Writing about cultural practices - Essay Example

Cultural Practices In Western societies, it is very common for people being introduced to shake hands. This normhas been practiced for generations. The handshake is one of the most common gestures of communication around the world. It can either mean “hello”, “good-bye” or “we agree” (Haymond , par 1). One usually offers his hand when introduced to a stranger. In the corporate world, after a meeting and something has been agreed upon, the parties in the meeting shake hands signifying their concurrence.

In the world of sports, after a game, one sees players shaking hands in the spirit of sportsmanship. Among friends or acquaintances, before parting, they sometimes shake hands as gesture of saying good-bye. For people who have had some misunderstanding, a handshake would mean that everything is ok with them already and that the conflict has been resolved (Kissell , par 6). This social norm of shaking hands has persisted because it is an international norm which is accepted by all races. The handshake has been a mutual sign of goodwill and peace (Haymond , par 1).

It is a socially acceptable way of greeting other people in public rather than kissing or hugging. The handshake was believed to have originated as a way of showing that one’s right hand was not carrying any weapon; thus, if two men met and they both show their empty right hands, that means that there exists a level of trust between them (Kissell , par 3). Kissell goes on further to state that the shaking of the hands was supposed to remove any hidden weapon that may be kept in the sleeves.

In today’s modern world, the handshake is very difficult to avoid. Some even consider it an insult if the handshake is not accepted (Kissell , par 2). For example, if a person is trying to make amends with another person and he offers his hand and the other person refuses to shake his hand, this would convey the message that one is not accepting the other person’s apology. The norm of shaking hands should be abolished because the world today is exposed to numerous sources of infection and the handshake is one of the most common ways of spreading infection.

The handshake makes every person susceptible to be infected (Potty , par 4). Viruses such as AH1N1, Swine flu or Avian flu can easily be transmitted through a hand shake. Although frequent hand washing is always advised, one cannot avoid touching door knobs, grocery carts, elevator buttons, escalator railings, train handrails or money. It has also been a common practice to cover one’s mouth with one’s bare hands when coughing or sneezing. There are also people who forget to wash their hands after leaving the restrooms.

One may not realize it but one’s hands may just be the dirtiest part of the external human anatomy, it being exposed to all sorts of germs and infections. The spread of disease can definitely be minimized if the unsanitary gesture of shaking hands is abolished. Even if the handshake is abolished, it will not leave this world wanting of a gesture for greeting. The Western society can adapt the Indian’s custom of “Namaste” whereby one is greeted with folded hands; thus, there will be no danger of infection (Potty , par 4).

Another alternative suggested by Potty is the Japanese’s practice of bowing which is a lot sanitary and safer than the handshake (par 4). So, what is the world waiting for? Out with the shaking of the hands and welcome the “Bow”.Works CitedHaymond, Bryce. "The origin of the common handshake." 7 February 2008. TempleStudy.com. 14 February 2012 .Kissell, Joe. "The handshake." 3 September 2004. itotd.com Web site. 14 February 2012 .Potty, V.H. "Touch the elbow, no shake hand please - New greeting norm? ." 12 October 2011. vhpotty.blogspot.com. 14 February 2012 .