Several centuries ago, the social Protocol and the Etiquette at the Western table allowed the image and the development in the way of eating, to reveal the level of education of people with a social lifestyle or a privileged status. , as it happened in the old monarchies, where the courtier was known and chosen, for such behavior.
Thanks to globalization, it would be expected that in our times, a significant majority knows this development. It should be natural and well-managed but mainly appropriate to the uses and customs of the different societies that make up our hemispheres.
Just as sushi became fashionable and many make an effort to eat with chopsticks, it would be interesting if there was a similar concern to learning to eat correctly with a knife, fork and spoon or the other ways other cultures take it.
It is known that since the last century, the diplomatic world has focused on the “Continental Style”, which is considered the elegant, formal, practical and “universalized” style for business and high-level meetings; however, it cannot be denied. That the “American Style” exists, or with the fingers, or with a spoon and fork, or with chopsticks, or with the traditions of a “European Style” -(assimilated by many as the continental style)- that refuses to disappear.
And although it is still seen in forums and participation groups on these issues, that there are radical positions of specialists in these matters about “what is the correct style of eating” disqualifying what does not resemble the continental style (often wrong taught), we are the specialists who defend RESPECT, good EDUCATION and COMMON SENSE as the foundations of good behavior, guiding us to adapt to the uses and customs of the wide world diversity.
When we get carried away by conventions, it is possible that we sin as disrespectful and lacking in good manners. As an example, it was the case so mentioned in Canada in 2006, when the Filipino boy Luc Cagadoc, then seven years old, was repeatedly humiliated along with his mother by the authorities of his Lalande school in Roxboro, for acting by his culture by eating with a fork and spoon and not eating “properly” with a knife and fork, like the way you eat in Canada.
Something similar happens with the “experts” who insist on abolishing the “American Way” because they consider it impractical or inappropriate. Could it be that they would also be willing to go around the world to judge and criticize the other ways of eating that do not fit the style recently imposed at the end of the last century as a fashion?
We should respond effectively to the need to accommodate ourselves with an open mind to the differences that enrich the culture of our planet. Those cultures that historically have been modifying procedures and practices that since their origins have given rise to current practices such as the “Continental Style”, the “American Style, Zigzag or Switch”, and the “European or Hybrid / Fusion Style” that It brings together the “British”, “French”, “Italian” or “German” forms that historically, thanks to the royal houses and the aristocracy, set trends for the Western world, as well as other cultures, established their different ways of eating, thanks to religion or other particular traditions.
For everything written, the current “experts” should be called to show our expertise with all the knowledge that involves the cultural intelligence demanded in these times, to fulfil a complete role of teaching, without obtuse and disrespectful positions, which many times they only confuse those who want or need to know more about these topics.
Finally, to clarify the concepts expressed, these criteria are pointed out, which are openly exposed for the consideration and opinion of readers, knowledgeable about the subject:
- The ‘Continental Style’ emerged as a fashion in Europe (England and France) in the middle of the 20th century, and over time, it became the globally accepted style to put into practice the Western way of eating with a knife and fork, as the ‘diplomatic style’.
- The ‘4 Step Style’ used for eating since the Middle Ages before the acceptance of the fork was the root of the ‘American Style’ and other European or hybrid styles, which, in many cases, strive to remain valid until today, in some conservative societies.
- “Hybrid Styles” or “Fusion” have emerged thanks to the use of the ‘Four Step Style’ practised in many ancient European schools with the inclusion of the “Continental Style”, allowing formats to be taught with certain variations to this day.
- The instructors of “Etiquette at the Table” are obliged to know these historical references and the variations that exist in the world to teach their students the different forms without giving rise to unfortunate confusion that arises when living with the different cultures of European countries and other continents, which generally show customs alien to the initial and conventional instruction.
- The experts in “Etiquette and Protocol” should be responsible for knowing the various correct ways in terms of origins and traditions of the different “Styles of Eating” to have an open and transparent vision based on respect and integrity. The adaptability of a well-educated person who operates in a globalised world, without judgments or criticism, which go against good manners and good customs.
Under the concept that “differences enrich”, I open a thread to give value to ideas or opinions about what is exposed.
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Writer by Claudia STOHMANN R. de A. Communicator, speaker, writer, etiquette, and protocol expert.
12sd July 2022, Bolivia
Category: Business Etiquette
Reference: CS12072023BE
