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Knife, Fork, Hands: Eating Shapes Who We Are
25 Aug
Summary
- A mother's saying inspired Skepta's album, linking food to immigrant aspirations.
- Eating habits reveal deep connections to identity, belonging, and culture.
- The article explores global eating traditions from forks to hands.
The simple act of eating, whether with hands or utensils, is a powerful lens through which to view identity, belonging, and culture. This exploration is sparked by the phrase, "One day we will eat with a knife and fork," a mantra from Ify Adenuga to her children, including the renowned grime artists Skepta and JME.
This evocative saying directly inspired Skepta's 2026 album, 'Fork & Knife,' which is deeply connected to the immigrant experience, aspiration, and the belief in achieving a better life through hard work. The program examines this connection, using the phrase as a starting point.
The journey traces the historical arrival of the fork in Europe, contrasts it with the Nigerian tradition of eating with one's hands, and explores the nuanced chopstick culture of Cantonese cuisine. It also considers the formal rituals observed at British dinner tables.
Ultimately, this is a narrative that blends social history with personal reflection, uncovering how inherited rules and cherished traditions are embodied in something as fundamental as how we consume food, revealing profound insights into our identities.
