Taboos that are Acceptable Around the World

KingKush
Jul 27, 2022
2 min read

There are many things that are considered morally wrong and labeled as a taboo in many societies and cultures. Some taboos that you find acceptable in certain countries might be unacceptable in others. Things like extramarital affairs, gambling, divorce, contraception drugs, homosexuality, and abortion are all considered a taboo in many societies and cultures, although there are some countries that considered them as normal.

There are taboos that are criminalized and change in societal norms is necessary to move forward and implementing new healthier society norms that align with the common good. Something agreed upon by many people in a group and seen as normal within societal norms is considered the common good this benefits all individuals within the group that if they voice their concerns, they would be heard and benefit from the change. Society and its norms go through gradual and perpetual changes, which must be accepted large amount of people for change to take place. This is considered a subculture because you have a taboo like homosexuality that is accepted by a minority in certain culture within for example in country or a group, e.g., Gay rights, abortion rights, blood transfusion, divorce.

Individualism emphasizes the historical traditions which places a high value on individual freedom and on personal rights and allowing each person to do their thing.

Europeans and the West might see these taboos as acceptable, but African cultures might consider these unacceptable and morally wrong. For example, there are contraception drugs and abortion rights in many European and North American cultures, while on the other hand it is deemed unacceptable by African and some South American and Asian cultures.

In Russia homosexuality is morally wrong and not accepted by most Russians. Russia has no gay rights and does not protect LGBT people, nor does it prohibit hate crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Some Societal Norms include:

Tipping- giving tips is considered a taboo and shamed upon in a lot of African and Asian cultures but in North America it is considered as normal
Using smartphones everywhere-some people will be on their phones talking or texting which is disrespectful
Saying “Bless You” when someone sneezes
Holding the door for someone
Saying “I’m sorry every time especially when you make a mistake
Don’t talk with your mouth open
Don’t use the phone in a movie theatre
In France, it is considered polite to kiss acquaintances on both cheeks when meeting them.
In China, it is customary to leave some food on your plate after eating, as a sign of respect for the cook.
In Germany, it is customary to shake hands with everyone you meet, both men and women.