When you step out of that plane...
As a traveler I have found many people visit places, people and sight-see leaving their manners and courtesy at home. I believe this to be ubiquitous and every nation has travelers who have not finished their second cup of coffee so they blurt opinions from their little world of thoughts instead of considering the country and the people they are visiting: as if they were klatching with their buddies at work around the coffee machine. Chit-chat is fine as long as you remember one thing, these people are from another culture; they don't think as you think, believe as you believe and by expressing opinions that are straight from your country's ethnicity, regardless of where you are and what your words might mean to these people in this new country, well, they don't feel they have a "need" hear what you think is right from your culture. A quick example of what I am talking about could consist of a traveler to Germany. While in Arbeitsdorf or Bergen-Belsen Germany, you have this overwhelming desire to show that you are pro-freedom and anti-Nazi so you nudge someone in your tour group, and in your best German and say, "...and these Herms don't even recognize that a holocaust took place," (Diese Deutschen nicht erkennen, es war ein Holocaust geschieht). That is like visiting your your Turkish friend saying, "Atatürk'ün komik şapkalar takıyor" (that Ataturk wears funny hats) when you wanted to say, "The clothes in Ataturk's day were different." Perhaps, you might not want to mention Ataturk until your conversation pal mentions him first. However, the damage is done and you stand with your pregnant pause until the group moves on... Is your opinion really worth the few seconds that it took to prove yourself insensitive, boorish and oafish?
First, it is not bad manners to simply sit back and watch, listen and learn. The worst is people who are so exited about traveling that they must tell everyone they are traveling to such-n-such a country because they are American and they deserve the travel, especially in these economic times. Who cares? And, who knows; the person you are telling these things to is being sent to a special country for a life-saving surgery. Who cares about the attitude? They do, your audience cares. I feel it necessary to bring courtesy and etiquette to the fore because of the many "pregnant moments" I have witnessed because of someone's lack of restraint; because their opinion needs to be spoken right then!
Most places in the world can tolerate stupidity if they see a sincerity behind the faux pas... Some people would not know a faux pas if it bit them on the ... tail. I will list a few ideas for you to enjoy, laugh at, be embarrassed by and in general become frustrated with just as I and many people around the globe have experienced. Remember, manners are not just for the table. You might be in their country... try to play nice and get along. A businessman from Japan might allow such a social mistake as not taking his business card with both hands (a sign of respect); however, broach a particular subject that might interest you and offends him (WWII, gender relations or his religion) and you will receive the pregnant pauses, the stammering blushes and awkward silences because you are not listening but being the person you are form your specific country. A commonsense approach is great in your own country, the same might be seen as a challenge on their turf, "Where did you go to college? The Université de fabuleux, in Toronto?"
It is called cross cultural-politeness. Being sensitive to where you are and what the receiver might believe or understand as good conversation instead of attacking their education, their idioms or their country's sensitive subjects. I call it taking a few minutes before the flight and using the Internet for something other than ogling girls. Find out a bit of what the audience will be receptive to and how you might approach it. Don't be an Ethnocentric Jerk with one foot on their airport runway, the other foot nestled nicely between the third and fourth bicuspid!
First, where are you? Are you in Japan, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam or China? Then making a trip to the subject search on Google will open your eyes as to what you would not want to speak about ...unless your audience brings it into the discussion.
China: You would not want to be at one of the many openings for the great Wall of China and remark, "Gee, this does look like a Long Graveyard." 长期墓地, or chángqi when you ment to remark about the Great Wall in a positive way, which is chángchéng, 长城. First it might be that the person you are talking with might be sensitive to the touristic effect of the Ancient Empires and that they are pleased Mao set them on the right path. Or speaking of the 3Ts migt not be so cultured:Tibet, Tienanmen Square or Taiwan (deep wounds).
Discrimination Communication (DC): You might want to let your feelings out about the beauty of the landscapes and friendliness of the people; that is great ice-breaker material.
Vietnam: The statement you might make is, "The war did not go far enough in ensuring freedom." First there is no consensus that if the US had won the war things would be better; next, most people in Vietnam might give compelling argument that before the wars they were less free than they are now. It is the Asian mind at work and you need to learn to address that, not what you feel is an appropriate subject.
