On a more serious note

Here its acceptable to take from a shared plate with your spoon. This is a big contrast to India where things which touch the lips are considered dirty, while the hands are considered clean. I hope this is the last comparison I make between the two countries, anything more could develop into an abhorrent attack on culture. Its worth explaining before I continue that I don't consider culture, the ways and thinking of a group of people, to be sacred. I see culture not as belonging to people but people belong to cultures, into which they were born without choice, even if they choose to defend it. Culture develops with time, it can change without a sense of sadness over its 'loss'. People should not be condemned to live as museum exhibits. Giving women more respect and status costs nothing, but it can make life so much better.