of the forgotten class to a corrupted version degrading and sexualizing women, aka ‘gyal’ or better known to us as “b*tch”.

Read more of what Nadine Sutherland has to say from the South Florida Caribbean News.  Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations began its new season on July 7th in Laos and airs everyone Monday night on The Travel Channel.  Check your local listings.