"And there were Lieutenant Carlisle and Sergeant Perez wondering how important waving and smiling were in Arab culture". No, he is correct here. How do I know that? I tested this theory about Arab culture, yet again. I always try those theories out on my American neighbor. So I left my house, and started to smile and wave to my neighbor. My American neighbor got really angry, and started to throw shoes at me (knowing how offensive it is to me, coming from Arab culture and all). But then he explained: Smiling is is important in Arab culture, but it is quite offensive in American culture. I returned home knowing about American culture what I knew not before. (thanks anonymous)