Official US document offers male-dominated advice to American service members visiting Colombia
Official US document offers male-dominated advice to American service members visiting Colombia
Aug 25, 2014 posted by Craig Corbett
Released in 2009, a 116 page document offers information designed to help US diplomats and service members integrate into Colombia society, yet it still retains certain outdated stereotypes.
The Colombian cultural field guide offers information on prominent ethnic groups in Colombian society, social norms and cultural traits which could assist a foreigner living in Colombia. The government released the document in 2009, and it continues to be given to US military and diplomatic staff before they are sent to the country.
Before delving into the history and structure of the Colombian military and government bodies, the guide first offers 46 pages of information about Colombia’s people and customs. It represents Colombia as a generally conservative and male-dominated society based in Catholic traditions and family values.
Useful tips from the article for US citizens in Colombia:
•Try to speak Spanish. Colombians will appreciate the effort.
•Accept and eat all food offered. Failure to do so will cause offense.
•Be tactful when discussing current affairs and politics. Locals will not respond well if they feel they are being criticized by someone from the U.S
•Don’t use slang terms to describe people of different races.
•Don’t be offended if Colombians use slang terms like gringo (derogatory term for white person).
•Colombians enjoy fresh fruit and good whiskey, and it is appropriate to bring one of these gifts to a dinner party.
•Do not signal for people with one finger pointed upwards, use a sweep of the hand. The American OK symbol is considered vulgar and offensive.
•Catcalls, whistling and jeering by individuals or groups of men directed at women is common. While Colombian women accept this attention from Colombian men, they may not tolerate such actions from non-Colombians.
More:
http://colombiareports.co/gringo-guide-official-document-offers-advice-american-service-members-visiting-colombia/