Edward Anderson, a UK-based historian caused a huge storm on Twitter and sparked up an online debate after he commented on Zomato’s Twitter post calling idlis the most boring food ever. Soon, the tweet garnered a lot of attention, with opinions divided on the platform. While idli lovers were quick to slam Anderson for his opinion, many agreed with him and said a lot depended on what was served with the idlis.
Many Indian users hit out at Anderson, saying he has not eaten “real” idlis and other users opined that the taste of idli depends upon what it is being eaten with.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, India’s resident Shakespeare, also took a jibe at the history professor, saying: “civilisation is hard to acquire”. To which Anderson replied saying ” Oh no, I feared that the world’s most famous idli evangelist would see this after @ishaantharoor tweeted it! Coincidentally ‘this poor man’ is currently re-reading one of your books which I’ve set my students to read for a class next week!”.
In times like these when the entire world is grappling with the unseen Wuhan virus, banter like this that comes up online is proof that be it resident or diaspora, Indians are always up for defending their culture no matter where they are.
Yes, my son, there are some who are truly challenged in this world. Civilisation is hard to acquire: the taste & refinement to appreciate idlis, enjoy cricket, or watch ottamthullal is not given to every mortal. Take pity on this poor man, for he may never know what Life can be. https://t.co/M0rEfAU3V3
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) October 7, 2020