A British etiquette expert, William Hanson, has ignited an online debate over the proper way to eat a banana by asserting that it should be consumed with a knife and fork. His claim has sparked a wave of controversy, with critics arguing that his standards for dining etiquette are unnecessarily rigid and perhaps even humorous in their application.
Hanson, a prominent figure in the world of etiquette, is the author of “Just Good Manners” and the director of The English Manner, an esteemed institute in the UK. He gained widespread attention through his engaging social media content, particularly his etiquette videos, which have amassed over 6 million followers across platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
In one such video, Hanson demonstrated his method for eating a banana using formal dining utensils, a practice that he claimed is the only appropriate way to consume the fruit. The video, which has received over 200,000 views and 28,000 comments, has drawn a range of reactions from the public, many of whom have expressed their disapproval with humor and sarcasm.
Despite the backlash, some have defended his approach, suggesting that it reflects an effort to maintain a certain level of decorum in dining. However, others argue that such strict rules are not necessarily required and that eating bananas with one’s hands is a perfectly acceptable practice. This divergence in opinion highlights the cultural differences in etiquette standards between the UK and the US, where such customs are often interpreted differently.
Diane Gottsman, an American etiquette expert, has weighed in on the controversy, emphasizing that the key to navigating such situations is to observe the host and follow their lead. She noted that in formal settings, bananas are rarely served whole, and when they are, they are often handled with a certain level of care and consideration.
The debate over banana-eating etiquette has become a microcosm of broader cultural differences in dining practices. While Hanson’s approach may be seen as overly prescriptive in some contexts, others view it as a humorous reminder of the importance of maintaining a sense of refinement in everyday life.