DC: You might wish to discuss something about the hard fought independence from that of the 1970's and the country's modernization since 1973. I believe they still live their politics and it will go over better to mention they are now more modern than the days of the rickshaw taxis... by the way, they still have them for economic and heritage purposes.
Australia: Settled by convicts and indigenous rights are horrible for an outsider to play with.
DC: Instead, remark about the casual openness of the people and maybe Australian Football. You will begin well with that attitude.
Japan: WWII, Radiation (some still have signs and tales), the cities of the bombing, Japan's obvious cast system still in use from the days of the Samurai and their decided lack of immigration to Japan to most if not all nations. Or, their women serving men instead of equality. It is their millennial lifestyles and the least you can accomplish is LOSS OF FACE.
DC: Talk about the health of the nation, the modern building designs and their conveniences and living standards.
India: No joking about the outsourced ...Everything to their country. Ethnic riot nor the shift in power with Pakistan since 9/11will do as fill gap conversations.
DC: Openness and diversity they have, their growing economy or they are the largest "Democracy" per capita in the world. Many will treat you like family if you watch you footwork on the social dance floor.
In Asia there are things to remember: Religion, government and politics and any societal bug-a-boos we might have in the States concerning Sex might be best checked with your coat. What you might conceptualize is there is Big-talk and Small-talk. Big-talk are subjects that these people are proud of, hold dear are cultural or are ingrained in their lives from history; these are the Red Flags to take care and approach stealthily, or not at all. The Small-talk is being polite and sincere. Over politeness can be viewed with suspicion. When a French business man or college student berates an American on the ills of materialism and a Russian cabbie rebuffs you on political correctness it should be taken as a compliment. These people are showing interest in you and what you may think. The same should be shown to others in their nations. Wiat until they broach a subject and feel the breeze they are walking with before opening your hurricane, over opinionated and insensitive mouth.
First, it is not bad manners to simply sit back and watch, listen and learn. The worst is people who are so exited about traveling that they must tell everyone they are traveling to such-n-such a country because they are American and they deserve the travel, especially in these economic times. Who cares? And, who knows; the person you are telling these things to is being sent to a special country for a life-saving surgery. Who cares about the attitude? They do, your audience cares. I feel it necessary to bring courtesy and etiquette to the fore because of the many "pregnant moments" I have witnessed because of someone's lack of restraint; because their opinion needs to be spoken right then!
Most places in the world can tolerate stupidity if they see a sincerity behind the faux pas... Some people would not know a faux pas if it bit them on the ... tail. I will list a few ideas for you to enjoy, laugh at, be embarrassed by and in general become frustrated with just as I and many people around the globe have experienced. Remember, manners are not just for the table. You might be in their country... try to play nice and get along. A businessman from Japan might allow such a social mistake as not taking his business card with both hands (a sign of respect); however, broach a particular subject that might interest you and offends him (WWII, gender relations or his religion) and you will receive the pregnant pauses, the stammering blushes and awkward silences because you are not listening but being the person you are form your specific country. A commonsense approach is great in your own country, the same might be seen as a challenge on their turf, "Where did you go to college? The Université de fabuleux, in Toronto?"
It is called cross cultural-politeness. Being sensitive to where you are and what the receiver might believe or understand as good conversation instead of attacking their education, their idioms or their country's sensitive subjects. I call it taking a few minutes before the flight and using the Internet for something other than ogling girls. Find out a bit of what the audience will be receptive to and how you might approach it. Don't be an Ethnocentric Jerk with one foot on their airport runway, the other foot nestled nicely between the third and fourth bicuspid!
Asia
First, where are you? Are you in Japan, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam or China? Then making a trip to the subject search on Google will open your eyes as to what you would not want to speak about ...unless your audience brings it into the discussion.China: You would not want to be at one of the many openings for the great Wall of China and remark, "Gee, this does look like a Long Graveyard." 长期墓地, or chángqi when you ment to remark about the Great Wall in a positive way, which is chángchéng, 长城. First it might be that the person you are talking with might be sensitive to the touristic effect of the Ancient Empires and that they are pleased Mao set them on the right path. Or speaking of the 3Ts migt not be so cultured:Tibet, Tienanmen Square or Taiwan (deep wounds).
Discrimination Communication (DC): You might want to let your feelings out about the beauty of the landscapes and friendliness of the people; that is great ice-breaker material.
