MetaFilter posts tagged with customs

Deportation's not the worst that could happen

jdfan — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 11:19:15 -0800

For nearly 20 years, Hessamddin Norani and wife Sedige Khazravi have run a small convenience store in North Buffalo, working 15 1/2-hour days, seven days a week. The couple face deportation if their request for asylum is rejected by an Immigration Court judge. Norani, a Jew, and Khazravi, a Muslim, face a potential death by stoning if sent back to their home country.

When in Rome

hadjiboy — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 09:17:36 -0800

So, you're planning to take a trip around the world, are you? Well, in that case--you'll need to know a couple of things before you leave (in order not to offend the sensibilities of the local population). Let's see--suppose you're making your way through Azerbaijan for example, and your host happens to be a businessman who is about to embark on a journey to the city: what would you do to give him the appropriate send off? Would you:

a) Bid him farewell and shake his hand.
b) Dance in front of him and do a traditional jig that everyone else is doing in order to ward off evil spirits.
c) Throw a bowl of water in his wake.

Don't know, well, that's okay. Let's try another one, shall we? Let's say you're in Croatia this time and have been invited for dinner: Now, do you...

a) Finish all of the food on your plate to show how much you've appreciated the meal. b) Finish almost all of the meal and leave a little portion behind to show that you are finished. c) Finish almost all of the meal and leave a little portion behind to show that you'd like a second helping. Are we getting anywhere? Alright, alright: last question--I swear! Now, say you're in Indonesia and you need to buy gifts for your Chinese-Indonesian, Muslim-Indonesian, and Hindu-Indonesian friends: which one of these gifts would be advisable for whom?

a) A nice leather calf-skin wallet. b) An ancient Samurai Sword that you got for a bargain. c) A bread basket from Drake's that's just opened round the corner.

When Men Wear Nail Polish, the Terrorists Win

digaman — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 08:45:41 -0800

"I'm not a politician, I'm an artist. Depravity is part of the job description," says self-styled dandy, former drug addict, and controversial British author Sebastian Horsely, who was denied entrance to the US by customs officials at Newark Airport on the grounds of "moral turpitude," a wide net that encompasses everything from fornication to being a "nuisance." Shades of Oscar Wilde.

Come and take it

fiercecupcake — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 05:56:20 -0800

The president of The University of Texas at Brownsville has refused to sign a right of entry request granting access to surveyors planning the U.S./Mexico border fence. This comes shortly after Cameron County landowners were forced to allow the government access to their land. Meanwhile, landowners in Hidalgo County are filing the next wave of lawsuits.

"My humble efforts to assist in the elucidation of the social condition of a distant and comparatively unknown race."

goodnewsfortheinsane — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 11:34:54 -0800

Sketches of Japanese Manners and Customs (1867).

I've stolen all my wives

madamjujujive — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 22:33:32 -0800

Wife thief - the Wodaabe of Nigeria are one of the world's few remaining Nomadic peoples, retaining age-old customs and ways. Physical beauty and charm are highly prized, qualities much in evidence at the annual Gerewol ceremonies. After donning elaborate makeup and clothing, men engage in stylized dance and preening to win the favor of a desired woman - often one who is already married. More accounts and photos: Amanda Jones account for the Los Angeles Times The Wodaabe's Cure Salée - text and photos by Christine Nesbitt Hills Mr. Sahara 2004 And Still the Men Dance

"Tonight we will venture to the stages where the zombies have created an elaborate charade to lure the living."

amberglow — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 13:46:35 -0800

Rude at Bonnaroo --eventblogging as mock ethnographic survey of sorts, in the proud tradition of Margaret Mead -- and Body Ritual Among the Nacirema. (from the ever Rude Pundit, who's also performing there) ; >

Turn on, tune in, get out

homunculus — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 22:42:40 -0800

Entheogens and Psychotherapy. A 2001 paper by Canadian psychotherapist Andrew Feldmar on the potential therapeutic uses of psychedelics and his own experience with LSD. Now, because of this paper, he is no longer allowed to enter the U.S. [Via Mind Hacks.]

That's a lot to pay for a fish dinner

pyramid termite — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 13:54:12 -0800

The Bissagos Islands are off the coast of Guinea-Bisseau in Africa. One of them, Orango, has a rather unique social custom. There, women are the ones who propose marriage.

Mohan also declined to say how often or in what volume CBP might be opening mail.

amberglow — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 18:48:09 -0800

Private Mail--Not. ...Goodman, an 81-year-old retired University of Kansas history professor, received a letter from his friend in the Philippines that had been opened and resealed with a strip of dark green tape bearing the words “by Border Protection” and carrying the official Homeland Security seal. ...the agency can, will and does open mail coming to U.S. citizens that originates from a foreign country whenever it’s deemed necessary. ...