I remember being about 7 or 8 and an older uncle of mine commented to my mother, "She knows how to read, so why can't she use chopsticks?" Well, my mom was mortified and I learned right then with a nice big dose of pressure. I've taught lots of friends to use them, too; popcorn works great because of all of its nooks and crannies.
My dad lived in various parts of Asia while he was in the Army and learned how to use chopsticks there. He, in turn, taught my brother and I. I never had a problem using them, but when I got to college, my Korean roommate took one look at my technique and laughed her butt off.
Adam, the way I figure it, I'm still getting the food up to my mouth, so technique be damned.
I do! I learned from the friend who introduced me to Japanese curry rice. I have no idea if my method is "authentic," but at least it doesn't look ridiculous. I've been told by some Chinese friends that I have a funny way of doing my chopsticks, but their corrected way made my hand hurt! :( I guess I'll just stick with my gaijin/gweilo ways.
I am horrible at chopsticks and at times it can be quite embarassing. I did manage to make it through an entire meal at Nobu 57 though w/out needing to use a fork that the server graciously brought over. But I know my technique is not the proper way.
i learned in college, when i ate sushi for the first time with a really cute guy (who is also japanese). it was worth the effort -- he's now my husband!!
I've used chopsticks since I was a child. Mom would always put them on the table next to the forks when she cooked Chinese or Japanese food. I just picked them up and now can't eat Asian food without them.
Funny story - the hub and I were in New Orleans for the World's Fair in 1984. We ate at the Japanese pavilion's restaurant. The restaurant only provided wooden chopsticks, the kind that you have to break apart, no forks. The couple at the table sitting next to us had no idea how to use them. They were scooping up the food with the chopsticks still joined. It was comical. I believe they left hungry...
I used forks until I was about seven. My mom started me out on forks because I kept dropping the chopsticks. I still can't hold them properly, and what saddens me most is that every non-Asian American person I've met holds chopsticks better than I do. I've had more practice at shoveling food in my mouth, though, so I guess it evens out.
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