With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Local Artist Says He Painted "Tastes like hate" on Chick-fil-A
A Los Angeles-based artist has come forward to say he is the one who painted "Tastes like hate" and the image of a cow on the exterior wall of a Chick-fil-A in Torrance.Manny Castro spoke with The Huffington Post Friday to explain why he did the graffiti.
Castro, who is gay, says he was struck by the similarity of the outpouring of support for Chick-fil-A and the movement by Christians in the 1960s to maintain segregation. For Castro, it's a basic issue of rights:
"Everybody is entitled to free speech, but it seems like for the gay tribe, this is more of an issue of equal rights -- human rights," explained Castro. "I'm against what these people stand for, what this company stands for. They're trying to take away what little rights we already have."
He calls his graffiti "not that much of a crime" but rather "a protest."
Sponsored message
Like other protesters who have targeted Chick-fil-A recently, Castro is voicing an objection to the beliefs espoused by Chick-fil-A president Dan Cathy, who recently went on record about his company's Christian principles, "traditional" family values, donations to anti-gay organizations, and opposition to same-sex marriage.
While Cathy's views aren't necessarily shared by every franchise owner or employee, Castro points out that the company takes in a share of the profits from all locations, and that Cathy chooses to give "millions away to people who are against rights for gays."
The vandalism, which was done in the style of Chick-fil-A's advertising, was removed in about an hour from the location at 18200 Hawthorne Boulevard. Unfortunately, while some are praising Castro for his bold actions, others believe he is demonstrating intolerance or harming the movement for same-sex rights by engaging in a criminal act. Police in Torrance say they are investigating the vandalism.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
