It might seem obvious, but how exactly do you consume a banana? Simply take it, remove the skin, and start eating.
Yet, an etiquette professional is attempting to persuade you that you have been approaching it incorrectly.
William Hanson, an etiquette consultant with English Manner in London, is well-versed in guiding individuals on proper public conduct.
Ranging from techniques for consuming rice to the appropriate way of holding your knife during meals, his approaches, intended as the correct British manners, frequently come across as somewhat excessive.
In his most recent “how-to” video, he demonstrates the correct but rather odd method of consuming a banana.
Hanson is positioned as though at a table set for a six-course tasting menu, sitting before an isolated banana placed elegantly on a plate. He addresses his audience saying, “We don’t lift it and strip off the skin like apes do.”
Next, he shows with a knife and fork how to remove the skin and consume it.
He starts by removing both tips of the banana.
“Next, place your knife sideways and make cuts along the skin, peeling it back before eating it this way,” he says as he cuts the banana, followed by using his fork to consume each piece individually.
The video titled “This is the only way you should be eating a banana” has garnered 18 million views, attracting more than 40,000 comments from viewers.
Although many found it amusing due to its absurdity, some focused instead on Hanson’s comment about primates.
A commentator kindly noted, “Humans belong to the primate family. What you likely meant was a non-human primate.” Another added humorously, “Bro, you just upset everyone on Earth.”
“We ARE primates! Clearly, bananas are intended to be peeled without needing a knife and fork, unless you’re an absurdly pretentious person,” commented another viewer.
“But Mr Hanson, we are primates. The line between manners and deception isn’t like an osmotic barrier,” piped up another voice.
Surely, even those who eat pizza with a knife and fork will agree that this is taking things too far.
