I live in a very small city, but we have recently received a lot of international students. Many of them are from West Africa. Some are from Congo. One of my students recently did a presentation on food from his country. As someone who LOVES food and cooking, I was intrigued. We also recently had a small grocery store open in our city which is dedicated to selling ingredients, spices, and foods from Africa -- Moroccan sardines, cassava, potato leaves, different spices, different types of fish and meat, plantain, okra, different greens, etc.
I went today and purchased ingredients for fufu, n'dole, etc. Someone I know said I shouldn't cook these foods because it's cultural appropriation. I told said friend to mind his business. Keep in mind, this friend is NOT someone from Africa.I mean, I'm not about to open a restaurant or anything. So, am I being insensitive?