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Culturally correct: How to behave like a local in Peru
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When actress Cameron Diaz carried a certain purse during a ttrip to South America,
everyone noticed -- but not for style's sake and not in a good way, either.
Apparently, the drab green shoulder bag had a flap imprinted with a red star and a phrase in Chinese that translated as "serve the people."
It was that decoration on Diaz's fashion accessory that caused so much concern. Because the saying was Communist China leader Mao Tse-tung's favorite slogan, many folks in Peru where she was visiting were appalled.
For good reason.
They remember the massacres and the assassinations that left some 70,000 dead in their country about 20 years ago due to the Mao Shining Path insurgency.
That said, I'm sure Diaz had no idea what she was representing when she put on her trendy bag to go out to tour Machu Picchu. In fact, what happened to the actress could have happened to just about anyone unaware of that awful time in Peru's history.
For that matter, it could have happened to anyone who did not know the Chinese translation of the unfortunate sentiment the purse was imparting.
I am pretty sure Diaz is forgiven, but I am also pretty sure this public figure will think twice about what she plans to wear before going out in public in unfamiliar territory.
That said, following are some distinctive ways to approach appropriate protocol when visiting Peru:
• Pack with forethought. Take sneakers and shorts if you plan to go to the beach. However, in the boardroom, plan to wear a suit or a tailored dress as doing business in Peru is anything but casual.
• Stay away from certain topics of conversation no matter how comfortable you feel with your friendly Peruvian colleagues. Talking points to avoid include terrorism, the Peruvian government, a Peruvian's ancestry and drug use. Instead, bring up how impressed you are at what you have seen in Peru or ask about what restaurants your counterparts would recommend you try. You can also talk about your family and your conversational partner's family as well.
• When standing and chatting, don't be surprised when your conversation partner gets very close to you. If this happens, be sure not to back away as doing so would cause offense.
• Don't yank your arm away if your Peruvian counterpart links his or her arm with yours. This is just the polite way to guide someone from one place to another, very common among men walking with men and women walking with women.
• If you want, rest your hands on the table during dinner. This is perfectly acceptable behavior in Peru. However, if you want to cross you legs, do so at the knee. Crossing your legs by resting the ankle of one leg on the knee of the other is considered rude.
• It is fine to give a gift of appreciation to your Peruvian host, but don't give anything black or purple (used on religious occasions), a set of knives (which connote the severing of a relationship) or a handkerchief (reminiscent of someone in mourning). Instead, I recommend a bottle of wine made in America or a coffee table book heralding your particular region of the U.S.
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