[00:15.58]There are quite a few questions that are supposed never to be asked about.
[00:21.74]It is impolite or rude even to mention them in a conversation.
[00:26.98]These topics include one’s age, income, marriage, religious belief and political position as well as any other fields of privacy.
[00:38.89]In order to understand the American or western idea of a personal concept of privacy,
[00:45.80]one may think of the concept of “territory”. As well known,
[00:51.61]a nation has borders or boundaries with other countries and everything within the border belongs to the nation alone and no one else.
[01:02.48]One’s home - one’s castle
[01:06.54]Is one able to enter another country without a passport - a permit from another?
[01:12.61]Absolutely not. It is the same for one’s home.
[01:17.30]If one enters someone else’s home without asking for permission,
[01:21.87]he is likely to be charged with trespassing or even burglary.
[01:27.54]Inside the house everything is within the territory of the owner, no one else. A bedroom is his or her castle.
[01:36.47]No one may visit it without permission.
[01:40.36]Inside the room - confidential
[01:44.33]No one has the right to open a closet, desk or drawer in the room -
[01:50.33]these are something secret in the host or hostess’ castle. On top of the desk there may be letters,
[01:57.86]business papers or exercise books, these too are within the owner’s territory.
[02:04.08]Never touch them or read them! Similarly never read over one’s shoulder when he or she is reading something!
[02:12.90]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!
[02:24.23]Income - a top secret
[02:28.07]In the United States, one’s income is the top secret. Never even try to ask any questions about it!
[02:36.67]Avoid asking for dishonor. In the same way, it is impolite to inquire about one’s property or the cost of some articles.
[02:46.83]You may say how cool something is, but never ask about the price.
[02:53.09]Age - taboo for everyone
[02:57.36]Age is considered a taboo, especially for the ladies.
[03:02.33]They hate any topics about age, simply because they hate to get old, because they want to stay young forever!
[03:10.43]They are very sensitive to questions like: “When were you born?” or “Do you have artificial teeth?”
[03:18.21]Never make any comment like “You have grey hair”, otherwise the males and females alike will beat you black and blue.
[03:27.16]Religion - sensitive
[03:30.83]Religion is what one believes in personally. It is totally a personal matter. Never ask,
[03:38.88]“Why do you worship as a Christian”, it is none of your business.
[03:44.22]Everyone has the freedom to believe as they choose in belief.
[03:49.43]Politics - big men’s affairs
[03:53.47]Politics is a sensitive topic too. It’s completely of personal opinion.
[03:59.89]There is no argument about taste, anyway.
[04:03.48]Besides, such questions as “Do you believe Israel will accept the conditions for peace talks?”
[04:11.30]should be on the agenda of those “big men”, not for a “nobody” like you and me.
