Many Asians were clearly not thrilled…
Marcy MinianoMar 29th, 2022
Ah, yes — another internet-famous figure trying to tell non-white cultures to adhere to Western standards of formality. Remember the news in 2021 about a British etiquette expert saying Asians shouldn’t eat with their hands?
This time, it’s a TikTok tutorial on how to eat rice with a fork and knife. The video was uploaded by self-proclaimed British etiquette expert, Lucy Challenger. And as you might have guessed, many Asians were not too happy about it.
How to “properly” eat rice with a fork and knife, according to this influencer
Image credit: Lucy Challenger TikTok Page
In her tutorial, Lucy claimed that the “correct” way to eat rice is with a fork and knife. She also emphasised that during formal settings, one shouldn’t scoop or “shovel” the rice straight into the mouth. Instead, you need to push the rice grains onto the top of your fork with a knife, then “neatly place it” into your mouth.
The influencer has since taken down this odd video. But of course, as with most things on social media, nothing is ever completely removed forever. There are various reposts of the video making the rounds. See for yourself here.
At the same time, there are countless comments and reactions from different people — most of whom claim that the tutorial clearly shouldn’t be taken seriously. Below are some of the most memorable ones:
Granted, Lucy has also done tutorials on how to eat certain fruits — such as grapes and bananas. It seems as though she was merely trying to show her followers how to eat rice in a formal and highly Western setting.
Image credit: Lucy Challenger TikTok Page
However, since rice has never been a British thing, to begin with, it’s understandable why some would have negative feedback. For instance, why should Asians be taught by an outsider how to eat something that’s inherent in their culture? Or better yet, why is it even considered improper to use a spoon (or even chopsticks) in such a setting?
To this, we say: Thank goodness we’ll probably never have to follow this weird “rule” IRL anyway. But hey, if you’d personally like to try out this method, well then — you do you.
Also read: Brush Up on British Slang: 12 Most Common Words and Expressions to Learn
So, what do you think of this supposedly formal way to eat rice with a fork and knife? Go on and sound off at our Facebook page!
Featured image credit: towfiqu barbhuiya via Canva Pro; Facebook image credit: Lucy Challenger | TikTok
As someone deeply immersed in the realm of cultural etiquette and a connoisseur of diverse dining practices, my extensive knowledge on this subject allows me to shed light on the peculiar incident involving Lucy Challenger, a self-proclaimed British etiquette expert, and her TikTok tutorial on eating rice with a fork and knife.
Firstly, it's essential to emphasize the sensitivity and nuance associated with cultural practices, especially when it comes to dining etiquette. Lucy Challenger's assertion that the "correct" way to eat rice is with a fork and knife, particularly during formal settings, raises eyebrows and has sparked discontent among many Asians. This isn't the first time an internet-famous figure has attempted to impose Western standards of formality on non-white cultures, as evidenced by a similar incident involving a British etiquette expert in 2021.
In her tutorial, Lucy advocates for pushing rice grains onto the top of a fork with a knife and then "neatly placing it" into the mouth. The video, which has been taken down but persists through reposts, drew criticism and disbelief from various individuals. Many have expressed that such tutorials should not be taken seriously, highlighting the clash between Western formalities and cultural authenticity.
Lucy's attempt to showcase how to eat rice in a formal and highly Western setting is met with skepticism, particularly due to the fact that rice has never been a traditional British staple. The negative feedback stems from the question of why Asians should be instructed by an outsider on how to consume a fundamental element of their culture. Moreover, the article raises a valid point about the perceived impropriety of using a spoon or chopsticks in such settings.
Ultimately, this incident underscores the importance of cultural sensitivity and the need to appreciate and respect diverse dining traditions. While Lucy's tutorial may have garnered attention, it's crucial to approach such matters with an understanding of cultural nuances and avoid imposing one set of norms onto others.
As someone deeply entrenched in the exploration of cultural practices, I invite you to share your thoughts on this incident and the notion of adhering to formal eating standards across different cultures.
