Touching the Untouchables
Robert Dawson
Mark 1:40-45
Every culture has things within it they consider to be socially unacceptable and taboo. These things vary from culture to culture. Things we don't hesitate to do or say in our culture may be socially unacceptable and even offensive in other cultures and other countries.
- When I went to Honduras on a disaster relief mission our team was told not to make a certain hand gesture, one that was common and accepted here. It was either the ''Ok'' sign or the ''thumbs up sign.'' It was an offensive gesture to the Honduran people and could very easily lead to a personal altercation
.
- There are superstitions in every culture that become part of the social norms of society. In China it is not appropriate to give a Chinese person a clock. It is associated with death and funerals. Giving a clock can be seen as a menacing gesture because it sends the message that you are hoping their death comes soon.
- In Switzerland you should not give sharp objects, such as knives or scissors, as a gift because it is a sign that you are severing that friendship. (That makes breaking up with your boyfriend or girlfriend relatively easy - you don't even have to say a word. Buy a cheap pocket knife, wrap it up and give it as a gift when you drop them off at the door.).
- In India do not eat everything on your plate. Leave a little food because if you don't they will think you are still hungry. However, in Kenya it is deemed polite to finish everything on your plate.
- For all you people who struggle to be on time I have the place for you, Poland. It is said that in Poland you should always arrive 15 minutes late. It gives the host a few extra minutes to prepare but do not be more than 15 minutes late because it is seen to be rude and inconsiderate. (Baptist must have founded Poland).
- I would assume in all cultures a social blunder to avoid is asking a woman, who is not pregnant, when the baby is due. You take your ...
Robert Dawson
Mark 1:40-45
Every culture has things within it they consider to be socially unacceptable and taboo. These things vary from culture to culture. Things we don't hesitate to do or say in our culture may be socially unacceptable and even offensive in other cultures and other countries.
- When I went to Honduras on a disaster relief mission our team was told not to make a certain hand gesture, one that was common and accepted here. It was either the ''Ok'' sign or the ''thumbs up sign.'' It was an offensive gesture to the Honduran people and could very easily lead to a personal altercation
.
- There are superstitions in every culture that become part of the social norms of society. In China it is not appropriate to give a Chinese person a clock. It is associated with death and funerals. Giving a clock can be seen as a menacing gesture because it sends the message that you are hoping their death comes soon.
- In Switzerland you should not give sharp objects, such as knives or scissors, as a gift because it is a sign that you are severing that friendship. (That makes breaking up with your boyfriend or girlfriend relatively easy - you don't even have to say a word. Buy a cheap pocket knife, wrap it up and give it as a gift when you drop them off at the door.).
- In India do not eat everything on your plate. Leave a little food because if you don't they will think you are still hungry. However, in Kenya it is deemed polite to finish everything on your plate.
- For all you people who struggle to be on time I have the place for you, Poland. It is said that in Poland you should always arrive 15 minutes late. It gives the host a few extra minutes to prepare but do not be more than 15 minutes late because it is seen to be rude and inconsiderate. (Baptist must have founded Poland).
- I would assume in all cultures a social blunder to avoid is asking a woman, who is not pregnant, when the baby is due. You take your ...
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