Protocols

Please think about your own cultural space. Please imagine you’d like to consult with a person of knowledge and respect such as an elder, principal, professor, or clergy person (while respecting the differences between these). What protocols would you follow? Why? What if you didn't?

It's hard to define myself as a person with a culture at this point in my life, now that I have essentially rejected the religion on which the better part of my family was based. Nevertheless, I still go to college, and I have friends who go to church, etc. That being said, I am aware of some of the ethics of communicating with authority figures in various places for various purposes.

Here's an example of meeting with a grade-school teacher or college instructor about a late assignment.

1. Greet them cautiously; do not act cocky or entitled.
2. Thank them for putting aside time to spend with you.
3. Have your assignment on hand, unless he/she has it. Be prepared.
4. When the meeting is over, thank them again, both for the time  spent, and their compassion and patience in letting you hand in a late assignment.

These are not written rules, therefore ne does not necessarily "have to" follow them. However, I have learned from experience that it helps a lot, because it shows that you respect them. That's the bottom line in any culture, I do believe - respect.