It is beyond insulting to our Latino and Mexican communities and the folks in the 818 to use both of these loved symbols, Tequila and the 818, to exploit and profit off our cultures.

Unfortunately the Jenner Kardashian family has a history of engaging in the abusive cycle of cultural appropriation, colonization and gentrification of our Brown, Black and Asian communities to make profits, in an insulting and outrageous way. For instance, Kim announced her “Kimono” brand referencing Japanese culture, and after backlash changed the name to “Skims.” 

Kendall needs to STOP the use of the “818” area code and move on to something else because our communities want to support the REAL TEQUILEROS and REAL SMALL BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS OF THE 818. She is not a representative of the 818 and will never be. We need everyone to hold her accountable and stop this nonsense, fans, Latinos, Tequila lovers and allies.

Support Mexican owned Tequila businesses and brands: https://wearemitu.com/culture/mexican-owned-tequila-brands-distillery/

Mexican Tequileros work so hard and it takes years for the agave plants to grow and it’s labor intensive work. Many folks on social media have been sharing their outrage about how insulted they are over the appropriation of the iconic Tequila drink.

IG User @DietPrada sums up lot of the Latino community sentiments in their post: [...] “Tequila production is traditionally a family business in Mexico. I think it’s disgusting that another rich white celeb is appropriating Mexican culture with the audacity to think you’re making it better than Mexicans,” read one comment. “So basically all you did was try tequilas other people made until you liked one a lot?,” another asked.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Many were concerned if the craftspeople were being paid enough. “Here we go, another foreigner coming to Mexico and exploiting little nameless local producers, by paying them 1% out of their real profit,” one comment read. “I wonder how much they are really going to make compared to the millions YOU will profit!!,” said another.”

Kendall’s behaviors are abusive towards our Latino cultures and communities in the 818. She is part of the larger problem because her actions help embolden privileged outsiders to enter communities they have no ties to, because they think it’s “cool.” 

This leads to problems in our communities such as gentrification which is actively taking place in the West Valley around the Westfield Mall where her family is known to shop in. Luxury housing is actively being developed in the area which increases rent and pushes out local residents. It doesn't seem to be a coincidence that when the area is being highly gentrified that this comes out. We don’t need any more wealthy outsiders coming to the 818 and displacing many local, low income and immigrant residents and families. 

We don’t need more rich outsiders going to Mexico to enjoy the culture and take just what they want and not care about the lives of the people that live there and don't give proper credit for their labor. 

WE DEMAND KENDALL JENNER STOP the Tequila business and the use of the area code "818" for any branding or profits. When ending this venture she should be sure to properly pay the Tequileros who invested their time and energy to make the Tequila. Acknowledge and give proper credit and move on to something else.

#BOYCOTT818TEQUILA #BOYCOTTKENDALLJENNER

Articles

LA Times: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2021-02-19/kendall-jenner-tequila-brand-backlash-twitter

Gear Patrol: https://www.gearpatrol.com/food/drinks/a35586000/kendall-jenner-tequila-controversy/

Diet Prada: https://www.instagram.com/p/CLZs6Ykn1K9/ 

Yahoo Finance: https://in.finance.yahoo.com/news/kendall-jenner-gets-slammed-her-074849582.html