What Not To Do in Foreign Lands

Tabloid offers how-to guide for provoking international incidents
By Paul Stinson,  Newser User
Posted Dec 17, 2008 6:56 PM CST
What Not To Do in Foreign Lands
A Toyota senior manager, left, exchanges his name card with a visitor. To immediately stuff a received business card into one's back pocket would be the height of insult in Japan.    (AP Photo)

Taking its cue from the infamous shoe-toss of an Iraqi journalist—a sign of high contempt in his culture—the Daily Mirror presents a how-to guide for provoking international incidents:

  • Buddhist countries: Nothing raises eyebrows or ire more than a pat on the head, as that's where locals believe the seat of the soul is located.

  • Russia: Flash your hosts the "OK" sign to give an insult with a sexual undertone.
  • Japan: After receiving someone’s business card, immediately fling it onto your desk.
  • Korea: Smile at a stranger and show your contempt for his lack of intelligence.
  • Argentina: Arrive punctually for a dinner date to clearly express your level of greed.
For the rest, click below.
(More cultural diplomacy stories.)

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