I think remaining completely ignorant of the Arab culture is enough to incite anger. You don't have to believe in their practices and agree with their way of living, but you should still respect it.
For instance, you should never wave to an Arab with your left hand. Doing so is highly disrespectful, for it is the hand with which they clean themselves, leaving the right hand sanitary for all social interactions.
Do not prop your feet up in a way that reveals the bottoms of your shoes. This is also highly disrespectful and should be avoided at all costs. I've had to practice keeping my feet planted on the ground whilst interacting my Arabic instructors. I'd say after 7 years of practice I've become pretty cognizant of my feet's position.
In certain countries, you do not speak to any of the females. Do your best to avert your eyes, if you can. Even if your intentions are not of a base sort, it's best to just avoid the action at all costs. (Always look up the local customs of any country before you set foot there - for instance, in pretty much every other place that's not America or Britannia, if someone offers your food or drink, you'd better damn well take it! Even if it's an alcoholic beverage and you don't drink...this time, you will drink it.)
Remember that culture is not always synonymous with religion. Though some cultural traits arise because of a religious background, that does not give an atheist or non-believer the right to ridicule what goes on the country. There is always a time and place to express concerns over issues of morality and ethics, but don't do so while you're interacting with, say, Saudis on their own soil.
For instance, you should never wave to an Arab with your left hand. Doing so is highly disrespectful, for it is the hand with which they clean themselves, leaving the right hand sanitary for all social interactions.
Do not prop your feet up in a way that reveals the bottoms of your shoes. This is also highly disrespectful and should be avoided at all costs. I've had to practice keeping my feet planted on the ground whilst interacting my Arabic instructors. I'd say after 7 years of practice I've become pretty cognizant of my feet's position.
In certain countries, you do not speak to any of the females. Do your best to avert your eyes, if you can. Even if your intentions are not of a base sort, it's best to just avoid the action at all costs. (Always look up the local customs of any country before you set foot there - for instance, in pretty much every other place that's not America or Britannia, if someone offers your food or drink, you'd better damn well take it! Even if it's an alcoholic beverage and you don't drink...this time, you will drink it.)
Remember that culture is not always synonymous with religion. Though some cultural traits arise because of a religious background, that does not give an atheist or non-believer the right to ridicule what goes on the country. There is always a time and place to express concerns over issues of morality and ethics, but don't do so while you're interacting with, say, Saudis on their own soil.
