On The Write Path

No Thai (or Taiwanese) ever stands alone.

No Thai (or Taiwanese) ever stands alone.

I laugh at the naive notion that a foreigner may have that he can fight an Asian from certain cultures one-on-one. Ain't happenin'. Start a fight? Be prepared for a brawl and a beating.

Few Thais or Taiwanese travel alone. The 'Noble Survivalist' is a North American myth. People survive in family groups, tribes, circle-of-friends or gangs.

Yes, people do walk alone, take the bus alone, do many things alone; but, going in pairs or groups to a bar, a cafe, school, hiking, biking, is the norm.

Criminal gangs, like the Taiwanese triads, can be a problem if someone steps on their toes (as in business, power, or money issues). Travelers and tourists need only be aware that they shouldn't start fights... ever. But exchange-students and business people need to know more. Once a person enters a culture the rules apply. Ignorance is no longer an excuse.

I break rules in the USA and in Costa Rica because I understand the cultures well. When I travel elsewhere I try to mind my behavior.

~180 words
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