American Etiquette

A few times a month, I help out with the "BEE" program, that is "Be Eloquent in English." It is an extra class, offered in the mornings before the college really opens, that students can take for one month to help improve their English. Today, I was asked to teach a lesson on American etiquette, and I thought you might enjoy reading some pieces of what I told them:

Things you can do in America that you should not do in India:

* Address people by their first names, regardless of age, superiority, etc.
* Dress in clothes that show a lot of skin
* Speak up and/or ask question in class
* Interact with members of the opposite sex without it being seen as a love affair
* Be alone with members of the opposite sex
* Go against your parents' wishes (This was a positive comment, exemplifying the freedom we have)

Things you can do in India that you should not do in America:

* Eat with your hands (except finger foods, of course)
* Spit in the street
* Show up late to a meeting, whether business or social
* Stare at people
* Hold hands with someone of the same sex
* Tell someone he/she is fat (and expect them to take it as a compliment)

I thought it was a good lesson. :)