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Generally, the only controversy generated by elotes is a debate over whether or not a cup full of corn, cheese and mayonnaise can be part of a balanced diet. But a new Oak Cliff cart slinging the popular Mexican street snack found itself in hot water over the weekend after making racially-charged comments directed at eloteros.
In a post to a since-deleted Instagram account, Corn Connection positioned itself as an alternative to the “roachin’ ass cart in front of Home Depot,” a comment viewed by hundreds of angry commenters on social media as both culturally appropriative and racist.
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A screenshot of the Instagram post was shared by Xicanisma, a Facebook community that describes itself as “dismantling oppressive -isms through privileged tears,” and quickly went viral. At present, the post, which calls for a Corn Connection boycott, has been shared on Facebook nearly 500 times.
For their part, Corn Connection issued an apology of sorts via Facebook over the weekend:
A comment was made in bad taste and apparently was taken out of context. It was truly said in jest and without any negative intention. It was a thoughtless comment that caused unintended harm. We understand how and why it was viewed as offensive, that being said we sincerely apologize to each and every person that took offense, as it was and is never our intention to upset anyone or hurt anyone's feelings. That is not who we are and that is not our style .We are just a small business and we wouldn't even exist if it weren't for the inspiration from all of the food carts that we have frequented for years and continue to buy from and support. We want to support all small business and food vendors alike.
It would appear that the comments are already having a negative effect on the fledgling elote cart. Corn Connection was originally scheduled to serve elotes at the Fall Block Walk in Oak Cliff this Friday, but have since been removed from the event’s list of vendors. Eater has reached out to Corn Connection for comment, and will update this post if and when the owners respond.
