Hey There.
My name is Danielle N. Salmon and that’s me in the picture just below these words. You may know me because you know me, or you may know me from following this blog. If you don’t fall into the category of either of the the two then this may come as a surprise, but I’m black. Jamaican-American to be exact. Why do I say that? Because, for some reason I’ve encountered my share of people, restaurant owners/staff or food influencers, who are bothered by that. Furthermore, within this “foodie industry”, the aforementioned people feel the need to point out my race, ethnicity, and skin color to others and to myself as if I’m unaware.
“Wait a minute, *looks in the mirror*, I’m black? How long has this been going on? THIRTY YEARS?!?!”
Funny thing, I already know I’m black. I don’t need you to remind me nor do I need you to make a comment about it.
I never wanted it to come to this, but I have to say this on my blog because this has happened on more than one occasion. In restaurants, at prestigious food events, and even over the phone. I’ve had amazing people come to my rescue when I was struggling with ignorant people. I’ll never forget Chelsea McKinney of Powerhouse PR who stepped in to alleviate a difficult situation I was in and couldn’t manage to get out of. As the frequency of these comments have increased, I think something needs to be said here so it can be made available at any point and time. With that I thought it would be best if I made a public service announcement to make things very transparent.
My name is Danielle N. Salmon and I’m black, Jamaican-American to be exact. I love that about me. Aside from my personality, and using my mouth to eat food, my heritage is my favorite quality about myself. Below I’ve even included a gallery with images of myself and my blackness. If you don’t like any of that, then this blog isn’t for you. However if you find yourself on the fence about my race then I have five things you shouldn’t do when it comes to my blog and myself:
- Don’t read this blog,
- Don’t invite me to your restaurant,
- Don’t invite me to your food event (it sounds a lot like #2, but trust me it’s totally different)
- Don’t invite me to join you to your breakfast/lunch/dinner/food tour, and/or
- Don’t connect with me on some type of collaboration.
Basically don’t hit me up whatsoever, because I’m going to be black forever.
You may be wondering where this is coming from. It’s not out of left field.
As I touched in paragraphs above, in the past two years of restaurant blogging, I’ve experienced my share of ignorance and racism based on the fact that I’m one of very few black people doing this in Los Angeles. From people commenting that I’m dark skinned, people making black jokes around me, to people saying offensive words to me, I’ve had enough. I’ve tried to be professional since Follow My Gut is my business and I don’t want anything to effect that. I’ve gone the polite route, the “just laugh it off” route, and even the “educate them” route all to no avail. So allow this blog post to serve as the last straw. If I experience any type of ignorance and/or racism with you at your restaurant, I’m not going to be quiet. If I hear another food person say anything remotely derogatory about me or about someone else, I will no longer be polite, laugh it off, or try to educate you/that person. I won’t be violent, but please know you will hear me. Chances are, everyone will hear me. With that said, if I appear to fit any type of stereotype you have about women, black people, or both then so be it.
Let this post serve as a public service announcement that if you have a problem with my skin color, you can click the ‘x’ in the top right corner of this page, pretend like I don’t exist, and never connect with me. Ever.
I won’t mind. In fact, I encourage it.
Sincerely,
Management.
YES YES YES. there’s no need for so much intolerance and hate. i’m sorry it’s come to the point where you even have to do this. i was living in a massive bubble pre-election (i’ve lived in predominantly asian american communities my whole life), even given all the racial tension, for that i’m sorry, too. sending you hugs, good vibes, and lots of ice cream.
Thank you so much, Heather! This was incredibly frustrating and totally disappointing so I really appreciate your support. And your ice cream. I definitely appreciate that =]
Wow….that’s actually kind of shocking to hear. It almost seems like something you’d hear about in another century. But I guess ignorant people will always be ignorant…and they’re always going to be around somewhere.
And sorry, I am curious by nature….but like, which restaurants and people treated you that way? I want names, so I can boycott or be aware for the future.
I know I feel the same way. I was hoping that it was something from so long ago that people wouldn’t be acting this way but I was so wrong. I told myself that any place or person prior to this post I would just keep to myself. However, now that this post is out, if they (or anyone else) says anything else, I’m putting them on blast.
