Period 6 Taboo Padlet by Michael Ivanov

Asia- Harry

hcohen25_5 — 2025-03-10 15:47:48 UTC

The Number four is considered Taboo In many Asian cultures, as the number four is considered unlucky because it sounds similar to the word for "death" in many languages spoken in Asia.

Europe- Harry

hcohen25_5 — 2025-03-10 15:49:25 UTC

In European culture, a major taboo when giving flowers as a gift is presenting them in even numbers, as this is widely considered bad luck; additionally, certain flowers like chrysanthemums and white lilies are often associated with funerals and should be avoided in most situations depending on the country.

Africa- Colin

hcohen25_5 — 2025-03-10 15:51:22 UTC

In many African cultures, disrespecting elders is taboo and considered a serious violation of social norms. Elders are viewed as custodians of wisdom and tradition, and showing disrespect, such as interrupting or speaking rudely, can bring shame to one's family and disrupt community harmony. The consequences can include social exclusion, public humiliation, or spiritual repercussions, as elders play a key role in preserving cultural values and guiding the community.

South America- Casey

hcohen25_5 — 2025-03-10 15:52:43 UTC

In Southern American culture, discussing mental health is often seen as taboo due to stigma, a strong emphasis on self-reliance, and concerns about family reputation. Mental health issues are sometimes viewed as a sign of weakness or something to be hidden, leading people to avoid seeking help or talking openly about struggles.

North America- Colin

hcohen25_5 — 2025-03-10 15:53:34 UTC

In North American culture, underage drinking is generally considered taboo due to legal, health, and safety concerns. It is seen as irresponsible and risky, with potential consequences like legal trouble, impaired judgment, and long-term health issues. Parents and society often discourage it to protect young people from harm and ensure they follow laws and social norms.

United States

craff25 — 2025-03-10 15:56:06 UTC

In the United States it is unprofessional to discuss politics with other people. This is because it has now become a sensitive topic, that has divided the nation.

China

craff25 — 2025-03-10 15:57:34 UTC

In China it is taboo to stick your chopsticks upright in your rice because it similarly resembles incense at a funeral.

North America

2025-03-10 15:58:30 UTC

In North America, it is very important to tip your server. Not tipping is seen as a degrading thing and bad for restaurants. Additionally, servers are known to live off their tips, as they are a crucial part of their income. 20% is the most common tipping percent, and often times when the tip is lower, it is seen as an ill reflection of the server. Overall, tipping in North America is necessary.

Canada

2025-03-10 16:00:28 UTC

In Canada avoid staring at strangers since it is seen as disrespectful. It can also cause others to feel bothered or unsafe.

Ghana

craff25 — 2025-03-10 16:00:29 UTC

In Ghana it is a taboo to be a homosexual, this is based off of religion and traditional values. Those who do like the same sex are considered ill.

South America

dkaplan25_1 — 2025-03-10 16:02:04 UTC

In south America using a toothpick in public is seen as impolite because it is considered a personal grooming activity and should be done in private. In the U.S. we have similar taboos around personal grooming habits like clipping our nails or flossing which are also seen as a private matter.

Asia

2025-03-10 16:02:27 UTC

In Asia, the head is viewed as the most powerful and important part of the body, so touching or patting someone's head is seen as inappropriate. It is seen as an insult since it shows dominance. This rule applies to both adults and children.

South America

jpatrico25 — 2025-03-10 16:03:15 UTC

Arriving to places late, for example if something starts at 2 pm plan on arriving around 3 pm. This is a part of their mañana culture which is defined as "anytime between tomorrow and never."

South America

2025-03-10 16:03:24 UTC

In South America people have a lot less personal space then people in North America. They stand around 1.5 inches away from each other when having a conversation. It is very commonly heard the word excuse me since everyone is so close.

Japan

2025-03-10 16:03:33 UTC

Make sure to take your shoes off before entering your home. This is to keep the dirt from your shoes from making your homy dirty. Japanese people do this because they want to keep their homes clean.

Russia

craff25 — 2025-03-10 16:04:03 UTC

In Russia it is taboo to leave your coat on indoors. Leaving your coat on indoors in Russia and parts of the former Soviet Union, implies your hosts do not properly heat their home. This is seen as impolite and offensive, by the guest.

Europe

jpatrico25 — 2025-03-10 16:05:25 UTC

Respect coffee culture by drinking certain kinds of coffee during different times of the day. Like not ordering a cappuccino after breakfast and not having espresso before or during meal.

Europe

2025-03-10 16:05:32 UTC

In Europe, it is common to see people walking around with chewing gum; however, it is often regarded as impolite. Most Europeans put a piece of gum in after a meal for a short amount of time then spit it out. Also, in the Netherlands, chewing gum while talking is considered rude. On the other hand, chewing gum in places like Belgium and France is considered vulgar.

