Does your cultural background excuse rude behavior? I was amused to read the story of a French waiter who has filed a discrimination complaint in Canada after being fired from a Vancouver restaurant for being unpleasant and aggressive. He claims that his behavior is a product of his “more direct” French heritage and therefore the restaurant has discriminated against all French people.
We’ve all seen the stereotype of the snooty French waiter, but this case really takes the cake. I myself am French, and pride myself on treating others with kindness. Yes, there are cultural differences, but rude is rude. You can’t blame your personality on your birthplace, especially if it interferes with your job.
It’s also unhelpful to float the suggestion that all people from a certain culture possess certain character traits, even if it’s just in terms of etiquette. Not all French people are rude. Not all Canadians are over-the-top nice. Not all Southerners are hospitable. There are regional customs, yes, but every individual is different.
Imagine explaining to your boss that you can’t be fired for constantly showing up late to work because you hail from some laid-back island paradise. It wouldn’t fly, and neither should this man’s case.