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This summer the team at SHTFSchool have been busy travelling and planning for a new range of courses. This is in addition to my routine and extensive travels for other work.\u00a0\u00a0Today \u00a0I share a summary of some key things I\u2019ve learnt in my travels on things to do (or not!) if you find yourself in a \u2018new place\u2019 or are unsure of what the social ‘norms’ of the area you are in may be. I hope it is of use and interest!<\/p>\n
Remember, in these days of increasing \u2018multiculturalism\u2019 it is perfectly possible to get yourself into trouble breaking \u2018cultural rules\u2019 without travelling to a foreign country<\/strong>\u2026<\/p>\n The overarching consideration for this type of problem can easily be broken down into two categories. Deciding on a recommended course of action or displaying a behaviour can always be held up to this simple litmus test\u2026<\/p>\n 1) No harm can come from this\u2026 (Insert action) See how this applies in this list of top 10 things to consider below:<\/p>\n Breaking rules in other cultures can attract moderate to severe penalties. (Go to Deera Square in Saudi Arabia on a Friday afternoon to see a stark example). Due to the potential severity of punishment of what we may see as \u2018slight\u2019 or minor issues, the exquisite art of observation must come into play as early as possible. Scrutinize your surroundings and compare yourself to them and see in what ways you will\/are \u2018stand out\u2019 and then take action to address those issues swiftly. No harm can come from being observant.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n This applies to men, but even more so to women. No harm can come from covering as much of the body as possible in an unknown area (See how the test works!?) If you feel you ever are realistically going to find yourself in such an \u2018unknown\u2019 situation we are illustrating, then make sure long sleeved trousers and tops are worn or are immediately available. Early observation should indicate if you need to cover your head. For shawls\/scarves\/head covers unless you KNOW the tribal identifiers (e.g. patterns and colour connotations on a shemagh) keep them as neutral and non-specific in style as possible. Your dapper blue cravat may look great at the cocktail bar in your tennis club but will probably cause you problems in South-Central LA.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s face it, you are probably already \u2018pinged\u2019 by the locals or residents as being a stranger. Trying not to stand out will help, but an overheard comment (especially a negative or derogatory one), no matter how outstanding, strange, odd or degrading event you are commenting on is going to get you on people\u2019s radar swiftly and not in a good way. No good can come from mentioning how \u2018different\u2019 these people are from you, or you are from these people.<\/p>\n Do not attempt to engage, in any way, with members of the opposite sex. Full Stop (Period). Be as affronted at this advice as you want, but take it. No discussion is required. If you can\u2019t follow it in this format you WILL be taught another way\u2026<\/p>\n
\n2) No good can come from\u2026 (Insert action)<\/p>\n1. Be Observant<\/strong><\/h3>\n
2. Keep Covered<\/strong><\/h3>\n
3. Avoid Comments<\/strong><\/h3>\n
4. Stick Within Your Gender<\/strong><\/h3>\n