Justin Bieber Needs to Brush Up on his Etiquette

It is no secret that Justin Bieber is no longer the innocent teen heart throb we fell in love with a few years ago. Recently, is seems Bieber has been getting only negative publicity between his alleged DUI and his bad temper tantrums. His most recent scandal took place just the other day when Bieber was in Toyko, Japan and decided to pull over and take a picture of himself with a shrine. Seems innocent right?

Well according to E News, this was not such an innocent stunt. "Toyko's Yasukuni Shrine is a controversial structure honoring Japanese criminals who committed horrific acts against China and other parts of Asia during World War II. The Biebs, seemingly unaware of its history, Instagrammed the photo of himself bowing before the shrine, writing, 'Thank you for your blessings.' When word got out to Bieber about the controversy of his photo, he quickly deleted it, took responsibility for his inernational faux pas and explained how it happened.'While in Japan I asked my driver to pull over for which I saw a beautiful shrine. I was mislead to think the Shrines were only a place of prayer,' he wrote. 'To anyone I have offended I am extremely sorry. I love you China and I love you Japan.'"

Just two hours after posting his apology, Justin still appeared to be upset by his mistake, Instagramming a solemn picture of himself, head bowed, staring at the floor sadly. Seems like Justin should have done his researched a little better before traveling to Japan. 

Justin Bieber's instagram photo is a reminder of how important etiquette is when traveling to new and unfamiliar places. We have to really research and think about our actions before we do anything in order to avoid offending a culture and causing any controversy. 

Here is the link to read the entire article and see the instagram pictures:

http://www.eonline.com/news/534739/justin-bieber-extremely-sorry-for-visiting-shrine-honoring-japanese-war-criminals

A Guide to Casual European Conversation

Freedom is an American value and stepping stone. We also tend to transfer this value to how we interact with each other. You have the personal freedom to say whatever you want in conversation. People may roll their eyes at you if you are particularly rash but it is not uncommon for people to share too much information. Think of your average plane ride, by the end of the plane ride you could know the life story of the person sitting next to you.

Europe does not play that game. Although it varies from country to country, cultures rooted in tradition or influence from art or enlightenment acknowledge well thought out debates or mere cordiality. Keep your inconsequential feelings to yourself.

We will look at the five top countries to travel according to Euro Monitor 2013 which are England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.

Great Britain

England has an eclectic mix of cultures beginning from the many takeovers from the Celtics, Romans, Vikings, Normans and finally Anglo-Saxons. Then from the expansion of the British Empire the island has grown into a unique mixture of cultures. Because of the many differing viewpoints, conversations are polite and consist of small talk usually about the weather. Unless you are particularly close with someone do you share private information, so dumping your whole life on a stranger would be out of place.

France

The French culture is influenced by the desire to live well and be seen living well. This is reflected in how they present themselves and their love of language. This also translates to the desire for intellectual debate. Northern Europe’s Logic and Latin culture’s emotion can be seen in French conversation. If you want to begin a lively conversation think out your arguments, do not make rash comments and, as always, begin and end your conversations with “Bonjour” and “Au Revoir”.

Germany

Germany has a long history of many cultures struggling to fit together whether that is from the many states fitting together to create Germany, the wars between Catholics and Protestants and clashes between East and West. Order is created by strict rules, formality and directness. Small talk is fine but look at the social cues around you and be tactful when you talk about history. Private information is not generally shared among strangers. Overall, be observant and respectful.

Hannah and I "in conversation" at the Lourve in an interactive art exhibit!

Italy

As the past epicenter of art and civilization the culture is vivacious.  Passionate debates are encouraged and happen simultaneously in a group of people. Jump in and talk about art, culture and other affairs in your own country! Emphasis is placed on living in the moment and enjoying family, tradition and putting on a good face.

Spain

In Spain social niceties and group approval are important with past utopian ideals. In a private relaxed setting feel free to talk about your travels, country, art, culture and your hosts’ children but avoid touchy historic issues.

When you engage in conversation in another country observe the natives and follow what they do. This information is just a snapshot of what is culturally acceptable in each place. Guide books and other websites are available to peruse.

Feel free to email me at readysetroamcontact@gmail.com or leave a comment if I left something out or if I pointed something out wrongly. Your feedback would be appreciated!

Foster, D. (2000). The global etiquette guide to Europe: everything you need to know for business and travel success. Canada: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Press.

Do It Right, Stay to the Right

Riding some public transportation while abroad? Then it would be important for one to have knowledge of proper etiquette when it comes to riding the train, tube, or metro. This etiquette includes everything from entering the station, riding the escalator to the trains, and behavior on the train itself. 

First, when entering the station, it is important to have tickets or metrocard ready. Locals will become frustrated or flustered if they have to wait while people fumble through their bags for their tickets. Get the ticket out and ready before you get in queue to enter the station. 

After swiping the metrocard or ticket, normally it is required to go up or down a set of escalators or stairs to reach the trains. If people are in a hurry or do not wish to "ride" the escalator, they will walk down the left side. If you are strolling at leisurely pace or wish to ride down, then stand to the right. For a set of stairs, people in more of a hurry push down on the left, slower walkers stick to the right. This is widely known in most European countries, and for those where it is not, signs are often displayed. An example would be in German train stations there are often signs by the escalator reading, "Rechts stehen, links gehen" – "stand on the right, walk on the left."

Once riders are waiting on the platform for the train, it is courteous to move down the platform as far as possible so that people entering have room to stand. When the train arrives in the station, remember to mind the gap and enter the cars carefully. There are always seating and standing options aboard. The seating to be aware of is the handicap or disabilities seating. Normally those are marked seats by the doors to the train. Also in London there are special seats sometimes marked for pregnant women or signs that say to give them seats if necessary. The important part to remember is offer your seat to those who need it more than you. 

Riders must be courteous and polite to other passengers, not only by giving them the special seats, but also by making as much room as possible so that everyone can fit on the train. Another obvious rule would be to keep to yourself and not cause distractions to other riders. These riders do not want to hear others loud conversations or watch any obnoxious behavior. 

If all these rules are remembered, and etiquette is followed, it will make for a great trip on public transportation in Europe. The ride will be smooth and easy, and people may even take you for a local. 

To Tip or Not to Tip?

When you think about etiquette, you usually think about manners at the dinner table and saying "thank you"  after something is passed to you. However, one of the biggest etiquette mishaps while in America and abroad is tipping. Tipping is paying a sum of money for services rendered. It is a sign of appreciation and gratitude for someone's services to you. Tips can be given in restaurants, bars, or to concierge workers, bell caps, maids or to many other workers and places. In some locations, tipping is encouraged and expected from customers, while in others tipping is discouraged and considered insulting. Bottom line is that tipping rules vary by country, region and scenario. 

In America, the norm is to tip no less than 15% on a restaurant bill. It is common courtesy to tip the waiter after a meal in the United States, as it is seen as a fundamental part of the social contract. Many restaurant workers complain that they do not receive a sufficient amount of tip after waiting on a table. In a bar, it is highly recommended to give tips to the bartender depending on the amount of drinks you ordered and type of drink. Bartenders are more likely to give better service and make better drinks if they are receiving tips in return. 

In terms of foreign countries, tipping is not the norm like it is in the United States. I found this guide to global tipping from an article in the Huffington Post. It is the key to all tipping advice from restaurants to hotels to taxis for the countries of Europe, Asia, Asia and the United States. 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/28/tipping-guide-a-travelers_n_2646654.html