Lifehacker Writer Whitesplains Chopsticks, Asian People Reject It

A writer for Lifehacker, a popular tech and lifestyle blog, has issued an apology after running a short article about chopsticks that stirred up some feelings within the Asian community.

Claire Lower published the article for Skillet, a blog that operates under the Lifehacker umbrella, on Monday. Her piece, “Chopsticks Are an Underrated Kitchen Tool,” attempted to introduce chopsticks as a do-it-all utensil that is typically kept in a kitchen “junk drawer.”

Ethnic groups across Asia have been using chopsticks for literally thousands of years, and, to this day, Asian communities living in Western countries, including the U.S., continue to use chopsticks for eating, cooking, cutting and picking up a variety of messy ingredients.

So when a couple of prominent Asian social media influencers shared the article with their followers, people were both confused and annoyed. Edward Anderson, a researcher at the Centre of South Asian Studies in Cambridge, England, pointed out in a tweet that Lowe’s piece was “Textbook Columbus Syndrome,” a phrase used to describe when people of a dominant culture claim they’ve discovered something that has already existed elsewhere.

A day after running the article, Lower owned up to her mistake and tweeted that she was “embarrassed about how I framed this story.”

“I promise I’ll do better, and apologize for the Columbusing,” she wrote. “I know better and it won’t happen again.

Skillet also updated the original story by adding an editorial note at the end that addressed the backlash.

“This story frames chopsticks as something that’s not in everyday use in people’s kitchens,” the note reads.

Readers “have pointed out that this framing depicts the experience of a huge swath of people as outside the norm,” the note continues. “We regret any pain this post has caused, and commit to do better in the future.”

Lowe’s quick response to her readers’ reaction was simple and sweet, and as comedian Jenny Yang put it, we hope “it’s lesson learned!”

Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today.

Also on HuffPost

"Ramen Queen" T-Shirt

Indian Spice Kit

Maki Pushpins

"I'm A Wok Star" Cross-Stitch Pattern.

Dumpling Charm

Light Saber Chopsticks

Wok And Accessories Set

Thai Food Pyramid Mug

Sake Set

Pineapple Curry Tote Bag

Indian Foods Tea Towel

"Keep Calm And Order Takeout" Art

Dumpling Recipe Book

Bao Art

Rhubarb Ginger Achaar

Mochi Maker

Squirrel Rice Paddle

Panda Rice Mold

Halo-Halo Art

Stone Bibimbap Bowl

Salmon Sushi Earrings

Sriracha Mug

"Pho Real" T-Shirt

Chapati Board

Japanese Snack Gift Box

Kimchi Seasoning Blend

"Take Out" Oven Mitt/Pot Holder/Kitchen Towels Set

Spam And Rice Art

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.