On Cultural Awareness

The other day I met someone new. I extended my hand and introduced myself, only to be told, "I don't shake hands, it's a cultural thing." Apparently his religion forbids touching strange people or some such. I applied my cultural sensitivity, got past it, and went on the conversation.

My question is, what about sensitivity to my culture? The handshake is deeply ingrained in Western culture. It serves as a polite greeting and stems from a gesture indicating that one was not hiding a weapon. In other words, it means "I'm not trying to kill you". Refusal to shake hands is considered a pretty big insult. Just ask Miss Manners.

I guess what I am trying to say is that we, as a culture, have become so invested in "understanding" everyone else's traditions that we are forgetting ours. As a result, we are losing our way as a society. The more we lack common languages, folkways, and customs the less we will hold together as challenges approach. I mean, really. How much of a shit am I supposed to give about some yutz who won't shake my hand, or who has lived in this country for years and refuses to speak/learn the language?

Just sayin'.