英语经典美文诵读100篇：082.privacy as border

[00:02.87]082.Privacy as Border [00:15.58]There are quite a few questions that are supposed never to be asked about. [00:21.74]It is impolite or rude even to mention them in a conversation. [00:26.98]These topics include one’s age, income, marriage, religious belief and political position as well as any other fields of privacy. [00:38.89]In order to understand the American or western idea of a personal concept of privacy, [00:45.80]one may think of the concept of “territory”. As well known, [00:51.61]a nation has borders or boundaries with other countries and everything within the border belongs to the nation alone and no one else. [01:02.48]One’s home - one’s castle [01:06.54]Is one able to enter another country without a passport - a permit from another? [01:12.61]Absolutely not. It is the same for one’s home. [01:17.30]If one enters someone else’s home without asking for permission, [01:21.87]he is likely to be charged with trespassing or even burglary. [01:27.54]Inside the house everything is within the territory of the owner, no one else. A bedroom is his or her castle. [01:36.47]No one may visit it without permission. [01:40.36]Inside the room - confidential [01:44.33]No one has the right to open a closet, desk or drawer in the room - [01:50.33]these are something secret in the host or hostess’ castle. On top of the desk there may be letters, [01:57.86]business papers or exercise books, these too are within the owner’s territory. [02:04.08]Never touch them or read them! Similarly never read over one’s shoulder when he or she is reading something! [02:12.90]You don’t want to behave like a spy, do you? Anything one is reading is his or her private property. Don’t invade it! [02:24.23]Income - a top secret [02:28.07]In the United States, one’s income is the top secret. Never even try to ask any questions about it! [02:36.67]Avoid asking for dishonor. In the same way, it is impolite to inquire about one’s property or the cost of some articles. [02:46.83]You may say how cool something is, but never ask about the price. [02:53.09]Age - taboo for everyone [02:57.36]Age is considered a taboo, especially for the ladies. [03:02.33]They hate any topics about age, simply because they hate to get old, because they want to stay young forever! [03:10.43]They are very sensitive to questions like: “When were you born?” or “Do you have artificial teeth?” [03:18.21]Never make any comment like “You have grey hair”, otherwise the males and females alike will beat you black and blue. [03:27.16]Religion - sensitive [03:30.83]Religion is what one believes in personally. It is totally a personal matter. Never ask, [03:38.88]“Why do you worship as a Christian”, it is none of your business. [03:44.22]Everyone has the freedom to believe as they choose in belief. [03:49.43]Politics - big men’s affairs [03:53.47]Politics is a sensitive topic too. It’s completely of personal opinion. [03:59.89]There is no argument about taste, anyway. [04:03.48]Besides, such questions as “Do you believe Israel will accept the conditions for peace talks?” [04:11.30]should be on the agenda of those “big men”, not for a “nobody” like you and me.

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