It doesn’t take long for folks to realize that we’re from the USA. How do people know we’re Americans? It may be the accents, the inflections, the clothes, the waterboarding kit we carry around in case someone isn’t willing to tell us about the local fish and chip shop. Seriously, who let Dick Cheney out of his lair? Just when we were starting to gain back some respect and goodwill in the world this creep has to resurface? Surprisingly, the most obvious “American thing” about us is none of the above–at least for those we share meals with. It’s our fork usage.
We use our forks for everything. Cut, mash, pile, scoop–you name it, we do it with our forks. Inevitably, when we sit down to share a meal with someone they eventually can’t help but ask if we ever use a knife. And, we’re usually not the first Americans they’ve called out on this. Here in British influenced New Zealand people deftly use knife and fork for eating. There are times that we feel a bit barbaric because of this. And, when we do attempt to use knife and fork in the “proper” way it feels a bit more than awkward. But, I am offering no apologies. I’m here to defend the fork! If this is the real reason why the founding fathers declared independence then good for them! In my book there are two things that knives are really needed for–steak and butter. For everything else a fork will do just fine! If one tool will do the job then why bother with others? And really, is it necessary to use a knife to arrange mashed potatoes? Plus, if you’ve got both hands occupied with utensils, how are you supposed to reach across the table to grab another slice of bread and stuff it into your mouth?
Of course, the only times we have used forks are when we’re at someone’s house or a restaurant. Since November we’ve been travelling with only spoons and haven’t bothered to pick up a fork along the way. If only the Kiwis could see us camping–what would they think?
Tags: food
Funny. I like spoons too.