- Recon Number 54
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- Master Forum Ninja
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Well, here we are. I guess that it was destined to come to this.
It happens from time to time, a small and minor clash of cultures that hits people where they live, in their closet.
Let's ask the question first, try to phrase it in as neutral terms as possible and then see if the various applications of this are fair, equitable, or are showing a double standard.
Someone is visiting a nation or has emigrated to a nation that is not of their birth. That nation has made it a point to allow, encourage and welcome non-residents and individuals who were born elsewhere to visit, to stay, to work, to live within among their own citizens. There is a native language, there is an established native or predomonant culture and both the current residents and the new arrivals are aware that when it comes to matters of dress, appearance, behavior, and other social interactions, there are obvious and well known differences in what is considered "common and acceptable".
Now, who is expected to adapt and/or tolerate, the guest or the host?
Should the newcomer and visitor adapt and conform to the customs and standards of their new environment, or should they not alter their behavior/appearance and expect/demand that their hosts accept and respect the outsider?
Similarly, should the host be accommodating and tolerant of new and different customs or should they expect visitors to respect and comply with their standards and routines, and to stay away if they can not?
Okay, that is the question(s) and here are some current events that caused me to ask them.
1: France "bans the burqa".
2: Asking women to remove the hijab when taking drivers license photos or testifying in court may be considered discriminatory
3: Female tourists asked to "dress respectfully".
So, is or are any of the above unreasonable? Which is more important, maintaining your own standards, customs and identity or tolerating those of visitors, outsiders and guests?
Who should adapt, who should change, who has the higher obligation and expectation to change, adapt and comply?