Vietnam: The statement you might make is, "The war did not go far enough in ensuring freedom." First there is no consensus that if the US had won the war things would be better; next, most people in Vietnam might give compelling argument that before the wars they were less free than they are now. It is the Asian mind at work and you need to learn to address that, not what you feel is an appropriate subject.
DC: You might wish to discuss something about the hard fought independence from that of the 1970's and the country's modernization since 1973. I believe they still live their politics and it will go over better to mention they are now more modern than the days of the rickshaw taxis... by the way, they still have them for economic and heritage purposes.
Australia: Settled by convicts and indigenous rights are horrible for an outsider to play with.
DC: Instead, remark about the casual openness of the people and maybe Australian Football. You will begin well with that attitude.
Japan: WWII, Radiation (some still have signs and tales), the cities of the bombing, Japan's obvious cast system still in use from the days of the Samurai and their decided lack of immigration to Japan to most if not all nations. Or, their women serving men instead of equality. It is their millennial lifestyles and the least you can accomplish is LOSS OF FACE.
DC: Talk about the health of the nation, the modern building designs and their conveniences and living standards.
India: No joking about the outsourced ...Everything to their country. Ethnic riot nor the shift in power with Pakistan since 9/11will do as fill gap conversations.
DC: Openness and diversity they have, their growing economy or they are the largest "Democracy" per capita in the world. Many will treat you like family if you watch you footwork on the social dance floor.
In Asia there are things to remember: Religion, government and politics and any societal bug-a-boos we might have in the States concerning Sex might be best checked with your coat. What you might conceptualize is there is Big-talk and Small-talk. Big-talk are subjects that these people are proud of, hold dear are cultural or are ingrained in their lives from history; these are the Red Flags to take care and approach stealthily, or not at all. The Small-talk is being polite and sincere. Over politeness can be viewed with suspicion. When a French business man or college student berates an American on the ills of materialism and a Russian cabbie rebuffs you on political correctness it should be taken as a compliment. These people are showing interest in you and what you may think. The same should be shown to others in their nations. Wiat until they broach a subject and feel the breeze they are walking with before opening your hurricane, over opinionated and insensitive mouth.
Europa
My favorite countries would be Greece, Turkey, Germany, France, Ireland, and Mother Russia in this order of familiarity from the travel I have done.
From the Spinnerets of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul to the Acropolis reliefs in Athens, Greece, you find some very friendly individuals who love gabbing if you can gab in their language or they know English.
Athens, Greece: Cyprus and Turkey in general are verboten subjects. Kosavo and independence, is not a palatable subject, nor would bringing up minorities and their absorption into their society; it makes you look "holier than thou" due to our reticence on race relations.
DC: You might like to discuss their land as being the cradle of the civilized world and how leisurely the pace of life is. Maybe even give them a (γεια πώς είσαι ο άνθρωπος) Ya su, felo. ... it would not hurt. You knowing a few words of Greek is money in the bank for a receptive conversationalist.
Izmir, Turkey: They have only begun to see the life in a European society while being very Muslim. They enjoy window shopping and looking at the pretty girls (guys do anyway) and they are very obnoxious to ad nauseum with their wolf hoots and hollers. But travel east and Diyabakir and you will find frowns quickly and legally acted upon those actions from the natives. Religion is not something you might want to discuss. You might want to talk about the comparison of their town, city or country in regards to a country they are familiar with, bring many things positively to light about them. PKK, George Bushes policies and keeping your thoughts about their women in general should hit the No-Do list.
DC: Soccer, Children and Family (limited discussions) will hit home with them everytime. Asking about their health and how fit they seem brings hours of uninterrupted talk from them... so be prepared.
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Closer to mainland Europe, even if the people appear friendly and willing to talk about any subject, carefully address the subject matter as you relate or they bring out; there are generations of skeletal fingers pointing at you if you are not aware.
Germany: Anything to do with the WWII, politics and their results beware. Some will talk about it like it was yesterday's news and some must initiate the conversation or you might lose an eye watching them waggle a finger of returning guilt for your statement. Israel is a subject they will readily discuss amongst themselves, not so much with visitors. Become familiar with Germany's cultures and geography. The north of Germany is in no way related to the south of Germany except they occupy they same country. Learn before you burn ...and crash. Here, too much small-talk is viewed with suspicion. Amounts of 15 minutes is all they really want to spend on a subject like the weather, or the Alps if you are close to the south. Hamburg is in the north, near the North Sea between the Atlantic and the North Sea. If you do not speak (German) well, speak English; they are less irritated.
