Two American tourists in Paris were looking for a post office. Both of them had studied French in high school. They stopped a passerby to ask for directions. The first American asked in French, "Where is the post office?" The second American, remembering what she had learned about French manners, said in French, "Excuse me, sir. Could you please be so kind as to tell us where to find the post office?" The Frenchman turned his attention to the second American and gave clear, courteous directions. The second American was pleased and grateful. Afterward, the first American said, "How rude! I asked first, and he did not even respond to me. I had always heard that French people were rude, and now I know it's true."
Evaluate the role of rudeness in this encounter. Explain how the terms cultural absolutism and cultural relativism apply to this situation.