England Wants to Make Sure No Foreign Visitors Get Offended During 2012 London Olympics

by abournenesn

Aug 13, 2010

England Wants to Make Sure No Foreign Visitors Get Offended During 2012 London Olympics Are the Brits hospitable?

They sure are trying.

Tourism chiefs from VisitBritain have drawn up a list of cultural differences to teach locals how to not offend foreigners who visit London for the 2012 Olympics.

It states: “The whole process involves a number of social taboos and unless you understand them you could insult someone. For example, pouring wine backwards into a glass indicates hostility.”

To get a little more specific, it adds: “Don’t be offended by Argentinian humour, which may mildly attack your clothing or weight.”

Got that, stubby Englishmen whose momma dressed him?

Here are a few more of my favorite tips, dos and don’ts, as reported in the Daily Telegraph.

  • A smiling Japanese person is not necessarily happy. The Japanese tend to smile when angry, embarrassed, sad or disappointed.
  • Avoid winking at someone from Hong Kong. Winking is often considered a rude gesture.
  • Do not be alarmed if South Africans announce that they were held up by robots.
  • When meeting Mexicans it is best not to discuss poverty, illegal aliens, earthquakes or their 1845-46 war with America.
  • Never call a Canadian an American (editor’s note to Brits: Never call an American, specifically a Boston Bruins fan, a Canadian).
  • Japanese people are likely to take umbrage if they you stare at them, sneeze in their presence or expose the soles of your shoes, the guide advises.

Photo of the Day

What pre-Olympic etiquette would you offer the young man in this photo? Leave your suggestion in the comments section below. 

England Wants to Make Sure No Foreign Visitors Get Offended During 2012 London Olympics  

Quote of the Day

“Sometimes you get rolling and that’s what happens, I don’t know why. I apologize if I offended more people than I usually offend. My mom’s the only one really disappointed that I care about.”
Rex Ryan, in Thursday’s Jets news conference, referring to his foul language in HBO’s Hard Knocks

Comment of the Day

This NESN.com reader has a future in advertisement.

“How can
you be feeling “Groggy” when you’re a pitchman for Dunkin Donuts? I’ll
laugh every time I see that stupid DD commercial with that faux cannon
for a right arm. There should be a little white flag that pops out of
the end of it. HAHAHAHA Maybe Jonathan should pitch the 8th and Bard
pitch the 9th for now on?”

–NoTorreUs

Video of the Day

For those of you interested in purchasing a car and having a dinner date with Pete Rose, you’re finally in luck.

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Thursday, Aug. 12: Playboy Playmate Shanna McLaughlin isn’t very happy with UCF’s reaction to her photo shoot in the Knights’ locker room.

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