Chicken tikka masala is delicious. Al Copeland helped us understand how much better the world could be if someone developed and sold us more delicious food.
Ali Ahmed Aslam may not really have invented chicken tikka masala, just as Al Copeland did not invent spicy fried chicken. And the fact that chicken tikka masala drew influences from South Asia but really came out of Glasgow no more detracts from how wonderful it is than the fact that Al Copeland’s spicy chicken drew influences from black Louisiana cuisine but really came from a boisterous white businessman.
No one “owns” culture or cuisine. The people who tear-up Israeli food festivals or denounce Elvis Presley for “appropriation” are just bullies who wish to worsen the human condition by preventing us from enjoying the fantastic innovations that can occur when people bring together and promote various cultures.
So, tonight I encourage you to drink a Kirin beer (Japanese drawing on German influence) while enjoying a slice of pizza (American drawing upon Italian influence) after giving thanks to a single, loving God (Global drawing upon Jewish influence). And let’s raise a toast to Ali Ahmed Aslam as the newest recipient of the Al Copeland Humanitarian Award.
Jay P. Greene's Blog 
Huzzah! I look forward to the day when cultures around the world will give out awards to those who genuinely advance the human condition – influenced by JPGB!