Taboo Topic of Conversation in the United States - Essay Example

? Information] 005D Taboo Topic of Conversation In United s A few years back, two American friends went onan official trip to Chile. They decided to take time off explore the hills in their business attire, due to brisk walking up the hill one of them started to perspire. He was football and basketball player formerly, and he was larger as compared to most of the Chileans. Though he was in a very good shape, but he inherently perspired more. When they reached on the top of the hill, the Chilean gentleman who accompanied them noticed and said the apparent that “Sir, you are perspiring a lot”. The comment made that person embarrassed and he just shrugged and smiles politely, cleaning his sweaty face. He asked again, “The reason you are perspiring much, is because you are fat right?” 1 As the comments were addressed in a very natural and light tone, as if he was stating the mere fact that the earth is round or the roses are red, the guy just changed the subjects and avoided the topic. It might appear very apparent and obvious to most of us, that the topic raised by the Chilean gentleman could be offensive but the person to whom they were addressed understood that there was no rudeness or malice intended (Wooten, A, n.d.). In American culture talking about certain subjects is considered as taboo, but in other countries they are considered as very normal and acceptable discussion topics. If the commend would have been from someone in United States, the response would have been entirely different. The response and patience people differs from person to person. As males develop a thick skin towards such remarks, females have benefited themselves by preparing emotionally for reacting to similar comments. With the passage of time people have started to feel comfortable with the fact that the perceived insults or slights are not regarded with malicious intentions, it is just that the political correctness and social etiquettes are different from one culture to another (Wooten, A, n.d.). The similar cultural difference tale was witnessed by Japanese who owned Tech Company in the U.S. According to him, the businesses are also affected by the cultural taboos. During a visit to his colleagues in Japan, he felt very awkward during a business meeting as the Japanese supervisor continually criticized the weight of the employees, advising them to exercise and set goals for weight loss. It was a state of confusion as the visitor felt uncomfortable about the peculiar spectacle, since he was the largest person in the room and he wasn’t told to shape up. At the end of the meeting, the individual reached the superior to discuss the situation. It was indicated by the Japanese executive that he clearly realizes that discussion of weight topic is a taboo in America, and he respected the differences of the cultures. The American took up the challenge to face the issues related to his weight and lost 100 pounds since then. 2 No matter where a person resides either in the United States or in Japan, whenever contacting with an international associate it is necessary to pay attention not to commit these taboos. As all good deed from the past will be vanished because of one single mistake committed which might be a serious one for the other individual. A topic of conversation can easily influence the image of a person there are, some of the topics that Americans are not comfortable being questioned: Firstly, the age. Age is considered as a very sensitive issue for most of the Americans, especially when it come to women over the age of 30. In in this young advocating culture, the idea of growing old is considered very painful. Most people, if possible, like to have nothing to do with its edges. While some of them don’t like to questioned, there are some people who maintain their youthful appearance and they want to be asked, “How old are you?". Americans have very different views on age. In most countries, the elderly are respected but in the United States, the elderly will not like others complimenting their age. On one occasion, the Chinese study abroad students in a city in the United States held a grand party as the guest started to appear, the president of a local prestigious universities with their mother came to visit the event. In his welcoming remarks, the international students said: "Thanks to the old lady to visit all our students feel honored," the word "old" is revered in China, the word was used to give respect and portray the tenderness of the old lady, but her facial expressions suddenly changed to embarrassing and unbearable, she never ever showed up on any other gathering of Chinese students (Laaman, L, n.d.). 3 In general conversations, most people spill their heart out whereas some people keep things to themselves. The general principle is, not to be too eager to talk about a personal matter with people. It is necessary that people should never get an impression that the intention is to spy on their lives. Avoid asking many questions about family, love and marriage of friends and other people. A person should be very careful in picking a topic of conversation as it is an open can of worms and the person needs to watch, what he / she is talking about. While some topics are avoided because of the cultural norms, others are added to the law. To avoid discrimination in the United States, it is prohibited by law that the hiring managers cannot inquire about the religion, weights, appearance or marital status of the applicant. Some people still reveal all the information in their application others don’t. In international job candidates, these topics are neither considered illegal or inappropriate during discussion of employment. 