Back when I started this blog, I talked about what it means to be a World Citizen, someone who can go anywhere because they understand and embrace the culture in which they find themselves. I identified a few things that go into the making of a World Citizen and Manners was one of them.
Related: The Right Fork
Manners differ considerably from place to place. Often rudeness is one culture is the norm in another. Differing views of standing in a line, for example. But some things are universal.
If you’re a World Citizen, you shouldn’t find yourself doing any of the following: 6 things that are Rude in Any Culture.
- Defacing national monuments or historic sites, including taking “souvenirs” which could prove to be significant artifacts, like, oh, the Elgin Marbles.
- Performing acts of personal hygiene in public, including urinating, picking one’s nose, clipping fingernails with the teeth, etc. One can never explain such actions in a way that is flattering.
- Talking in a theater, unless the movie is Ricky Horror Picture Show.
- Putting feet up on a table or other furniture unless invited. It implies disdain for others’ possessions.
- Smoking in areas where signs are posted that say–in any language–“No Smoking.”
- Overreliance on the word “fuck,” which is now a virtually global swear word, except possibly in France which is rude enough to stick to the time-honored merde.
