Brown History

Brown History

Share this post

Brown History
Brown History
Why Eating with your Hands in America has Become Political

Why Eating with your Hands in America has Become Political

As politicians weaponize the culture, we look at the long, rich history of eating with your hands.

Brown History's avatar
Brown History
Jul 08, 2025
∙ Paid
19

Share this post

Brown History
Brown History
Why Eating with your Hands in America has Become Political
3
Share

Welcome to the Brown History Newsletter. If you’re enjoying this labour of love, please do consider becoming a paid subscriber. Your contribution would help pay the writers and illustrators and support this weekly publication. If you like to submit a writing piece, please send me a pitch by email at brownhistory1947@gmail.com.

Don’t forget to check out our SHOP and our Podcast.

This oil painting was done by Edwin Lord Weeks in the 1880s. He undertook his first voyage to India in 1882, where he proved to be a dedicated observer of Indian culture and architecture. "Nautch Girls Emerging from the Taj Mahal" is one of his well-known works. The painting showcases a group of nautch girls, who were traditional Indian dancers and entertainers, emerging from the iconic Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum located in Agra, India, and is considered one of the most beautiful and recognizable landmarks in the world. (Available as print)

Recommended Reads:

"I Don’t Know How To Write About India"

"I Don’t Know How To Write About India"

Brown History
·
Apr 29
Read full story
The Weight We Carry: The Silent Guilt of Desi Immigrant Children

The Weight We Carry: The Silent Guilt of Desi Immigrant Children

Brown History
·
Apr 1
Read full story

Brown History is fully reader-supported. We can’t do this without you. Consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.


Why Eating with your Hands in America has Become Political

An old video of Zohran Mamdani eating biryani with his hands during an interview recently surfaced online.

New York City’s mayoral campaign has captured the world’s attention. The corresponding Democratic primary was a seminal event. Disgraced former Governor Andrew Cuomo, previously New York royalty, was toppled by two-term Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani in the results.

This post is for paid subscribers

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Ahsun Zafar
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share