In the hallowed halls of Parliament House, a storm is brewing — but it’s not about policy or politics; it’s about gingerbread. The traditional Gingerbread Man has been given a modern makeover in Parliament’s cafeteria, emerging as a gender-neutral ‘Gingerbread Person’. This change has sparked quite the stir among some of Australia’s political figures. Not only has the iconic biscuit’s gender been updated, but it’s also been made vegan, ticking yet another box in the checklist of contemporary inclusivity.
The change has sparked a fiery debate, with some seeing it as a harmless nod to progressiveness, while others view it as an unnecessary concession to political correctness. Barnaby Joyce, a vocal critic of what he perceives as ‘woke’ culture, has linked this culinary rebranding to the broader societal shifts that he believes fuelled the rise of leaders like Donald Trump. ‘It’s just like, all this stuff has been forced on me, just leave it,’ Joyce lamented, calling for Christmas traditions to be left untouched.
His colleague, Nationals Senator Matt Canavan, echoed the sentiment, lamenting the ‘death of fun’ in an era where political correctness seems to reign supreme. Canavan humorously questioned whether the ‘Muffin Man’ would be next on the chopping block, while also criticising the change for lacking poetic charm.
On the other side of the debate, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has brushed off the controversy, focusing instead on pressing economic issues like inflation and the cost of living. His light-hearted dismissal of the gingerbread gender debate highlights a divide in priorities among Australia’s leaders.
The gingerbread gender debate is not confined to the corridors of power. Supermarket giant Woolworths has also adopted the ‘Gingerbread People’ nomenclature, and even the esteemed Women’s Weekly offers a recipe under the same name. This shift reflects a broader trend towards inclusivity and sensitivity in language and representation, even in the realm of confectionery.
Public reaction has been mixed, with some social media users expressing frustration and fatigue over what they see as an overemphasis on political correctness. Others have shrugged off the change, more concerned with the rising costs of living than the gender identity of their baked goods.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on the gender-neutral and vegan update to the classic gingerbread. Do you see it as a positive step towards inclusivity, or do you prefer the traditional Gingerbread Man? Share your views with us, and let’s discuss how traditions and progress intersect in today’s world.
