Table manners: which make sense and which are pretentious
A discussion on table manners where some practices are suggested as sensible while others are labeled as pretentious in a satirical tone.
The article discusses the varying degrees of table manners, delineating between acceptable practices and those deemed overly pretentious. It highlights common dining etiquette such as not speaking with one's mouth full and maintaining a straight posture, while questioning the necessity of other conventions like how to hold cutlery or whether to keep one’s elbows off the table. The content is framed within a humorous tone, reflecting on what is truly respectful in a dining setting versus what could be seen as elitist or outdated.
A particular focus is on a segment from a program titled 'La otra cara de,' featuring Carmen Lomana, who exemplifies traditional upper-class values. Lomana offers her strict guidelines for dining etiquette, emphasizing that one should always sit with a straight back and should never place their elbows on the table. She even advises listeners to use the appropriate cutlery for each course and to avoid wishing others 'bon appétit,' as this may come across as unsophisticated. This perspective can be seen as a critique of snobbish attitudes that demand adherence to an elite standard of behavior.
The implications of this discussion suggest a broader commentary on social class and the often arbitrary nature of certain social constructs. As dining rituals can reflect one’s status in society, what might serve as a guide for refinement can simultaneously alienate individuals who do not subscribe to these rigid norms. The satirical lens through which the article is presented invites readers to consider what truly matters in our dining experiences — connection and enjoyment over strict adherence to etiquette.