“Warm Up the Nation’s Welcome”

I find this a bit strange but Visit Britain have issued a set of ‘helpful tips’ to welcome foreigners into Britain for the Olympics 2012… although the intent is to steer away from stereotypes, I think that the effect is the opposite!

Here are a sample – are they accurate?

• A smiling Japanese person is not necessarily happy.
• Be careful how you pour wine for an Argentinian.
• Avoid winking at someone from Hong Kong.
• Remember Arabs are not used to being told what to do.
• Do not be alarmed if South Africans announce that they were held up by robots.
• Don’t ask a Brazilian personal questions.
• Avoid physical contact when first meeting someone from India.
• Never call a Canadian an American.
• Do not take offence if an Australian or a New Zealander makes a joke about ‘’Poms.’’
• Avoid saying ‘’thank you’’ to a Chinese compliment.
• Don’t snap your fingers if you are with a Belgian. It may be interpreted as impolite.
• Never imply Poles drink excessively.

and finally…when meeting Mexicans, it is best not to discuss poverty, illegal aliens, earthquakes, or their 1845-46 war with America.

What do you think?

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Tagged as: Olympics