Culinary Class Heroes: Dystopian Class Warfare

Netflix's Culinary Class Wars offers a thought-provoking, dystopian exploration of societal dynamics, particularly the class divide within Korean society. The show's "spoon class theory," which categorizes individuals based on their socioeconomic background, resonates deeply with Gen Z, a generation facing increasing inequality. The white spoon versus black spoon dynamic mirrors these class divides, with white spoons representing established chefs and black spoons symbolizing those still striving for success.

The Spoon Class Theory:

Socioeconomic Stratification: The spoon class theory provides a powerful metaphor for understanding the pervasive social and economic inequalities in Korean society. The classification into gold, silver, and dirt spoons reflects not only economic status but also opportunities.

Gen Z's Struggles: Gen Z, often referred to as the "dirt spoon" generation, faces a world where wealth and opportunities feel concentrated in the hands of the older, wealthier Boomers. These young adults perceive their futures as uncertain, with systemic barriers hindering their social and economic advancement.

The Black Spoon Chefs:

Overcoming Adversity: The black spoon chefs in Culinary Class Wars embody the struggles of Gen Z, overcoming limitations through talent and determination while battling a system that favors the already successful. Their journey resonates with viewers who are also facing challenges and striving for upward mobility.

Symbol of Hope: The black spoon chefs' victories offer a sense of hope and inspiration for Gen Z viewers, demonstrating that it's possible to overcome adversity and achieve success. Their triumphs challenge the prevailing narrative of privilege and reinforce the belief that hard work and talent can overcome systemic barriers.

The Dopamine Effect:

Emotional Rewards: Watching black spoon chefs triumph in Culinary Class Wars can trigger a surge of dopamine in viewers, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This emotional response reinforces the belief that hard work and talent can overcome systemic barriers, providing a sense of hope and motivation for Gen Z viewers.

The Power of Underdog Victories: The underdog narratives in Culinary Class Wars resonate deeply with viewers, evoking feelings of satisfaction and accomplishment. When a black spoon chef wins, it challenges the prevailing narrative of privilege and offers a sense of justice and righteousness.

Squid Game and Parasite Parallels:

Societal Critique: Like Squid Game and Parasite, Culinary Class Wars offers a scathing critique of societal inequality and the ruthless pursuit of success. The show's portrayal of the black spoon chefs' struggles mirrors the desperate situations faced by the characters in these films. The prize money of ?300?million (200 000€), really reminds us of the Squid Game and the ruthless competition to get to it.

Class Warfare: The class warfare depicted in Culinary Class Wars echoes the themes explored in Squid Game and Parasite. The show highlights the power dynamics between the wealthy and the marginalized, and the lengths to which people will go to survive in a competitive system.

Culinary Class Wars offers a thought-provoking exploration of societal dynamics, class inequality, and the pursuit of success. The show's portrayal of the black spoon chefs' struggles and triumphs resonates with Gen Z viewers, offering a sense of hope, inspiration, and a belief in the power of individual determination. By drawing parallels to the dystopian worlds of Squid Game and Parasite, the show provides a powerful commentary on the challenges and opportunities facing today's youth.

And as John Lennon famously sang: There's room at the top they are telling you still. But first you must learn how to smile as you kill. If you want to be like the folks on the hill. A working class hero is something to be.

#theartofjeong #HanaTolio #Culinaryclasswars #Netflix #GenZ #KoreanGenZ

Disclaimer All images used in this analysis belong to NETFLIX and the brands affiliated in the programmes, I do not claim ownership of them.

The opinions expressed in this article are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals I am affiliated with.