Cultural Sensitivity - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Kuan · #1 04-04-2008, 07:36 AM

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article992640.ece

Quote:

By ALEX WEST

Published: 03 Apr 2008
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SIX African warriors running the London Marathon have been issued with a guide to Britain — telling them not to hunt our farm animals.

The Maasai tribesman have also been warned to keep their private parts covered up and not to spit or grab Brits’ jewellery.

The four-page guide by Greenforce charity workers tells the group not to follow their hunting instincts if they see a cow, pig or sheep in a field.

It says: “It is important to remember these animals are owned by someone and are looked after.”

The men from a remote village in Tanzania will do the 26-mile run on April 13 in robes and carrying shields and spears. They are raising money for life-saving supplies back home.

But the guide tells them: “It is illegal to show certain parts of the body so it is important to wear underpants.” It says when nature calls they should find a toilet rather than a bush.

It also advises them not to spit in public — except in a sink or at a tree “if no one is looking”. It adds: “If you take and wear something someone else has, like a bracelet, they will find it unusual.”

The guide also warns that Brits “seem sillier” when they drink alcohol.

Kuan · #2 04-04-2008, 07:57 AM

The better part...

From “Visiting England: A Cultural Briefing for the Warriors”

“You may be surprised by the number of people that there are and they all seem to be rushing around everywhere,” the guide says.

“Even though some may look like they have a frown on their face, they are very friendly people - many of them just work in offices, jobs they don’t enjoy, and so they do not smile as much as they should.”

“You cannot rely on the sun to tell the time accurately and will have to rely on clocks and watches. The sun will rise and set at different times.”

“If you see something that someone else has, like a bracelet, and you like it, then the person will find it very unusual if you were to take it and wear it.”

“For example, if someone was to see a thief and chase after him and, when they catch him they hurt him, then the person who hurt the thief would go to prison as well as the thief.”

The Masai’s shields and sticks, although permitted by the race organisers, must be left behind when sightseeing.

They may be tempted to engage in their natural sport of hunting in England, particularly if they spot a cow, sheep or pig in a field.

But the briefing note says: “You may see these animals in a field, seemingly left alone. It is important to remember that these animals are owned by someone and are being looked after.”

The warriors, who arrive in Britain next week for the race on Sunday April 13, have also been advised not to be too offended by the brief running attire of their fellow competitors in the marathon.

“You will see many people who are wearing only small clothes and you will wonder why they are cold and may think they are being disrespectful.

“This is normal for England, especially when it is sunny or in the evening. However, it is illegal to show certain parts of the body and for this reason it is important that you wear underpants if you are wearing your blankets.”

“Many people drink alcohol in England. They do so at bars, at homes or at clubs - the English equivalent to a Masai party.

“When people drink they [seem] sillier or different. I am sure you have seen it with the Greenforce volunteers.”

Botnst · #3 04-04-2008, 08:02 AM

Ferking hilarious!

Mistress · #4 04-04-2008, 03:11 PM

We had to endure a company enforced (without punch and cookies mind you) seminar on this crap and it all has to do with money.....if you company is getting money from Medicare you have to do this. Needless to say there was lots of eyerolling.

The next day I came to work with my chicken bone necklace and Voodoo headdress....

Larry Delor · #5 04-04-2008, 05:45 PM

The Gods are crazy.

TheDon · #6 04-05-2008, 12:32 AM

if I was running a marathon and four dudes with spears and face paint were coming up behind me I would make sure to keep them behind me!

Matt SD300 · #7 04-05-2008, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mistress

We had to endure a company enforced (without punch and cookies mind you) seminar on this crap and it all has to do with money.....if you company is getting money from Medicare you have to do this. Needless to say there was lots of eyerolling.

The next day I came to work with my chicken bone necklace and Voodoo headdress....

Its your choice...always has been.................