Connecticut Receives Criticism for Proposed Law about Pizza

Category: Human Interest

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. counter / ˈkaʊn tər / (v) – to reply to what someone said, usually to say that it is wrong
    Example:

    She complained that her husband never helps her, but he countered that he does half of the chores.


  2. claim / kleɪm / (n) – a statement saying that something is true even without any evidence
    Example:

    You need evidence to support your claim.


  3. netizen / ˈnɛt ə zən / (n) – a person who uses the internet, especially one who actively participates in online discussions
    Example:

    Netizens were quick to share photos of the incident.


  4. following / ˈfɒl oʊ ɪŋ / (n) – a group of people who follow or admire someone or something
    Example:

    Internet celebrities often have a large following.


  5. grim / grɪm / (adj) – causing sadness or worry
    Example:

    I assumed from his grim expression that he failed the exams.


Article

Read the text below.

Connecticut is being criticized for its proposal to make pizza its official State Food.


States in the US often declare certain dishes to be official State Foods for their contribution to the states’ culture or economy. Recently, Representative Patricia Dillon and Senator Gary Winfield proposed a bill to recognize pizza’s importance to Connecticut by making it the official State Food. However, the proposal was met by opposition from some people in other states.


Jason Kaplan, a restaurant consultant from New York, countered the lawmakers’ proposal, saying that his state is the pizza capital. His claim was backed by some netizens on Twitter.


People from New York’s neighboring state, New Jersey, also took to social media to express a similar reaction to the bill. The official Twitter account of the governor of New Jersey reposted the news about the proposal with the caption “no.” In a statement, the account’s social media manager claimed that New Jersey is the “pizza capital of the world,” adding that a state should not make pizza its official State Food if it does not produce the world’s best pizza.


Despite the negative reactions, Rep. Dillon defended the bill and said that Connecticut has great pizza. She added that compared to big pizza chains found in other states, Connecticut pizza restaurants are often family-owned businesses. Rep. Dillon also said that these restaurants have their own branding, identity, and following. In addition to this, Rep. Dillon explained that the bill is meant to celebrate the joy that pizza brings to the residents of Connecticut amid the current grim global situation.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Do you think other states have the right to criticize Connecticut’s decision? Why or why not?
• What do you think is a good reason for a state to declare something to be an official State Food (e.g. if the state produces large quantities of it, if it is popular in the state)? Discuss.

Discussion B

• If you were to choose any food to represent your hometown or current city, what would it be? Discuss.
• How would you feel if another place chose the same food? Discuss.