This has really got me wondering lately... Everytime me and my friend from Korea go to a teriyaki restaurant together, the person who brings us the food always gives me a fork, and him a pair of chopsticks. Now, I happen to be quite adept as using chopsticks, so I find this rather insulting to say the least.
So, why do they *Always* give me a fork, and him a pair of chopsticks, no matter which restaurant we go to? (We have tried about 7 so far). I wonder if the same applies in reverse; if you are of asian descent but are born and raised in America, would you be insulted if you got handed a pair of chopsticks and your caucasian friend got given a fork? You feel akward about being treated differently?
Is this something that is done totally subconciously, or do you think the person giving bringing the food to the table makes a concious decision to give one person a fork, and the other chopsticks?
All theories are welcome.
2006-07-22 23:34:20 · 10 answers · asked by opticalnoise 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
I think it is trying to save face for you. Instead of having you struggle with chopsticks (as they may think would happen) they would rather give you the fork and have you request chopsticks than the other way around. As for giving your Korean friend the chopsticks that is probably habit and stereotype well for both of you its a stereotype. I am a non Asian living in Korea, my husband is Asian, not Korean though. When we take our 3 year old to restaurants my husband and I are given chopstick sets and our daughter a fork. An interesting side note I thought I would point out. I hope someone has a relative perspective share, in that they work at a restaurant and do this themselves or have coworkers who do! I am looking forward to reading the answers you get :-)
2006-07-22 23:46:30 · answer #1 · answered by mk 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have Asian food often - and I usually have to ask for chopsticks - which I do enjoy using - I think it enhances that food experience - never-the-less I generally don't dine alone and very few non Asian people that I have dined with are very good or comfortable with chopsticks.
I have to expect that the waiters see the same - and as a general rule - will most likely gladly give the sticks when asked for - otherwise they will get just too many "no thank yous"
They may also do this intentionally to not embarrass the people that cannot use them and feel silly about it. Some would rather let others think they just prefer a fork. I've seen it.
I don't think that it is done for any nasty reason or out of thoughtlessness but rather good business.
But these are just some thoughts.
Good question though - I have never thought about this one.
2006-07-23 06:44:47 · answer #2 · answered by drewwers 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am Asian-American and prefer to use a fork with a plate and chopsticks with a bowl. It's really funny when I go to PF Changs (an American-ish Asian restaurant) and I see all the white people using chopsticks with a plate and having a hard time picking up sauce soaked rice with chopsticks. A fork is much easier with a plate and so that's my recommendation. Anyways, to answer your question, asians just think white-americans prefer using a fork.
2006-07-26 01:20:46 · answer #3 · answered by strong_intelligent_freedom 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would have to agree with your opinion. I have also ran into similar situations where my fiance and I go to a restaurant and he is given a fork and me chopsticks. The fascinating thing is that my fiance is not Asian but can use chopsticks with more skill than myself. I think the way it works is that these waiters/waitresses automatically assume that since you are not Asian you don't know how to use chopsticks. My suggestion is that they should give both parties a fork and chopstick rather than assume.
2006-07-23 06:41:27 · answer #4 · answered by enveeus9 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have this problem every time, no matter which restaurant I go into, nor which city throughout the United Stated. Therefore, I insist with the waiter/waitress that I want the chopstick.
My only advise is deal with it.
The only chopsticks I had a hard time using are the thin flat metal chopsticks, but those are only in the Korean Restaurant.
2006-07-23 06:39:58 · answer #5 · answered by SweetBrunette 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could always ask them why they bring you the fork and give him the chopsticks. It seems like a simple solution
2006-07-23 06:37:06 · answer #6 · answered by tiravellian 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nice to be judged, huh?! I'd ask for chopsticks and embarass the waiter.
2006-07-23 06:39:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can always ask for a chopstick, you know? No big deal!Anyway, you've already answered your own question!
2006-07-23 06:52:26 · answer #8 · answered by cellm8te 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't let this insult you. It is the shortcomings of the servers who obviously are not properly trained. I would simply ask for "chopsticks please" in a nice calm voice and enjoy your meal.
2006-07-23 06:59:46 · answer #9 · answered by Robere 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your Mother and Daddy are not an American I would say both
2006-07-23 06:37:03 · answer #10 · answered by boy_jam_arch 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