LEARNING THE WAYS OF ONE’S WORLD
Is it enough that you mean well? Before you answer, consider this incident that happened to one American president. During George Bush’s diplomatic visit to Canberra, Australia on Jan. 2, 1992, he spoke at the opening of an Australian Center for American Studies. Bush noted that while the two cultures share much in common, “…differences do exist. And we can and should do much more to foster greater understanding.” Later, a motorcade, which included the armored limousine of President George Bush drove past some demonstrators in that Australian capital. In response to their heckling President Bush gave the V-for-victory sign. Was it taken as a friendly gesture? Not down-under. You see, in Australia, holding up two fingers to form a “V” has the same meaning as a middle-finger salute in the United States! It wasn’t clear if the President had been advised of the local customs before his passing encounter. It is clear, however, that meaning well isn’t…
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