Cross-Cultural Differences

A woman wearing a skirt is walking on the streets. A careless man carrying a pointed umbrella walks past and accidentally ripped off the woman's skirt.

Depending on which country/city they are in, the following are likely to occur.

1. London, UK

Before the man can speak, the woman would have covered her skirt with a newspaper. Red in the face, she'd ask: "Sir, can you send me home? I live not far from here."

The man takes off his coat, puts it on the woman, hailed a taxi, and sent her home safely.

2. Paris, France

Before the man can speak, the woman would have laughed, placed her hands on his shoulders, and said: "If you don't mind, give me a rose as an apology."

The man buys a rose from a flower shop, and invites the woman for a drink. Then two would then head to a hotel to further discuss about the contents beneath the skirt.

3. New York, United States

Before the man can speak, the woman would have whipped out a name card from her handbag and said: "This is my lawyer's telephone number. He will call you to discuss about the details of your sexual harassment. We'd see each other in court."

The woman then takes down the man's name and telephone number, and stomps off.

4. Tokyo, Japan

Before the man can speak, the woman would have bowed 90 degrees, and said: "I am so sorry to cause you trouble. I am sorry that the quality of the skirt is of inferior quality."

After saying that, she'd whip out a safety pin to fasten the rip, and hurriedly leave.

5. Beijing, China

Before the man can speak, the woman would have raised her hand and slapped the man.

She will then grab the man by his shirt collar and with venom in her voice said: "How dare you take advantage of me! Follow me to the police!"

6. Taipei, Taiwan

Before the man can speak, the woman would have laughed, and said: "Hey, how can you inspect the goods first before paying?!"

7. Seoul, Korea

Before the man can speak, the woman would have turned and kicked him in the face, saying: "Don't you know I have a black belt in Taekwondo?"

8. Bangkok, Thailand

The man would apologize profusely. The woman would then put her hands together elegantly, bow gracefully, and said with a sweet voice: "Sir, it is alright. Actually I am a man."