DC: If you can demonstrate that you are slightly educated about their customs/culture, their language or global social issues... you are "In like Flynn."
France: Any recitation of money and property values in a socialist France is not going to get you a free cup of coffee; as well as addressing the immigrant underclass and lack of acceptance in the society as they know it. The French going belly-up in the first part of WWII is not a good subject: it reflects their need upon Americans as saviors. Don't want to be a "Fussy" American?, don't speak in labored details about anything. The highlights are sufficient for a good conversation. Surprisingly, they do enjoy people who try to speak French contrary to popular belief. Many small towns and villages love to hear your accent and correcting your grammar. In larger parcels of land, Paris, Nimes or other larger city ...just as in Germany, "Time is money--Speak English!"
DC: Speak about the French foods, different tastes and how their culture reflects many aspect of their food heritage. The Revolution and Bastille day and anything they can take pride in will make you out to be more intellectual than your sixth grade test scores indicated.
Ireland: There is an uneasy peace in the North and that is due in part to the Irish brushing aside important issues for Small-talk. Here, you can talk about the weather all day, while it changes and they will love your perceptiveness... but remain away from the real issues unless you know the person and they bring it up. Don't Bash the Brits... They have moved on in many ways and you should too. You are not Irish if great-great-grand dad came from Dublin. You are Irish if you are once removed and come back to where you belong. Sex and other Church issues are OK, unless you are talking with an old school Catholic. Avoid politics, it is very personal.
DC: Compare and contrast your countries' similarities and differences. The Irish Really love Americans (refreshing) and would love to hear what you say, how you say it... how you think in general. They will talk about the economy... talk and talk and ad nauseum talk... get used to it. It is the Irish way.
Russia: Запрещается субъектов (forbidden subjects) are as follows: Georgia, Chechnya, Americans in Serbia, яussia is still 18th century, you can argue about Putin, but keep it light... anything else produces defensive postures. Any of the favorite American "Isms" sexism, racism or activism... and you are at risk for being politically correct and they will let you know it. Actiually, depending upon who says it, they are agreeing and complimenting with the back of their hands because A free яussia still does not exist.
DC: Russians are very entrepreneurial and they consider themselves centrists in a continental manner and any of the arts, histories and famous individuals who were Russian and known to the world; these are the subjects you should be cultivating. The Tzar was relative to Germany's aristocrats through Wilhelm II; so, you might find fighting words when talking about the Tzar, yet. Maternally, Nicholas was the nephew of several monarchs, including George I of Greece, Frederick VIII of Denmark, Alexandra, Queen consort of the United Kingdom and the Crown Princess of Hanover. His pedigree is stained in the eyes of many Russians.
My favorite countries would be Greece, Turkey, Germany, France, Ireland, and Mother Russia in this order of familiarity from the travel I have done.From the Spinnerets of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul to the Acropolis reliefs in Athens, Greece, you find some very friendly individuals who love gabbing if you can gab in their language or they know English.
Athens, Greece: Cyprus and Turkey in general are verboten subjects. Kosavo and independence, is not a palatable subject, nor would bringing up minorities and their absorption into their society; it makes you look "holier than thou" due to our reticence on race relations.
DC: You might like to discuss their land as being the cradle of the civilized world and how leisurely the pace of life is. Maybe even give them a (γεια πώς είσαι ο άνθρωπος) Ya su, felo. ... it would not hurt. You knowing a few words of Greek is money in the bank for a receptive conversationalist.
Izmir, Turkey: They have only begun to see the life in a European society while being very Muslim. They enjoy window shopping and looking at the pretty girls (guys do anyway) and they are very obnoxious to ad nauseum with their wolf hoots and hollers. But travel east and Diyabakir and you will find frowns quickly and legally acted upon those actions from the natives. Religion is not something you might want to discuss. You might want to talk about the comparison of their town, city or country in regards to a country they are familiar with, bring many things positively to light about them. PKK, George Bushes policies and keeping your thoughts about their women in general should hit the No-Do list.