4 United States is not the only country with cultural norms that discourage certain topics that are considered harmless by other. For instance: a male colleague in America can ask his fellow colleague, how his wife is doing in a general and thoughtful way; but the same question will be considered highly inappropriate in countries such as Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Middle Eastern countries (Laaman, L. n.d.). It has also been observed that most business people in United States do prefer discussing business over dinner, while other cultures talk about more relaxing topics when they are having dinner. People in United States avoid discussing their salaries, whereas in China people discuss their salary openly. While traveling in most of the countries, it is fascinating to hear about the life of people. In most of the countries people initiate political topics without any hesitation and give open opinions on such sensitive topic concerning to political opinion. 5 In United States, discussion and criticism on religion is also a taboo topic. America is a country which is known to be a melting pot for people all over the world, with a wide variety of people living together, the culture practiced gives liberty to everyone. There are many religion practiced in America such as Judaism, Hinduism, Catholicism and many others. In many movies and comedies, these religions are parodied which is a taboo as it involves poking fun at the beliefs of other person. 6 Pedofilia can be defined as taking pictures, exposing private parts or molestation of children. These acts are morally inappropriate and the community portrays open dislike towards pedofiles. The topic is considered as taboo even in comedy acts as well as normal general conversations. 7 Polygamy is defined as when person has more than one spouse at a time. In general conversations this topic is avoided as it is considered a personal matter and one that should not be discussed. Initially polygamy was practiced in Mormon religion in Utah, in the late 1800’s it was made illegal. Although polygamy is practiced in many countries and different religions, it is still considered as taboo and even it is still practiced today, polygamy is illegal in all the 50 states of America. It should also be noted, that the Christians consider suicide as the evil. "Suicide" in the United States, is not welcomed as a conversational topic, wherever and whenever or less about better. Americans consider topic to be very insulting, if not addressed in the right way. It is necessary that they sentences should be phrased in a way that they are not sarcastic or implementing a personal attack towards the other person. While shaking hands in most of the cultures it is okay to avoid eye contact, but Americans consider it impolite and arrogant if the other person has visual attention elsewhere. Another most emotional topic for people is abortion. Many people have very strong opinions about it either positive or negative. It is now an open debate in every literature but people consider morally wrong to comment on an abortion decision of other people as no middle ground exists as yet. It is impolite to ask a woman about abortion, no matter how much the topic is discussed in general media, newspaper and politics, 8 An intimate relation between two people, who are related to each other closely, is known as Incest. In general conversation discussion of incest is not considered as casual topic. It is regarded as morally wrong behavior, it is not only considered as a taboo in United States but all over the world. In United State making negative remarks against someone’s race can be seen as taboo topic. Although the racism words and phrases are most often used in pop songs and on media but it is considered inappropriate to bring it in casual conversation. Often people from the other cultures use the term negro’s openly. Negro is the English meaning of "blacks". Especially trafficking from Africa to the black slaves in the United States; in the United States it is not appropriate to call black people "Negro" when having a conversation with the whites, or while having conversation with the blacks. The blacks will feel contempt in case they are called negro’s; When it comes to black people, best to use is the term "Black", blacks usually happily accept this title. 9 With someone you do not know well, you can not talk about sex. It's hard to have a conversation about physical relationships. Menstruation is another taboo subject and issues of pregnancy, especially in joint ventures. Domestic abuse is also a very sensitive issue, and very few women are aware of their fundamental rights, or even have a way out. There is much social pressure to maintain respect within the family, the community, and protect. On another level, people of different generations do not even know how to talk, when they might need help, or even have a problem, such as depression (Laaman, n.d.). With the help of a little research people can easily help themselves in leading a decent conversation by avoiding taboo topics. A little research can assist in navigating the obstacles that are present when interacting with people of different cultures. There are different encyclopedias available online that provide detailed information about the topics that are considered as a taboo. A little effort will be easily identified appreciated by associated present internationally and we can also respond in a patient and friendly way. However in a situation, if a taboo topic arises it is better to judge the intention of the person, and by giving a benefit of doubt that the other person that best intentions in mind. It is easy to change the topic, rather than holding an argument. The idea is to respect individuality. Works Cited Laaman, L (May 3, 2004) “Taboo topics don't end with religion, sex and politics” Publisher Washington Business Journal. Wooten, A (May 13, 2011), “International Business: Taboo topics like weight are treated differently in other cultures” Publisher Deseret News. Read More