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There are quite a few questions that are supposed never to be asked about. It is impolite or rude even to mention them in a conversation. These topics include one’s age, income, marriage, religious belief and political position as well as any other fields of privacy.
In order to understand the American or western idea of a personal concept of privacy, one may think of theconcept of “territory”. As well known, a nation has borders or boundaries with other countries and everything within the border belongs to the nation alone and no one else.
One’s home - one’s castle
Is one able to enter another country without a passport - a permit from another? Absolutely not. It is thesame for one’s home.
If one enters someone else’s home without asking for permission, he is likely to be charged with trespassing or even burglary. Inside the house everything is within the territory of the owner, no one else. A bedroom is his or her castle. No one may visit it without permission.
Inside the room - confidential
No one has the right to open a closet, desk or drawer in the room - these are something secret in the hostor hostess’ castle. On top of the desk there may be letters, business papers or exercise books, these tooare within the owner’s territory. Never touch them or read them! Similarly never read over one’s shoulder when he or she is reading something!
You don’t want to behave like a spy, do you? Anything one is reading is his or her private property. Don’t invade it!
Income - a top secret
In the United States, one’s income is the top secret. Never even try to ask any questions about it! Avoidasking for dishonor. In the same way, it is impolite to inquire about one’s property or the cost of some articles. You may say how cool something is, but never ask about the price.
Age - taboo for everyone
Age is considered a taboo, especially for the ladies. They hate any topics about age, simply because they hate to get old, because they want to stay young forever! They are very sensitive to questions like: “When were you born?” or “Do you have artificial teeth?”
Never make any comment like “You have grey hair”, otherwise the males and females alike will beat you black and blue.
Religion - sensitive
Religion is what one believes in personally. It is totally a personal matter. Never ask,“Why do you worship as a Christian”, it is none of your business. Everyone has the freedom to believe as they choose in belief.
Politics - big men’s affairs
Politics is a sensitive topic too. It’s completely of personal opinion. There is no argument about taste,anyway. Besides, such questions as “Do you believe Israel will accept the conditions for peace talks?” should be on the agenda of those “big men”, not for a “nobody” like you and me.
