[Salvanas]

Ozkai is pretty much on the money.

If you met a japanese friend and they invited you over for sunday lunch,
would you "respect" them more because they cooked a traditional sunday roast?

or would you be a bit dissapointed that instead of experiencing some genuine Japanese culture, of home cooked food (from a packet of course :P ) ,
you got the kind of fare you could get in any pub?

I would respect them for going out of their way to make me a meal that, if they didn't know me, I would enjoy more, in their eyes. Since there are many people that do not enjoy a Japanese meal.

I come from a highly Arabian background, and our culture is a lot about being a host. We find it very important to make the person very comfortable when we're hosting for them, and so we try all in our power to make them feel comfortable. If that means making them a meal, that would cater to them more, then so be it.

@Salv

It's not about respect. Has nothing to do with respect.
its about being yourself.

worked example:
you meet meet someone from a culture that waves with the left.

outcome 1.
Both parties try to apease the others culture so he waves with the right, you wave with the left. both look like silly social chameleons

outcome 2.
You wave with the right, he waves with the left. You understand that you are from different cultures. The genuine meaning of the greeting is understood by both.

Firstly: We're talking about food here. There's a difference.

But I'll take the bait, since you've spent the time setting it out.

Outcome 1, would be better in many cultured peoples eyes (Note: Cultured), and you would gain respect for going according to the culture if you are in their country.

If you are, however, speaking about appeasing to cultures when you're in, let's say America, then that's a totally different thing. America's culture, is a mixed pot of different stews. You would live the American way there.

I am talking about, let's say, if you went to a Japanese restaurant, or Japan. Then following the cultures is the way to go. To not do so, is disrespectful, and arrogant.

i chose not to address the other oxymoronic points made,
hmm yes ignorance is a sweet flavour isn't it?
if only i was still a teenager and knew everything in the world

Your arrogance will one day be your undoing.

To presume yourself above cultures is wrong. I just pray that you don't come across someone you slight, that will take it up to you with force.