"Michael Plant" > wrote in message
...
> Alex igy.com10/14/04
>
> Sasha, not so simple, I think. "Common" courtesy is surely not common, but
> what it means is culture specific, not universal. When we say Pu-erh -- or
> Durian, for that matter -- is stinky, we speak affectionately, right guys?

Michael, I appreciate your diplomatic stance, but no, this is not about
liking or not liking things - which would qualify as culture specific.
Saying that "Having a respect for many aspects of Asian culture (I'm not
Asian) doesn't stop me from thinking that Pu-erh is stinky, that natto is
like snot and smells worse, and that I'd probably rather eat ground glass
than kimchee." is not "affectionate" and you know that.
And not calling what others eat "snot" is a universal "common" courtesy, to
put it mildly.

Sasha.