On Wed, 28 Mar 2007 15:31:14 -0600, "KLC Lewis"
wrote:


Interesting comments, Peter, and I'm sure you are not your country's version
of "The Ugly American." I have always been exceptionally aware of the image
that too many Americans present when visiting foreign countries, however,
and have always done my best to observe local customs and mores to the best
of my ability. While I doubt that I'd be willing to adopt a burkha in those
Arab countries which expect it of native women, neither would I dress like a
pop tart. But then, I don't anyway. lol

I suspect my natural tendency to touch the heads of children would not serve
me well where Malay children are concerned, and I don't know that I would be
able to supress such a subconscious act -- but I would sure have to try.

The observation about Chinese businessmen strikes me as curious. I should
think that they would appreciate that the foreigners had taken the trouble
to learn and make an attempt to be courteous. In most Asian cultures, I
believe that all gifts should be both offered with, and accepted with, both
hands. Funny that this would be snickered at when done by visitors. Heck, I
even do it in sushi bars. But then, I also bow in my seat when the waiter in
a Denny's brings me my food. Hard to break some habits.

In reading your response, I have to admit that yours is the more
circumspect behaviour and is appreciated in foreign lands where one
does not know the locals. In hindsight I recall being more sensitive
to local social customs when we were first in a lot of the areas we
have been. The behaviour I exhibit now when amongst friends and work
colleagues in Malaysia was not how I behaved when I first arrived.
Over a period of time they and I have gotten to know and accept each
other. As I said, working, sleeping and eating, laughing and talking
in close proximity for days on end engenders a certain intimacy,
especially when there are sometimes situations where, for safety, all
must rely on each other. And, as I mentioned, people are not stupid.
They can see when someone is genuine or not. Children are quite
possibly the best judges of all and they have learned that this Uncle
is an easy mark and will do whatever they want.

As to the Chinese, it often comes as a shock to Westerners to find
that a lot of Chinese consider their culture as being far superior to
others. They do not gauge the worth of a culture solely by its
material or technilogical success as many do in the occidental
nations. Most Chinese have a general comprehension of the age of their
civilisation and an awareness of the cyclic nature of Chinese dynastic
economies and power. Many have spoken of their belief, rightly or
wrongly, that America is on the decline economically as well as
socially and that China will one day be the world power again.

With all of this, a dog still does not eat grass and I refuse to
become a mimic of cultures that are not my own. I show respect, yes. I
take part in their cultures and learn the language, yes. I eat and
stay in their homes and they in mine and we swap children for holidays
and weekends. But to pretend that I am not a New Zealander would be
patronising. I do however wear a sarong at home and at sea. They
reciprocate by now giving their kids birthday parties with cakes and
candles.

if you would like, I could email you one of my newsletters of my
travels that I send to friends. It was written about 5 years ago,
describes life on board a Malaysian Customs patrol boat and has some
photos as well. Just email me with your email handle.

As I said, I love my country (ies)

cheers
Peter