A lot of people would say watermelon is their favorite fruit. In fact, the United States Department of Agriculture reports that it’s so popular, its consumption continues to increase over time with “5.1 million pounds of watermelon consumed in 2019.”
It seems that many Brentwood students also find watermelon to be a favorite fruit. “The texture is weird, but it tastes really good,” said senior Charlotte Meatte-Kaiser.
“It’s juicy and has a lot of flavors,” said freshman Jaylin Dotson when asked why she likes the fruit.
But I am here to say, watermelon isn’t for everyone.
I, for one, absolutely despise watermelon. It has a taste that I don’t like. It’s not enjoyable to me. The best fruits, in my opinion, are strawberries and pineapples.
I thought I was alone in my disgust for watermelon, but it turns out that I’m not the only one.
“The smell is really bad, and it sits in your throat after you eat it,” said senior Nickalous Phillips.
Beyond its taste, what bugs me about watermelon is the stereotyping that happens with it. People think I should like it because of the color of my skin. Not only is that incorrect, people aren’t even understanding the association between African Americans and watermelon. According to TheAtlantic.com, this became a stereotype back in the day because free African Americans grew, ate, and sold watermelons, which made the fruit a symbol of freedom.
So in conclusion, I don’t love watermelon, but you don’t have to hate it. And never assume things about other people even if it seems like just a little thing like your favorite fruit.