West Africa

2025-03-10 16:06:12 UTC

Make sure to not point at strangers or others in West Africa. This is considered rude and disrespectful in African culture.

Africa

2025-03-10 16:06:13 UTC

In Africa they tell you not to drink the tap water when you are there. Around 115 people have died every hour from drinking the water. It has poor hygiene and is considered contaminated.

North America - Kyle and Rich

kkientopp26_1_1 — 2025-03-11 16:13:05 UTC

Drinking Alcohol in public is a taboo because alcohol is supposed to be consumed under the watch of someone, or in a private residence.

South America - Kyle and Rich

kkientopp26_1_1 — 2025-03-11 16:15:05 UTC

This is a taboo because the people view discussions about money as private or personal. People are often taught that discussing finances is impolite or inappropriate

South America

dcardan25 — 2025-03-11 16:16:49 UTC

yawning and stretching in public

United States

dcardan25 — 2025-03-11 16:18:21 UTC

asking people what they do for a living

Europe - Kyle and Rich

kkientopp26_1_1 — 2025-03-11 16:18:46 UTC

Declining a meal is a taboo because people think doing that is disrespectful, since they took the time to make the food for you.

Africa - Kyle and Rich

kkientopp26_1_1 — 2025-03-11 16:21:55 UTC

African cultures believe that a pregnant women is weak and vulnerable, so the best foods are reserved for the person who is pregnant.

Japan

2025-03-11 16:23:36 UTC

In Japan, it is considered rude to tip your waiters. Exceptional service in Japan is considered a part of the job, and no matter how high class the restaurant is, you shouldn't tip. In America, it is normal for someone to tip their waiters when there is good service.

United States - anabella

aohagan25 — 2025-03-11 16:26:07 UTC

Don't Joke About the Country. Most love our country and have great pride, making jokes is not tolerated.

United States

2025-03-11 16:26:36 UTC

In the United States, it isn't illegal for people to talk about their salaries, but it may make people uncomfortable. You should always make sure the person your talking to is comfortable with discussing about salary.

Latin America - anabella

aohagan25 — 2025-03-11 16:28:43 UTC

Bursting the bubble, people in latin america often stand closer to one another than we would feel is normal or comfortable.

South America

2025-03-11 16:29:56 UTC

Eating in public in South America is frowned upon unless food is apart of the event. In America, it is normal for people to be eating in public, even if food isn't apart of the event.

Europe

aohagan25 — 2025-03-11 16:32:11 UTC

Respect local coffee culture, few things are more likely to scandalize the locals, other than botching your coffee order. Don’t order cappuccino after breakfast in Italy, or espresso before or during a meal.

Africa

aohagan25 — 2025-03-11 16:34:08 UTC

The birth of twins is considered an extremely powerful event, the deities interrupt the normal course of human birth.

Africa

2025-03-12 16:14:46 UTC

In Africa, it is considered really disrespectful for someone to point or stare at someone. I think this is similar to what happens in the U.S., it is considered rude to point or stare at people.

Europe

2025-03-12 16:16:55 UTC

In Europe, smiling in some situations can be seen as unprofessional. Like for example, smiling in a business setting is considered unprofessional. And in some places smiles are only reserved for family and friends.

Africa - Brooke

bwashor27_1_1 — 2025-03-17 00:59:08 UTC

In certain Yoruba cultures, there exists a tradition where pregnant women are encouraged to approach corpses. This practice shows unique cultural beliefs and customs surrounding pregnancy within these communities.

Europe - Brooke

bwashor27_1_1 — 2025-03-17 01:00:37 UTC

Extending birthday wishes before the actual day is often considered unlucky in some cultures. Superstitions around prematurely celebrating birthdays vary, with some believing it may shorten the person's life or bring misfortune.

South America - Brooke

bwashor27_1_1 — 2025-03-17 01:02:21 UTC

In Brazilian culture, several behaviors and gestures are considered rude. Using the American "okay" sign, which forms an "o" shape with the index finger and thumb, is considered offensive

North America - Brooke

bwashor27_1_1 — 2025-03-17 01:03:45 UTC

In Canadian culture, public displays of anger or intense emotion are generally frowned upon and considered a social taboo. Maintaining composure and avoiding extreme emotional outbursts in public spaces is highly valued in Canadian society.

Asia - Brooke

bwashor27_1_1 — 2025-03-17 01:05:14 UTC

Before a trip, Russians often sit quietly for a moment as a tradition. This old custom comes from a belief in spirits who live in homes and get upset when people leave.