Table Manners

My eldest daughter Jodi and I met up last night in Cardiff to enjoy a Japanese meal and to take in a film. As we opened our sealed chopsticks and settled down to our feast, our thoughts turned to my experiences in Africa and we discussed eating habits. Elias tells us about the development of manners through an analysis of European development over several centuries. The African method is different than European eating habits, but who has it right? Jodi and I could see the value in using your right hand to eat, as you know where your right hand has been. I certainly took more care with what I used my hand for while I was in Africa. By placing individual washing bowls on the table, you also establish with certainty the cleanliness of those sat at the table. This position is strengthened by that fact that historically the poor could have ill afforded eating utensils and problems with clean water supplies would have made it difficult to frequently wash dishes and cutlery. Even when washed, these utensils may not have been clean. Therefore, the idea of partners sharing a meal may not be wrong. Yes, it is different from a European perspective, but the difference does not make it wrong. We have to consider the historical rationale behind the behaviour. The Chinese and Japanese may have overcome some of the problems of water, costs, and availability of items; by using simple circular, but deep bowls and eating utensils that are made from wood. These items would have probably been retained for individual use rather than used as a shared eating resource. The Asian development of eating habits is different than that in Europe or Africa, but again, it is simply different and not alien. There appears to be a convincing argument to suggest the use of finger eating is borne out of necessity and common sense, coupled with better hygiene. This position may also apply to shared meals between family members, and in many ways suggest that the African way of eating is superior to our European sensibilities. Jodi and I enjoyed our meal, and we both used our chopsticks throughout, only turning to a spoon for the soup. The meal was a feast, but the discussion provided a greater feast of knowledge and understanding.