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Politicians Using Performances: From Mimicking Parrots to Serving Currywurst

Politicians Putting on a Show: From Feathered Friends to German Sausages Shenanigans

Politicians putting on a show: From mimicking parrots to serving currywurst
Politicians putting on a show: From mimicking parrots to serving currywurst

Political performers on display: Ranging from mimics to street food delicacies - Politicians Using Performances: From Mimicking Parrots to Serving Currywurst

In the world of politics, food has often served as more than just sustenance. From symbolising identity to becoming a tool for power, the connection between food and politics is a fascinating one. Let's delve into some recent examples.

The dairy company Milram recently unveiled new, colourful packaging for its cheese, featuring artistic depictions of people on Muritz, Sylt, or Burland. This move, while aimed at attracting consumers, could also be seen as a political statement, symbolising a connection to these popular German locations.

Food has long been used as a political statement, serving as a symbol of belonging to a certain caste or ideology. For instance, Helmut Kohl's sausage was seen as a symbol of a new German coziness after the world wars. Kohl, however, used food not only for identity politics but also as a power source, consuming over a dozen small butter pats meant for spreading on rolls at EU Council meetings for relaxation.

Politicians posing for photos with various items, including animals and food, serves as a statement of conviction. The phrase "You are what you eat" is particularly applicable in such cases. Recently, transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney made an ad for the beer brand "Bud Light", leading to a response from Trump fan and musician Kid Rock, who shot at beer cans in a video, cursing.

The act of posing with food can also lead to unexpected outcomes. Chancellor Angela Merkel, for example, had an encounter with unpredictable gray parrots during a photo op, resulting in unflattering photos. On the other hand, Olaf Scholz forced Emmanuel Macron to bite into a fish bun during a photo op, a move that showcased Scholz's assertiveness.

However, the intersection of food and politics is not always positive. Companies like Milram have faced backlash for their lack of concern for animal welfare and the use of non-eco-friendly packaging. This was evident when the new packaging of Milram cheese led to reactions from digital hate mobs of the AfD, Identitarians, and similar people's fronts.

Interestingly, modern political communication often prioritises iconic packaging over contradictory elements within it. This was seen when a Bavarian minister-president's food chain was comprehensively documented in a photo series, despite potential contradictions with the minister's political stance.

In a positive note, political figures like Paula Piechotta, a Green Party MP, have used food as a platform to advocate for important causes. Piechotta posed for a photo with Milram cheese and wrote about the importance of fighting hate by 2025.

As we continue to witness the intersection of food and politics, it's essential to remember the potential impact of these actions. Whether it's a symbol of identity, a tool for power, or a platform for advocacy, food remains an integral part of our political landscape.

This article was written by M. Beisenherz.

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