Black Folks, Chicken and Watermelon - a Negative Sterotype or Not?

There is a negative stereotype that all black people love to eat chicken and watermelon. I want to challenge this as bring a "negative stereotype" but first let's take a look at its origins. The stereotype that all blacks eat chicken and watermelon derived out of the south as blacks were claiming their freedom and independence from chattel slavery and Jim Crow laws.

As blacks transitioned from slavery to freedom, many black families lived in destitute situations. Eating chicken and watermelon was less expensive, convenient and economical for poor black families. Black families could raise their own chickens and plant their own watermelon providing food for their families.

When I think about this "negative" stereotype, I image it to be as witless as saying all Chinese people love to eat fish and oranges. What's so negative about that exactly? Fish and oranges have a lot of nutritional value, just as chicken and watermelon does as well.

Chicken; when skinned, baked or grilled, is a great source of lean plentiful protein. It is rich in trace minerals like zinc, cooper, manganese and selenium. Eating chicken helps to slow down the aging process and it is easy to digest. Some studies have proven that eating chicken legs and feet can assist in the reduction of high blood pressure.

Watermelon also has nutritional benefits being as it is full of vitamins like Vitamin A, C and B6. It is very low in calories and rich in potassium. Even the seeds provide iron and fiber. Watermelon also aids in the anti-inflammation of arthritic joints. It is an antioxidant proven to help prevent heart attacks and cancer.

I would say that eating chicken and watermelon isn't a negative stereotype at all. Maybe eating MORE chicken and watermelon is the solution to our obesity epidemic here in America. There's nothing wrong with eating chicken and watermelon. The stereotype is laughable at best being as it is a food that everyone enjoys regardless of race or culture. The chicken and watermelon experience transcends all racial and ethnic lines.