This reminds me of how I respond to the ‘race/ethnic/religion/belief type of question’ directed to me, which is something along this line: Why does it matter to you? Does that affect how you will be treating me? Sometimes, this can be all innocent because certain people grow up having the need to box people up, categorizing them somehow makes the life of the ‘questioner’ easier to grasp, I’m guessing. I have no idea and usually not bothered to appease them. I love that you put this all out in your blog, Danielle. You are very graceful with your words and I can feel your pain as it is not nice to be put on an awkward spot concerning how we look/appear when clearly, we are who we are since we’re born and we love who we are and don’t want to be treated differently. Like hello, this is me. Treat me like any other human being. Urgh! But then again, I feel that with people like these, it’s better to slay them with kindness? Educate them yes but if that’s not possible, it just reveals their character. And then boycott them forever. I enjoyed reading this and looking at your photos with food! Your hair is so smooth and awesome and I adore looking at your joyfully expressive eyes!! <3 <3 <3
Shanaz, thank you so much for your support I really appreciate it so very much. It was so hard to write it, but after so much there was nothing else to do, but put it out there. I agree with you – this is who I am and that should be accepted. When I see you, I know that’s who you are and I accept it and that’s so simple to do because you are who you are and there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, it should be celebrated! But I wish people could think the same way we do. Since they don’t, I’m just glad I have people like you in my corner who accept me as I am <3 <3 <3
YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!! GIRL YES!!! I knew you were black the second I visited this blog. How? I went to the About Me page to read all about you before I sunk my teeth into followmygut. Now I’m an avid reader and am even visiting LA in 2 weeks to tackle some of the deliciousness you’ve been blogging about. I’m not surprised to hear about your negative experience with restaurants owners, staff, and other food influencers. People like to think that they aren’t racist but some have no intention of hiding it. It hurts my heart to know you are enduring such ridiculous behavior while making a living and killing it, might I add. I’m happy you are going the “I’m not taking this anymore” route because people need to realize what they are doing and the stereotype THEY fit in. I support you to the fullest. Go ahead with your bad self. You are Black and Beautiful and oh so Proud: )
Right?!?!? I figure everyone does that. Like when I went to your page, I see your face in your logo from the jump so I already know. I don’t get it for real. It’s 2017 and I woulda thought people would have been past that. Especially, people in an industry where hospitality is essential that such behavior would never come across but I was wrong. I seriously I appreciate what you wrote. It was so hard to be quiet or try and play it cool the whole time so I don’t live up the the angry black woman stereotype but at a point, enough is enough. Seriously, from the bottom of my hear it means so to hear that and I thank you for supporting me with your kindness =]
Hi Danielle,
Loved the post and the message, very sharp and crystal clear. You are gorgeous, simple as that.
It’s a shame I live so far from LA (about Europe far), but if I am ever in the area your blog will be the best guide to follow, I am drooling right now 🙂
Thanks for stopping by my little virtual corner
Xx
Saida | She talks Glam
Thank you so much for your supportive words, Saida. I was beyond frustrated when I wrote this and still am a little annoyed by it, but it was such a relief to be able to say it. If you ever come this way please let me know and we should totally hang!
I also experience prejudice in my field of work, in my own city, and in my everyday life based on my race and gender. You never know what battle someone else is fighting. It’s important to treat people as you would like to be treated. It’s become a much more difficult thing to do than some might think…
xx http://www.qustomquinns.com/blog
I totally agree. Treat others the way you wish to be treated and this world would be such a better place. I’m so sorry people are horrible to you based on your race and gender. I really wish things weren’t this way for either of us and others who experience this as well =/
Wow! I am so surprised to hear this is going on in Los Angeles. Very surprising and sad for what is supposed to be a self-proclaimed progressive city! Please keep up this awesome blog and I hope I run into you one of these days.
Lisa
http://www.prettylittleshoppers.com
I wish I could say that it surprises me but unfortunately it doesn’t. Thank you so much for your kind words and support I really appreciate it Lisa! <3
Yes! This is everything. Keep at it! You’re an inspiration to me 🙂
That means so much so thank you so much for this Atim!!!
This is so great, you are so great, I love your blog! The graphics, layout and name–the name is so great. Follow My Gut is on my shortlist.
Thank you so so much, Dawn this means so much to me!!
You left nothing out! Well said Danielle. And keep up the great posts, you already know how I love them!!!! 🤤😋
Thank you so so much Simba you gotta know this means so much coming from you dear <3 <3 <3