What are examples of things that are highly offensive/emotive in another culture that I could be ignorant about?

[bedunkalilt]

I’m sure there are plenty of things that are different between cultures when it comes to causing offence, particularly on day to day etiquette. I’m thinking of that, as well as of things like significant historical events, or very important symbols (whether they’re important because they’re considered highly special, or they’re important not to be used because of their history). Something where you could cause outrage or offence by not knowing the significance.

I was promoted by this article on the BBC about a Thai girl band member who wore a t-shirt that had a Nazi swastika. I’ve seen that type of thing come up before, where the historical significance of the Nazi swastika isn’t as well known or certainly isn’t reviled in some countries.

I imagine there may be other symbols, or historically significant events, that are highly emotive for many reasons, across the world, and I wouldn’t know (I’m British and have lived here all my life so assume most of my knowledge is of history from the British taught perspective), as well as day to day etiquette.

I was wondering if any MNers have some examples they could share so I could learn more? Like common offensive errors that people not culturally aware make in other countries, or significant historical events or symbols about which the unaware could cause offence through ignorance?

*prompted, of course.

Dont go around using the peace V sign in Bosnia and Croatia.

Good grief, that t shirt really wasnt the usual sort of hindu symbol mix up was it, its a proper Kriegmarine flag t shirt. Feel sorry for them really though.

Don’t throw salt over your shoulder in Japan.

It’s very rude to show the soles of your feet in Thailand. This extends to shoes - backpackers tying their shoes to their bags where they could accidentally touch someone in a crowd is seen as very offensive.

There are far too many to relate. Every culture has its own taboos.

Don't clear your plate in China. It means they didnt give you enough to eat.
Also don't open a gift in front of the giftee.
Don't say you like an item (like an ornament, painting etc) as they will feel obliged to give it to you.

In Japan don't put your chopsticks upright in your rice and leave them. I think it's considered bad luck or a death is imminent.
Don't cough, sneeze or blow your nose in public. It's the height of bad manners and people will refuse to interact with you.
Don't ever set foot into a home without removing your shoes. If you go to the loo you have to wear special slippers designed just for that purpose. Your host will most certainly have a pair for guests.

Don't ask us if our ancestors were farmers

Alcohol and dogs around Muslims

PDA is illegal in Dubai and they don’t mess about with people who break the law there

I've lobied to do the dont open a gift infront of the giver thing here.

Don't call Inuit people Eskimos without checking before you go. Some do call themselves Eskimos, most don't.

Me too Patroclus. In fact I had my birthday party last week and refused to open them as its just too much.

The empty corners on Indian streets that have only a little very unnoticeable short statues are actually mini temples and not to be walked over in an effort to cut through crowds.

What is PDA?

Public Display of affection.

Thanks lanky. Is that a commonly known acronym? Literally never seen/heard it before!

The odd list of 'shoes off' and 'shoes on' in the house people.

Off are Japanese, Canadian, Indonesian, most Muslim countries...

On in the house Southern Europe, most of South America, most of sub-Saharan Africa.

UK we fight in MN about it!

also related to chopsticks in Japan ( Imamouse is right when pointing out not to stick your chopsticks vertically into bowl of rice - that is how they make an offering of rice at a funeral)

you shouldn't pass food from your chopsticks to someone else's (or they shouldn't take a piece of food straight from your chopsticks) as that is how mourners pass the pieces of bone of a loved one, after cremation, from one relative to the next before placing in the funeral urn.

Loving the Japan ones. I find the country fascinating and so cool and quirky. Not a custom per se but apparently crooked teeth are desirable and some folk get veneers made of uneven teeth.

Dont tell Danes that they sound like the swedish chef. 1. They really dont and 2. Everyone in scandanavia hates the Swedes! According to Sophie Hagen anyway.

If you are eating with your hands in India eat with your right hand as left side is used at the toilet.

This by inference, but I noticed in Japan, that all those standing on trains always stand facing those sitting. I take it that you don't put your arse in their face. Also, no answering the phone on a train. Most are on the phone but no-one talks into it.

Japanese trains are bliss.🗻🌸

hi echt
yep no bums in faces
although in the rush hour, you can have stomachs right in your face as they pack more and more people in and the person standing in front of you leans rigggghhht over

YES - it is always weird when I go back to the UK and people are actually talking on their phones on the train. People do talk on the phone while walking around in Japan (sometimes) but its quite rare - its often business types, on those wireless headphone speakers that make it look like they are talking to themselves

Not saying "Bonjour" when you go into a shop in France causes mortal offence.