New York: A U.S. Congressman’s comment on how another elected official eats his food has sparked a global firestorm—one that goes far beyond dinner etiquette. On June 30, 2025, Texas Republican Brandon Gill lashed out at New York Assemblymember and mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani for eating rice with his hands in a resurfaced video from 2023. Gill wrote, “Civilized people in America don’t eat like this. If you refuse to adopt Western customs, go back to the Third World.” The internet wasted no time in hitting back.
At first glance, this might look like a social media spat over food. But for millions of people from South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East—where eating with one’s hands is a deeply rooted tradition—Gill’s statement felt like a direct attack on identity. The remark sparked widespread criticism across platforms, with many accusing the Congressman of perpetuating racist, colonialist, and xenophobic narratives under the guise of “civility.”
As people around the world rallied to support Mamdani, the moment grew into something larger than politics. It became about the right to exist authentically. It asked a hard question: Who gets to define what’s “civilized” in a multicultural world? The backlash wasn’t just loud—it was informed, powerful, and deeply personal. Here’s what happened, what was said, and why this moment matters.
Also Read: Zohran Mamdani vs Cuomo: How a Socialist Shocked NYC’s Political Game
What Did Brandon Gill Actually Say?
Brandon Gill, a freshman Republican Congressman from Texas and son-in-law of conservative commentator Dinesh D’Souza, reposted a video originally shared by Zohran Mamdani in 2023. The clip showed Mamdani casually eating rice and lentils with his hands during an interview with a media platform called “Uncivilized.” Gill used the post to attack Mamdani’s eating habits, tweeting:
“Civilized people in America don’t eat like this. If you refuse to adopt Western customs, go back to the Third World.”
Civilized people in America don’t eat like this.
If you refuse to adopt Western customs, go back to the Third World. https://t.co/TYQkcr0nFE
— Congressman Brandon Gill (@RepBrandonGill) June 30, 2025
The message was widely criticized not only for its tone but also for reinforcing outdated colonial ideas of what is “proper” or “acceptable.” While Gill did not back down from his comment, the online world turned the moment into a teachable—and deeply emotional—opportunity.
Who Is Zohran Mamdani and Why Did the Clip Resurface?
Zohran Mamdani is an Assemblymember representing Queens, New York, and a rising progressive figure running for mayor of New York City. Born in Uganda and raised partly in South Africa and New York, Mamdani is known for his outspoken views on housing rights, Palestine, and racial justice.
The clip that triggered the controversy was not new—it had been posted in 2023 during an interview where Mamdani discussed growing up in the Global South and how it shaped his worldview. In the short video, he’s seen eating rice with his hand, a practice common in Indian households and respected across much of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
The comment didn’t come out of nowhere—it was political and deliberate. Gill was targeting Mamdani’s larger message about American imperialism, immigrant identity, and racial solidarity. But the way he chose to do it—mocking a cultural practice—backfired massively.
Why Did This Comment Spark Such a Huge Backlash?
Gill’s remark touched a nerve. For many people of color and immigrant families, being told that your cultural traditions are “uncivilized” is a form of erasure. It’s not just about food—it’s about dignity, assimilation, and the line between coexistence and dominance.
Social media erupted with commentary:
- Users posted pictures and videos of themselves eating with their hands, in solidarity.
- Many pointed out the hypocrisy—Americans eat ribs, burgers, fries, and wings with their hands all the time.
Cultural educators and chefs used the moment to explain how hand-eating connects people to their food, improves digestion, and holds deep emotional value.
So how do you eat pizza? tacos? fries? wings?fruits? burgers? Breads? Even you guys put other people private parts in your mouth without a question but you have problem with someone eating with hands?
— HassaN Chaudhary (@_chassan_) June 30, 2025
How long have you hated farmers and why? pic.twitter.com/fmPDA3pa3E
— The Twins Almanac (@TwinsAlmanac) June 30, 2025
— Yader Morazán ⚖️ 🇳🇮 (@YaderMorazan) June 30, 2025
We need to send you back first then. pic.twitter.com/LkkEjXiksy
— Umar Qadmiri (@UmarQadmiri) June 30, 2025
Be my guest😂 https://t.co/zpCxqZkr31 pic.twitter.com/LIYJFiOrXl
— Tara Deshpande (@Tara_Deshpande) June 30, 2025
Has Zohran Mamdani Reacted?
Zohran Mamdani has not made a public statement directly addressing Gill’s comment. Instead, the response has come organically—through support from peers, diaspora communities, and cultural advocates online.
What’s the Bigger Picture?
This wasn’t just a political tiff. It was a window into what America still struggles with: who belongs, and what traditions are worthy of respect. The idea that someone should “go back to the Third World” because they eat differently has echoes of past racist, anti-immigrant sentiments used to silence diverse voices.
Brandon Gill’s comment, whether intentional dog-whistling or genuine ignorance, struck the wrong chord with an increasingly proud and vocal multicultural America—especially Gen Z and Millennials who celebrate heritage as power, not shame.
What Happens Next?
While no official apology has been issued, the backlash has sparked calls for cultural competency among elected officials. Advocacy groups are also urging voters to recognize the deeper meanings behind such rhetoric.
Meanwhile, Mamdani’s support continues to grow, not just among the South Asian and African diaspora, but across voters who see authenticity as strength—not something to mock.
