2005 Year in Review

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Taboo

A recent series on the National Geographic channel led me to this topic. I’d like to share a little of my own experience in this realm. Of course I’m not going to give you all the “gag me” details that I’ve been up to, but hope to give you some idea of what a white Midwest boy has encountered in his multicultural and international travels.

Personal space. It was pointed out to me early in my career that I seemed to have a problem when someone, particularly of the same sex, would engage in conversation inches from my face instead of the few feet I was used to. In your face conversation seems to be common almost everywhere in the world except maybe here in the US and maybe some northern European countries. I got used to it.

Holding hands with another guy. I worked with a Thai crane operator who wanted to show me things that needed repair, people who needed motivation and general problems on deck. He grabbed my hand and we walked around and he explained to me what he thought needed to be done or required some attention. Men holding hands. in public, is also very common in many cultures. I went with the flow.

Men kissing men. The most famous picture of this type of thing in recent memory (for a geezer like me) is the famous “Communist Kiss” between Leonid Brezhnev and Eric Honecker. President Jimmy Carter also endured a similar greeting from Brezhnev to the ridicule of his political opponents. I dare say that the French have been famous for cheek kissing and Arab men also greet each other in a particular ritualistic way. I’ve managed to get away with shaking hands.

Body piercing. I’ve got one.

Tatooing. Although a seafaring tradition I could never come to a decision on what image I could live with for the rest of my life or trust anyone without verifiable talent. I managed to avoid most situations where these inhibitions were blocked.

Billy Boys. Famous transvestites of Bugis (Boogie) Street in Singapore perform in various capacities. Unfortunately someone cleaned up the place before I ever got there. I was told it cut tourism about in half for this city/nation.

Oh Calcutta. A play on Broadway in the 70’s with a costume free cast. I saw it.

Public beheading. Takes place in various countries and was particularly popular among expatriates (people who aren’t from the country they are in) in Nigeria. I never saw one.

Blood sports. These take various forms, but the most popular around the world is probably cock fighting. This sport is very popular in the Philippines and of course it is an underground sport here in the US as well. I’ve never had much interest or any real opportunity.

I’m sure there have been some other things not worth reading, but can’t think of them all right now. I do not believe that I ever ate any dog in Vietnam or horse in France, but I can assure you that I have eaten and drank some things you would never try. I have eaten sushi.

by Marc Adami, Guest Columnist
February 11, 2005