Handshake in Etiquette, Finalizing an Agreement or Deal - Essay Example

Many Americans, especially the young generation, do not observe a specific way of life. The etiquette applicable in a given environment is unique. However, there is nothing that binds them to observe a way of life or a particular culture.

In Saudi Arabia, only close male or female counterparts are allowed to shake hands. This implies that it is highly prohibited for a male to shake hands with females, especially when they are not closely related by blood. Handshake among members of the same sex is highly encouraged in many Muslim communities. This is done mostly to prevent cases of sexual immorality and to uphold the prestigious position that unmarried women occupy in Muslim countries. Similarly, members of the same sex in Saudi Arabia have the freedom to keep shaking hands during a chat to emphasize a point. It would be considered rude to reject such gestures especially when someone is new in the Arabian society.

On the other hand, there is little handshake restriction in America. The basic American handshake is very straightforward and usually used as a greeting between friends, relatives, or new acquaintances among others. It is important to note that a handshake among young people (both male and female) is usually accompanied by either a kiss or a hug. This, contrary to Saudi Arabia, is considered fashionable and trendy. It will be shocking to find a male and female American student shaking hands methodically and exchanging a kiss in public without alarming other people in the surrounding. Such actions are highly prohibited in Saudi Arabia. As such, an American student who traces his or her origin from a Muslim country experiences a culture shock at the first sight of greetings among American natives.

The approach taken by Americans in greeting is very different from that of Saudi Arabia. The American style of the handshake has registered a lot of dynamism as no particular norms are observed, especially in informal setups. According to the Saudi Arabia style, there are several restrictions that must be observed so as to preserve etiquette and discipline. The system is therefore very rigid as it does not allow conformity with other people’s way of doing things. Formal greetings take similar forms as informal greetings and hence people from other parts of the world require to be taken through this lesson so that they appreciate various greetings and norms controlling the same. Read More