Proxemics. Boundaries. Acceptable space between strangers in public places.?

Do you feel people from other cultures should be educated about proxemics of the culture that they are about to enter?
I'm an American. I'm polite and kind to people. How people observe personal boundaries is well known to be a direct response to their cultural background. For an example shopping at the grocers and you are in line to check out. How do you feel when the people behind you do not respect appropriate space in the line. Do you ever feel uncomfortable or violated when someone stands too close? Do you ever say anything?

While most tend to be very respectful of distance, have you experienced cultural and economics as a gage for boundaries?

2009-08-16T11:12:51Z

Funny. No I have lived and travel fequently to NY and many other areas. I even live currently in a very Large diverse ethnic city. I have just noticed over the past decade that manners have really gone out the with the wind. While your answers are good, they are more judgemental. The purpose of the question is to have non judgemental social observation.

guitarrman452009-08-16T11:06:33Z

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Now that we are a country of many cultures, it is hard to accommodate all personal rules on public behavior and personal space. Sometimes personal space can't help but be invaded in public. There are even rare times when one culture can insult another just by trying to complement them in one way or the other. Probably the best way to let people know how much space you require in public is to ware a sign on your back and on your front that communicates in at least three languages what your required measurements of space are in public. Of coarse then there may be a new kind of enforcement law put into effect to respect everyone space. Perhaps space police once the liberals get a hold of this. All kidding aside, if you feel uncomfortable, say something or try to move a little. If it really bothers you, you may need to move to another line. If you feel threatened, get loud about it or get the manager. People can get too close for comfort.

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Anonymous2009-08-16T11:07:04Z

Dude it's no big deal, if someone is standing a little to close to you for comfort, just turn to them and say, very nicely, "Excuse me, but could you step back just a little bit?" and about 99% percent of the time they will.

I can tell you've never ridden on a New York City subway, where sometimes you're not quite sure if the person pressed against you is rocking back and forth with the movement of the train or humping your leg! ;-)

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