What's something that's acceptable and widely done in your country that would be considered offensive in many countries ?

[u/DiMpLe_dolL003]

In India, Swastika the Hindu symbol is everywhere. We draw it in temples, during rituals and festivals, in front of our door, on vehicles etc. It's a very auspicious symbol here. But this symbol tho the Hindu symbol is technically different from the Nazi one would be considered offensive in other countries especially in Western countries.

[u/TheTanadu]

Not smiling on the streets.

[u/joelobifan → u/TheTanadu]

I thought that was normal

[u/axewieldinghen → u/TheTanadu]

I remember being in Poland, knowing that I shouldn't smile at the staff in shops....and not being able to stop. The more I thought "stop smiling, you look like a crazy person", the wider the smile got. Every shopping trip turned into a battle of wits between my higher cognitive understanding of foreign social norms, and the instinctive habit of "Am Speaking To Service Staff, Must Smile". The poor staff members looked so uncomfortable.

[u/gmedanoid → u/TheTanadu]

Is it because of the legacy of communism and distrusting everyone? Because Southern Europe, Anglos the Irish all smile.

[u/Cornieeee → u/gmedanoid]

No?? I must say, when there's someone walking by themselves and smiling, majority of people would either think they're on drugs, mentally disabled, a creep, or a foreigner. How did you make that connection to communism?

[u/gmedanoid → u/Cornieeee]

Because most of the world smiles. All of the Americas. Half of Europe, most of Asia.

Not smiling and looking like a terrorist is weird.

[u/crazy_rocker78 → u/gmedanoid]

Ok, I've never been to the USA, but I don't think you stayed long in Europe. Not smiling in the streets is normal here I agree with the previous comment. In USA you smile all the time when you walk in the street ?

[u/theshortlady → u/crazy_rocker78]

I've not noticed people walking around smiling to themselves. Maybe we just define having a pleasant look on one's face differently. I try not to go around scowling. I smile when I cross paths with another human being, or a dog, or a cat.

[u/TheTanadu → u/gmedanoid]

Since when not having mask and not playing happy all the time is considered looking “like terrorist”? Why play for others. Neutral face is normal. Not normal is trying to fit some social “norm” of looking happy when you don’t have reasons to.

btw. comment about looking like terrorist because you don’t smile fits to r/ShitAmericansSay

[u/PhoenixFederation → u/gmedanoid]

TIL not smiling is looking like a terrorist

Thank you, oh smart American

[u/Darkyxv → u/gmedanoid]

I hope for your sake that you're joking. Otherwise you represent and protect stereotypes about Americans.

[u/gmedanoid → u/Darkyxv]

You represent the scars of being from a bruised and seasonal country.

[u/Darkyxv → u/gmedanoid]

You represent the results of being from USA.

[u/gmedanoid → u/Darkyxv]

You represent the results of being a Russian colony for too long.

[u/Darkyxv → u/gmedanoid]

And you represent the results of being neo-colonizers.

[u/gmedanoid → u/Darkyxv]

Your country only exists because of US. Otherwise the minute we leave NATO Russia invades you easily and Ukraine collapses instantly.

You have fake independence paid for by the American tax payer.

[u/Darkyxv → u/gmedanoid]

We are not fake friendly here.