DC: Soccer, Children and Family (limited discussions) will hit home with them everytime. Asking about their health and how fit they seem brings hours of uninterrupted talk from them... so be prepared.
-->
Closer to mainland Europe, even if the people appear friendly and willing to talk about any subject, carefully address the subject matter as you relate or they bring out; there are generations of skeletal fingers pointing at you if you are not aware.
Germany: Anything to do with the WWII, politics and their results beware. Some will talk about it like it was yesterday's news and some must initiate the conversation or you might lose an eye watching them waggle a finger of returning guilt for your statement. Israel is a subject they will readily discuss amongst themselves, not so much with visitors. Become familiar with Germany's cultures and geography. The north of Germany is in no way related to the south of Germany except they occupy they same country. Learn before you burn ...and crash. Here, too much small-talk is viewed with suspicion. Amounts of 15 minutes is all they really want to spend on a subject like the weather, or the Alps if you are close to the south. Hamburg is in the north, near the North Sea between the Atlantic and the North Sea. If you do not speak (German) well, speak English; they are less irritated.
DC: If you can demonstrate that you are slightly educated about their customs/culture, their language or global social issues... you are "In like Flynn."
France: Any recitation of money and property values in a socialist France is not going to get you a free cup of coffee; as well as addressing the immigrant underclass and lack of acceptance in the society as they know it. The French going belly-up in the first part of WWII is not a good subject: it reflects their need upon Americans as saviors. Don't want to be a "Fussy" American?, don't speak in labored details about anything. The highlights are sufficient for a good conversation. Surprisingly, they do enjoy people who try to speak French contrary to popular belief. Many small towns and villages love to hear your accent and correcting your grammar. In larger parcels of land, Paris, Nimes or other larger city ...just as in Germany, "Time is money--Speak English!"
DC: Speak about the French foods, different tastes and how their culture reflects many aspect of their food heritage. The Revolution and Bastille day and anything they can take pride in will make you out to be more intellectual than your sixth grade test scores indicated.
Ireland: There is an uneasy peace in the North and that is due in part to the Irish brushing aside important issues for Small-talk. Here, you can talk about the weather all day, while it changes and they will love your perceptiveness... but remain away from the real issues unless you know the person and they bring it up. Don't Bash the Brits... They have moved on in many ways and you should too. You are not Irish if great-great-grand dad came from Dublin. You are Irish if you are once removed and come back to where you belong. Sex and other Church issues are OK, unless you are talking with an old school Catholic. Avoid politics, it is very personal.
DC: Compare and contrast your countries' similarities and differences. The Irish Really love Americans (refreshing) and would love to hear what you say, how you say it... how you think in general. They will talk about the economy... talk and talk and ad nauseum talk... get used to it. It is the Irish way.
Russia: Запрещается субъектов (forbidden subjects) are as follows: Georgia, Chechnya, Americans in Serbia, яussia is still 18th century, you can argue about Putin, but keep it light... anything else produces defensive postures. Any of the favorite American "Isms" sexism, racism or activism... and you are at risk for being politically correct and they will let you know it. Actiually, depending upon who says it, they are agreeing and complimenting with the back of their hands because A free яussia still does not exist.
DC: Russians are very entrepreneurial and they consider themselves centrists in a continental manner and any of the arts, histories and famous individuals who were Russian and known to the world; these are the subjects you should be cultivating. The Tzar was relative to Germany's aristocrats through Wilhelm II; so, you might find fighting words when talking about the Tzar, yet. Maternally, Nicholas was the nephew of several monarchs, including George I of Greece, Frederick VIII of Denmark, Alexandra, Queen consort of the United Kingdom and the Crown Princess of Hanover. His pedigree is stained in the eyes of many Russians.
Africa and the Middle East
Egypt:
Conspiracy and theories upon theories concerning the Jews; corruption and the lack of democratic process. religious unrest is abundant. The government wants peace with Israel, but the people do not! Terrorism... enough said. Coptic Christianity and an underclass of humanity are not popular subjects.
Note: This information is based upon 2009 and the world climate for travel in that year.
From Beirut, Lebanon's Center to the more romantic side of Morocco's, Casablanca, you will find much tradition and a pursuit of common ground. This area of the world finds similarity better than difference, so it is easy to find something to talk, or do other things ...similarly.
