First Experiences (3 actually) being pushed

[mark-b]

For lack of understanding certain cultures and ethnic groups, how are we Americans supposed to "translate" what it means when a group of Eastern European turistas get pushy? I mean, I had three instances where I was shoved from behind by them, while I was photographing on the street. They sounded like, well, I'll leave that out. Another photographer saw what happened, and he flat out told me that's how they are, and he named two other types of Eastern Europeans who push people.

So when one of them pushes us from behind, are we allowed to do the same thing, in accordance to their cultural values? Or is it like a compliment or a greeting? I do know this: If I fell, a 911 call would be in order. Peace.

 

[Chris101]

If they do it in Arizona and you feel they may have overstayed their visa, I believe you are allowed to pull out your unregistered concealed firearm and start shooting.

I may be wrong on the last part.

 

[btgc]

World is so big and people being very similar each to other, still are different. Eastern Europe, as you may know, is only 20 years after regime which USA seems approaching now (as it looks from here). We are still recovering, I'm sorry this happens so slowly.

But we have some progress. When tourists from West are pissing right next to our Monument of Freedom, we don't beat 'em down and even don't push them...even that would the case to give some lesson.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/17767363@N00/4483883934/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/17767363@N00/3910373458/

As I realize, problem is created by airlines - in times when crossing pound took weeks, people didn't stroll across world, spreading hate and deseases 🙂

Peace Mark, I wish you wouldn't meet them.

EDIT: I don't think mixing all Eastern Europeans is good idea. Come here and see. If I got screwed by American ebay seller, I don't conclude they all are same, because I have dealt with some excellent U.S.A. based sellers. That's the story.

 

[Ranchu]

Somebody put their hands on me, they are requesting the same.

 

[NathanJD]

We british are very protective over our personal space and touching of pretty much any kind (especially in that manner) will result in the antagonist eating a knuckle sandwich cultural differences or not!

 

[Roger Hicks]

'Types of Eastern Europeans'

Wow. Real cultural sensitivity here.

Where were you standing when they pushed you? Can you think of any reason why they might have pushed you? Any idea where they were from? We need more information before we can automatically side with you.

Cheers,

R.

 

[t.s.k.]

Have you ever ridden a train in Tokyo during rush?

Paid people pushers present on each platform.

...that was unexpected...really 😛

 

[al1966]

Im sorry but this sounds a bit xenophobic to me, most people from the eastern end of europe I have found to be pleasant and friendly polite people. Also I have found most people from the U.S to be lovely warm people, but some of you can be loud and rude. There are rude people from every country but they are in the very small minority.

 

[Wallo]

Another photographer saw what happened, and he flat out told me that's how they are, and he named two other types of Eastern Europeans who push people.

The first two are easy, bouncers and hockey players. What's the third type? Older, affluent "ladies"?

 

[Matus]

Sorry to hear that - such a behavior is so plane wrong and stupid ...

I come form eastern Europe - namely from Slovakia.

Just on the side note - I do not understand why people get so annoyed and touchy if somebody who does not know the differences addresses us in as "eastern Europeans". It is true though that the behavior and nature of people varies strongly across the eastern Europe. On top of that, as was mentioned before - these countries undergo large changes what does induce lot of social problems with all possible consequences.

But to your point - I am quite surprised by your experience. Was this just a single person or a group of teenagers who just had nothing better to do than bother people around them? Or was is - even worse - a group that was showing some kind of racist behavior? it is said but you do encounter here and then these problems. Especially in areas (at least for Slovakia) where the concentration of gipsies is higher than these kind problems do arise (please, just do not start to discuss this here). Skinhead (and similar) movement is known in Slovakia unfortunately.

But maybe you could specify the country and location. I do no know them all personally(far from that, actually).

 

[Matus]

The first two are easy, bouncers and hockey players. What's the third type? Older, affluent "ladies"?

Do you mean something like Monty Python - Hell's Grannies ... couldn't not help myself ...

 

[35mmdelux]

Lets just say you got punked. Is there any reason you know of they might have punked you? Like urinating in public?

 

[Roger Hicks]

Sorry to hear that - such a behavior is so plane wrong and stupid ...

I come form eastern Europe - namely from Slovakia.

Just on the side note - I do not understand why people get so annoyed and touchy if somebody who does not know the differences addresses us in as "eastern Europeans". It is true though that the behavior and nature of people varies strongly across the eastern Europe. On top of that, as was mentioned before - these countries undergo large changes what does induce lot of social problems with all possible consequences.

But to your point - I am quite surprised by your experience. Was this just a single person or a group of teenagers who just had nothing better to do than bother people around them? Or was is - even worse - a group that was showing some kind of racist behavior? it is said but you do encounter here and then these problems. Especially in areas (at least for Slovakia) where the concentration of gipsies is higher than these kind problems do arise (please, just do not start to discuss this here). Skinhead (and similar) movement is known in Slovakia unfortunately.

But maybe you could specify the country and location. I do no know them all personally(far from that, actually).

Because it betrays an unwillingness to think. The OP's assumption that there was a general 'Eastern European' culture that involved shoving people came across as pretty crass. That's why, in an earlier post, I asked if he could supply a bit more in the way of detail.

I've spent a modest amount of time in Central and Eastern Europe -- Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Macedonia, Greece, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland -- and I've visited most of those countries more than once. Yes, there are some broad national characteristics -- discussing politics with the majority of Serbs tends to be interesting unless you are totally on their side -- but even then, there are huge individual variations.

Cheers,

R.