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Some of the best and most frequently given advice, when
dealing with local peoples, is for the survivor to accept,
respect, and adapt to their ways. Thus, “when in Rome,
do as the Romans do.” This is excellent advice, but there
are several considerations involved in putting this advice
into practice.
You must give serious consideration to dealing with the local people.
Do they have a primitive culture? Are they farmers, fishermen, friendly
people, or enemy? As a survivor, “cross-cultural communication” can
vary radically from area to area and from people to people. It may mean
interaction with people of an extremely primitive culture or contact with
people who have a relatively modem culture. A culture is identified by
standards of behavior that its members consider proper and acceptable
but may or may not conform to your idea of what is proper. No matter
who these people are, you can expect they will have laws, social and
economic values, and political and religious beliefs that may be radically
different from yours. Before deploying into your area of operations,
study these different cultural aspects. Prior study and preparation
will help you make or avoid contact if you have to deal with the local
population.
People will be friendly, unfriendly, or they will choose to ignore you.
Their attitude may be unknown. If the people are known to be friendly,
try to keep them friendly through your courtesy and respect for their
religion, politics, social customs, habits, and all other aspects of their
culture. If the people are known to be enemies or are unknowns, make
every effort to avoid any contact and leave no sign of your presence. A
basic knowledge of the daily habits of the local people will be essential
in this attempt. If after careful observation you determine that an unknown
people are friendly, you may contact them if you absolutely need
their help.
Usually, you have little to fear and much to gain from cautious and respectful
contact with local people of friendly or neutral countries. If you
become familiar with the local customs, display common decency, and
most important, show respect for their customs, you should be able to
avoid trouble and possibly gain needed help. To make contact, wait until
only one person is near and, if possible, let that person make the initial
approach. Most people will be willing to help a survivor who appears to
be in need. However, local political attitudes, instruction, or propaganda
efforts may change the attitudes of otherwise friendly people. Conversely,
in unfriendly countries, many people, especially in remote areas,
may feel animosity toward their politicians and may be more friendly
toward a survivor.
The key to successful contact with local peoples is to be friendly, courteous,
and patient. Displaying fear, showing weapons, and making
sudden or threatening movements can cause a local person to fear you.
Such actions can prompt a hostile response. When attempting a contact,
smile as often as you can. Many local peoples are shy and seem
unapproachable, or they may ignore you. Approach them slowly and
do not rush your contact.
Use salt, tobacco, silver money, and similar items discreetly when trading
with local people. Paper money is well-known worldwide. Do not
overpay; it may lead to embarrassment and even danger. Always treat
people with respect. Do not bully them or laugh at them.
Using sign language or acting out needs or questions can be very effective.
Many people are used to such language and communicate using
nonverbal sign language. Try to learn a few words and phrases of the
local language in and around your potential area of operations. Trying
to speak someone’s language is one of the best ways to show respect for
his culture. Since English is widely used, some of the local people may
understand a few words of English.
Some areas may be taboo. They range from religious or sacred places
to diseased or danger areas. In some areas, certain animals must not be
killed. Learn the rules and follow them. Watch and learn as much as
possible. Such actions will help to strengthen relations and provide new
knowledge and skills that may be very important later. Seek advice on
local hazards and find out from friendly people where the hostile people
are. Always remember that people frequently insist that other peoples
are hostile, simply because they do not understand different cultures and
distant peoples. The people they can usually trust are their immediate
neighbors—much the same as in our own neighborhood.
Frequently, local people, like ourselves, will suffer from contagious diseases.
Build a separate shelter, if possible, and avoid physical contact
without giving the impression of doing so. Personally prepare your food
and drink, if you can do so without giving offense. Frequently, the local
people will accept the use of “personal or religious custom” as an explanation
for isolationist behavior.
Barter, or trading, is common in more primitive societies. Hard coin is
usually good, whether for its exchange value or as jewelry or trinkets. In
isolated areas, matches, tobacco, salt, razor blades, empty containers, or
cloth may be worth more than any form of money.
Be very cautious when touching people. Many people consider “touching”
taboo and such actions may be dangerous. Avoid sexual contact.
Hospitality among some people is such a strong cultural trait that they
may seriously reduce their own supplies to feed a stranger. Accept what
they offer and share it equally with all present. Eat in the same way they
eat and, most important, try to eat all they offer.
If you make any promises, keep them. Respect personal property and
local customs and manners, even if they seem odd. Make some kind of
payment for food, supplies, and so forth. Respect privacy. Do not enter
a house unless invited.
In today’s world of fast-paced international politics, political attitudes
and commitments within nations are subject to rapid change. The population
of many countries, especially politically hostile countries, must not
be considered friendly just because they do not demonstrate open hostility.
Unless briefed to the contrary; avoid all contact with such people.
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