Egypt:
Conspiracy and theories upon theories concerning the Jews; corruption and the lack of democratic process. religious unrest is abundant. The government wants peace with Israel, but the people do not! Terrorism... enough said. Coptic Christianity and an underclass of humanity are not popular subjects.
DC: Even if the Egyptian brings it up, steer clear of these subjects. Try discussing talking Zahi Hawass and the most current information on the ancients, relics and history. All are very good conversation pieces.................................................................................................... محادثات جيدة جدا...
Israel: Exhaustion has become the way of speaking about the Palestinians, the wall construction is sure to cast dispersions upon you, racial divisions among Palestinian and Jewish interests as well as a comparison between European and Middle Eastern Jewry will diffidently allow the evil eye to follow you in your travels. As with Germans learn the culture before you approach an Israeli and try to ask them if they are religious because of Judaism or is it a nationality thing. There are many beliefs in the country and it is better to let them bring these up. There are no classes in Israel, but if you mention service in Israel and the person's job in the service... you have unveiled a glint of class system.
DC: They are a farming country, great variety... ask them to discuss the freshness of food or their democracy... they will gladly gnaw on your ear for hours.
Jordan and the Emirates: Speaking of honor killings is not a good way to begin your day. If you engage in such talk, you are looked at as a person judging something considered to be shameful both in the act and the perceived need for the killing. Let that one be like a sleeping pooch. They practice Islamic beliefs in these areas, use the big head and don't make rash comparisons to the terrorism in the States and their beliefs. Remain legal, don't say bad things about the kingdoms in the Arabic countries, which are kingdoms (you can't sight-see through bars). Don't mention the Bedouin Tribes (similar plight as the Native American) and speaking about refugees... not good, refugees out number Jordanians and the Arabic Emirate civilians.
DC: Speak about the Queen's (Jordan) good works and their development as societies.
Casablanca & Morocco: There is not much you can't talk about in Casablanca. The picture on the right is a couple enjoying the second by second rapture--they are in wrapped appraisal of each other. However, you might wish to steer clear of these: No criticism of the ruling family; and being gay in Morocco is non-existent, except for Casablanca. They still don't admit it, but they know homosexuality lives in their part of town. Refrain from asking typical, Amicanisms like, "What? Your wife won't be joining my wife and I... us for dinner?" Any comparisons to western life makes them very edgy... I don't like edgy!
Jordan and the Emirates: Speaking of honor killings is not a good way to begin your day. If you engage in such talk, you are looked at as a person judging something considered to be shameful both in the act and the perceived need for the killing. Let that one be like a sleeping pooch. They practice Islamic beliefs in these areas, use the big head and don't make rash comparisons to the terrorism in the States and their beliefs. Remain legal, don't say bad things about the kingdoms in the Arabic countries, which are kingdoms (you can't sight-see through bars). Don't mention the Bedouin Tribes (similar plight as the Native American) and speaking about refugees... not good, refugees out number Jordanians and the Arabic Emirate civilians.
DC: Speak about the Queen's (Jordan) good works and their development as societies.
Casablanca & Morocco: There is not much you can't talk about in Casablanca. The picture on the right is a couple enjoying the second by second rapture--they are in wrapped appraisal of each other. However, you might wish to steer clear of these: No criticism of the ruling family; and being gay in Morocco is non-existent, except for Casablanca. They still don't admit it, but they know homosexuality lives in their part of town. Refrain from asking typical, Amicanisms like, "What? Your wife won't be joining my wife and I... us for dinner?" Any comparisons to western life makes them very edgy... I don't like edgy!
DC: However, talk to them about their cuisine and "peaceful tolerance" they enjoy... Yea! That's the ticket!
South Africa: It is part of the African continent and they believe they have moved beyond apartheid... But as long as you know. HIV and AIDS, governmental corruption, Robert Mugabe, and most criticisms of the government during the apartheid years: these will offer a sour taste to the soup when traveling, unless it is expected, it just is not worth the trouble.
DC: Nelson Mandela, prosperity and the equal rights being lived, existentially.... These are fodder for conversations.
