In different cultures, specific items of clothing often convey contrary meanings.This frequently leads to misunderstanding and conflict. Explain by giving examples.
When European traders first began frequenting India, they were distinguished from the Indian ‘turban weavers’ as the ‘hat weavers’. These two head gears not only looked different, they also signified different things. The turban in India were not just for protection from the heat but was a sign of respectability and could not be removed at will.
In the western tradition, the hat had to be removed before social superiors as a sign of respect. This cultural difference created misunderstanding. The British were offended if Indian did not take off their turban. Many Indian wore the turban to consciously assert their regional or national identity.