Codes and Guidelines Around the World
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Australia
France
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Sweden
- There are no dress-codes, or rules. Although Swedish people are in general very aware of what they wear and most express their personality through it, in a way categorizing themselves to a certain style/music taste/social status etc. Common groups are punks, synths (electronic music genre in Scandinavia), hip-hop, reggae etc....
- Drunks, the main issue to be aware of is that in Sweden we have a special history and culture regarding alcohol. People here can drink a lot, really a lot, further there is a large amount of alcoholics. In Sweden, if someone is drunk, they think/feel like they can do/say anything, this is the way the Swedish people (often reserved and cold) can open up, share their inner feelings etc. The bad side is that it can be unpleasant at times. In public transport it is not uncommon to see an alcoholic getting on (this in the middle of the day), and go to each woman sitting alone and talk to her, bother her etc. Most people don't do anything but these people are harmless, so if you feel uncomfortable just get up and sit somewhere else or tell them to not bother you.
- Like in any other place, you will encounter verbal harassment. There is always some idiot that wants to make a patronizing comment, or just be clever and say something stupid concerning your looks. My rule of thumb is: Never leave one of these encounter without saying something back!
- Mind your own business. When it comes to reacting to things happening around us in the city, we swedes are a bit bad at it. When there is something happening people tend to not say or do anything, just stare. But usually it takes one loud mouth to get people engaged.
- Overall, Sweden is a safe place and there is not a lot to worry about.
by Tota
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