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“When in Rome, do as the Romans do” - True or not?

I think, that in some cases is this statement true and in some it is not. It depends on three points: where you´re going, why you´re going there and who are you going to meet. I will explain these points.

The first point is: where you´re going. If you´re going to Japan, you will have to try to be a Japanese, because otherwise they would consider your behavior as very unfriendly. On the other hand, in the US they are more “open” to learning something about your own culture.

The next thing you should think about before visiting another country is the reason of going there, because everywhere in the world people behave differently in the city as in a village “in the middle of nowhere”. In the city they are usually more “American style”, but in a village near the city they still follow some traditions and want you to join them. If you don´t feel like joining them, you should tell them, but some could think you´re a neanderthal. That´s not very pleasant for your ego, is it?

The last question to ask yourself is about meeting people, because you have to behave different in other fellowships. I like Japan, so I´ll give an example from there again. Have you ever met the Japanese emperor? I haven´t and I´m quite happy about it, because I would not know how to act. Probably I would try to adapt me to their culture. Without any doubt the emperor will at least laugh at me and appreciate my attempts. In contrast, if you´d meet any American (or Irish, Italian, …) family, they would welcome you probably this way: “Hey Bob, how are ya doin´, man?” giving you a huge hug. I would be really nervous about that, but that´s individual.

So, the statement “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” is sometimes very true, but sometimes it´s better not to behave this way. Probably act like this if you´re ashamed of your own culture.