ENGLISH
Today several places around the World celebrate “Cross Cultural Day”. Since many foreigners visit Mexico for tourism or business purposes, it’s important for us Mexicans to be aware of different cultures around the world (specially since our country’s society is not as diverse compared to those in African, Asian & European countries). Being familiar with different cultures fosters understanding. Since Mexico is far from Asia, we might not be very familiar with other religions of the World such as Sikhism…so this lack of awareness could create cultural gaps. My experiences flying in Mexico with Aeroméxico have always been pleasant. Unfortunately, for this passenger his experience was not so pleasant since he was denied access to his Aeroméxico flight (from Mexico City to New York) for wearing a turban and for “security” reasons when he rejected taking off his turban (usually Sikhs don’t show their hair in public). He has suggested that the airline and airport staff receive cross-cultural training. What effect do you think such training could have on the staff?
ESPAÑOL
Hoy se celebra en algunos países del mundo el “Día Intercultural”. México recibe visitantes de muchos países de mundo y por ello es importante estar familiarizado con las principales culturas del planeta para evitar posibles malos entendidos como el que lamentablemente le ocurrió a este pasajero de Aeroméxico al que le fue negado el acceso a su vuelo (de la Ciudad de México a Nueva York) por usar turbante y por cuestiones de “seguridad” al no querer quitarse su turbante. Mis viajes con Aeroméxico siempre han sido placenteros pero quizá el personal en el aeropuerto desconocía que la religión de este señor es el Sijismo (originaria de la India) y que los Sikhs no suelen mostrar su cabello en público. Independientemente de la religión que profesen las personas es importante tener conocimiento y reconocimiento a los “otros” (especialmente en lugares como los aeropuertos internacionales) para fomentar el diálogo y las buenas relaciones interpersonales e interculturales. Este pasajero sugirió “ofrecer una formación cultural” al personal de la línea aérea y del aeropuerto ¿Que efecto crees que tendría dicha formación cultural?
Multicultural Mexico 
Hi, Mr. Garza!
As I’ve been traveling in a few countries (like you and many others), I had a chance to think about the things you mention here. As pleasant it was for me to find/receive (a somewhat) familiar treating aboard, ultimately this was not part of the reason why I’ve chosen in the first place to travel, nor I’m inclined to expect in any degree for others to come in my way on the cultural ground. I want to find cultural differences as much as possible and I consider that the burden of dealing with everything that may come out of that should fall on me – the guest. It should be my problem to learn about the place I’m going to visit and how I can handle what I may encounter there. This reasoning is for the cases when I’m going somewhere for pleasure, of course. For something else I presume that more cultural accommodation demands on the hosts’ part may be warranted.
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