South Africa: It is part of the African continent and they believe they have moved beyond apartheid... But as long as you know. HIV and AIDS, governmental corruption, Robert Mugabe, and most criticisms of the government during the apartheid years: these will offer a sour taste to the soup when traveling, unless it is expected, it just is not worth the trouble.
DC: Nelson Mandela, prosperity and the equal rights being lived, existentially.... These are fodder for conversations.
The Americas
The Americas are by geography and 
history, pretty easy going places to live in and visit. Catholicism is more prevalent in some countries than others, Spanish is the language of choice... except in Brazil and there you'll need Portuguese. Those who speak Italian have a better chance of speaking to the Brazilians; they co-exist with the Chileans who believe themselves to be the quintessential people in propriety. The Americans (US Americans), well for lack of better terms we are an ever evolving people (cultures), lost in identifying their own propriety. Then Canada has its own sense of self and their own erroneous zones.
Argentina: I believe the stories of the 1970s and their governmental troubles as well as Peron... these are the subjects to forget. Curiosity could get you entombed in the walls of another soccer stadium... Did I just say that? The Falklands and the Brits are non-humorous asides, which have certainly lost their polite allure. And above all, these people are nothing like the rest of South America. They are in fact... the Herringtons and Kennedy's of the continent. Do not group them with the other SA countries because... you're being presumptuous!
DC: They are prosperous now, they were prosperous in the past. And the truly odd thing is, if you are middle class you have a therapist--you love to tell others of whatever you are thinking! Sound familiar?
Chile: Don't speak of Pinochet, or Allende. They're somewhat passionate in their views concerning both. Remember Chile is very conservative compared to most other Latin American countries. If toilette humor is broached without prompting you could more than egg on you face. Don't boast about the great time you had in Argentina... the Chileans frown upon this. And if the level of conversation raises to Picaso, ...it is the drink, not the artist. They are very proud of it.
history, pretty easy going places to live in and visit. Catholicism is more prevalent in some countries than others, Spanish is the language of choice... except in Brazil and there you'll need Portuguese. Those who speak Italian have a better chance of speaking to the Brazilians; they co-exist with the Chileans who believe themselves to be the quintessential people in propriety. The Americans (US Americans), well for lack of better terms we are an ever evolving people (cultures), lost in identifying their own propriety. Then Canada has its own sense of self and their own erroneous zones.Argentina: I believe the stories of the 1970s and their governmental troubles as well as Peron... these are the subjects to forget. Curiosity could get you entombed in the walls of another soccer stadium... Did I just say that? The Falklands and the Brits are non-humorous asides, which have certainly lost their polite allure. And above all, these people are nothing like the rest of South America. They are in fact... the Herringtons and Kennedy's of the continent. Do not group them with the other SA countries because... you're being presumptuous!
DC: They are prosperous now, they were prosperous in the past. And the truly odd thing is, if you are middle class you have a therapist--you love to tell others of whatever you are thinking! Sound familiar?
Chile: Don't speak of Pinochet, or Allende. They're somewhat passionate in their views concerning both. Remember Chile is very conservative compared to most other Latin American countries. If toilette humor is broached without prompting you could more than egg on you face. Don't boast about the great time you had in Argentina... the Chileans frown upon this. And if the level of conversation raises to Picaso, ...it is the drink, not the artist. They are very proud of it.
DC: Santiago as a large city is very clean, they have wineries and wonderfully playful hills to romp in. They are a very modern country and for the Americans, who consider anyone living outside of the coastal US as third-world, this country doesn't want to know how you came to that conclusion.
Canada: Please investigate Canada's Health system before you tour a size 10 extra-wide in your mouth. There is something to be said for "if it works... " And any mention of Canada being the 51st State will be met by leering eyes and coughing before someone tells you the real story... Fists of Fury, that type a thing. If you like Toronto, speak of that to the Ontario, Tornontians. Some people out West in Saskatchewan Province don't like them much. It an easy trap of speech to fall into, but a source of annoyance: Eh? Use it and you may lose it! Canada is a great deal like Europe. They value their friendships and if you get to chummy, too quickly their good natured politeness may came back to you in a sarcasm and rudeness.
DC: Talk about Hockey; short and sweet. Even Canadian girls know about hockey...
