Digest

This podcast features a debate series hosted by Brittany Loose in New Orleans, where two local experts, Drew Hawkins and Cole, argue about the most influential things and people from the city. The first category focuses on cultural objects, with Drew Hawkins advocating for the Po-Boy sandwich, a popular sandwich originating in New Orleans, known for its fresh French bread, various fillings, and its connection to the city's working class and labor history. Cole argues for twerking, a dance style characterized by rhythmic hip movements and a low, squatting stance, originating in New Orleans bounce music and popularized by artists like Big Freedia. The second category of the debate focuses on influential people. Drew Hawkins argues for Madame Baguette, a German immigrant who became a renowned chef in New Orleans, known for her Creole cuisine and her invention of brunch at the Gays Exchange restaurant. Cole argues for Homer Plessy, a key figure in the landmark Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson, which upheld the "separate but equal" doctrine and legalized racial segregation in the United States. Brittany Loose argues for Louis Armstrong, a legendary jazz musician born in New Orleans, known for his trumpet playing, his distinctive vocal style, and his significant contributions to the development of jazz music.

Outlines

00:00:24

New Orleans Smackdown: Cultural Objects

This chapter explores the debate over the most influential cultural objects in New Orleans, with Drew Hawkins arguing for the Po-Boy sandwich and Cole arguing for twerking.

00:16:54

New Orleans Smackdown: Influential People

This chapter continues the debate, focusing on influential people from New Orleans. Drew Hawkins argues for Madame Baguette, Cole argues for Homer Plessy, and Brittany Loose argues for Louis Armstrong.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the origin story of the Po-Boy sandwich?

  The Po-Boy sandwich was created by two brothers, Benny and Clovis Martin, who were streetcar conductors in New Orleans. They started a restaurant and during a streetcar workers' strike, they fed the striking workers with sandwiches, calling them "poor boys."

• How did twerking become associated with New Orleans?

  Twerking originated in New Orleans bounce music, a genre characterized by its fast-paced beat and repetitive lyrics that encourage dancing. The first time people were commanded to "twerk" was on a 1993 DJ Jubilee track called "Stop, Pause, Play."

• What is the significance of Madame Baguette's contribution to New Orleans cuisine?

  Madame Baguette, a German immigrant, became a renowned chef in New Orleans, known for her Creole cuisine. She is credited with inventing brunch at her restaurant, the Gays Exchange, which served large meals of meat, seafood, and gumbo to workers at the French Market.

• What was the impact of the Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court case?

  The Plessy v. Ferguson case upheld the "separate but equal" doctrine, legalizing racial segregation in the United States. This decision had a profound impact on American society, leading to the Jim Crow era and decades of racial discrimination.

• Why is Louis Armstrong considered such an influential figure in New Orleans?

  Louis Armstrong, a legendary jazz musician born in New Orleans, is considered one of the most influential figures in the development of jazz music. His trumpet playing, his distinctive vocal style, and his global fame have made him a symbol of New Orleans' musical heritage.

Show Notes