Brazil: Don't appear greedy; arguing over who get the check; it casts an evil eye upon your personality. Never ask what someone does for a living, that is simply prying. Constantly addressing the Brazilian violence, or continually asking, "is it safe to go out?" that kind of OCD will have the Brazilian you thought was a friend showing an "expressão da face (change, different expression)" In Brazil they really enjoy family time at meals. You (a foreigner) might get away with mentioning Soccer at the dinner table but not politics or anything else of importance to you. Nice, nice nice is the family way. You will be a gringo forever if you crudely express yourself about their female population. Don't Do It!
DC: Music seems to be a universal "Binky" and only renders good results. If you talk about, ask about or make reference to an artist, at that moment you are not some hick from New York City.
Mexico: I maneuvered the list to include Mexico last. Crime and drugs are usually not spoken of, period; however, never address these in a caviler way. As you will notice there are two main locations for Bull Fighting in the world: Spain and Mexico; If you want to impress someone in Mexico do as the Romans. Expressions of animal rights and cruelty don't make the grade in the countries where this sport draws bigger salaries than you will ever see in your insignificant life time. Speak carefully of Catholicism. If you are there to clinch a business deal, do so after lunch and the coffee or wines have run their courses. To do anything else will queer the deal because you are being rude. Where were these ideas when Jimmy Carter went to Japan...?
DC: As in Turkey, Soccer, children and family are the roads to take when trying polite conversation. Study a bit of the histories behind the Mexican people--they are not tex-mex, nor is their food and will tell you so. Knowing about 16th birthday parties (quinceanera) and other family holidays goes a long way to ensuring a satisfying discussion until they just turn the lights out and say, "Mañana amigo."
I hope this little travelogue has helped people to understand that the differences which make us unique also can make us people to be avoided. Think before you speak ...It is all in how you approach getting off the tarmac and enter someone's country.
Canada: Please investigate Canada's Health system before you tour a size 10 extra-wide in your mouth. There is something to be said for "if it works... " And any mention of Canada being the 51st State will be met by leering eyes and coughing before someone tells you the real story... Fists of Fury, that type a thing. If you like Toronto, speak of that to the Ontario, Tornontians. Some people out West in Saskatchewan Province don't like them much. It an easy trap of speech to fall into, but a source of annoyance: Eh? Use it and you may lose it! Canada is a great deal like Europe. They value their friendships and if you get to chummy, too quickly their good natured politeness may came back to you in a sarcasm and rudeness.
DC: Talk about Hockey; short and sweet. Even Canadian girls know about hockey...
Brazil: Don't appear greedy; arguing over who get the check; it casts an evil eye upon your personality. Never ask what someone does for a living, that is simply prying. Constantly addressing the Brazilian violence, or continually asking, "is it safe to go out?" that kind of OCD will have the Brazilian you thought was a friend showing an "expressão da face (change, different expression)" In Brazil they really enjoy family time at meals. You (a foreigner) might get away with mentioning Soccer at the dinner table but not politics or anything else of importance to you. Nice, nice nice is the family way. You will be a gringo forever if you crudely express yourself about their female population. Don't Do It!
DC: Music seems to be a universal "Binky" and only renders good results. If you talk about, ask about or make reference to an artist, at that moment you are not some hick from New York City.
Mexico: I maneuvered the list to include Mexico last. Crime and drugs are usually not spoken of, period; however, never address these in a caviler way. As you will notice there are two main locations for Bull Fighting in the world: Spain and Mexico; If you want to impress someone in Mexico do as the Romans. Expressions of animal rights and cruelty don't make the grade in the countries where this sport draws bigger salaries than you will ever see in your insignificant life time. Speak carefully of Catholicism. If you are there to clinch a business deal, do so after lunch and the coffee or wines have run their courses. To do anything else will queer the deal because you are being rude. Where were these ideas when Jimmy Carter went to Japan...?
DC: As in Turkey, Soccer, children and family are the roads to take when trying polite conversation. Study a bit of the histories behind the Mexican people--they are not tex-mex, nor is their food and will tell you so. Knowing about 16th birthday parties (quinceanera) and other family holidays goes a long way to ensuring a satisfying discussion until they just turn the lights out and say, "Mañana amigo."
I hope this little travelogue has helped people to understand that the differences which make us unique also can make us people to be avoided. Think before you speak ...It is all in how you approach getting off the tarmac and enter someone's country.
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