h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

The following, I believe, was advice given to the Metropolitan Police in London as they were thought to be be causing problems by misunderstanding situations with young black males of Carribean origin.

When British people become agitated they are more likely to start moving their limbs and body, for them to start looking all around them instead of at the person speaking to them, and for their speech to get louder - these are warning signs that can indicate fight or flight. However, it was said that young Afro-Carribean males do the opposite - when they become agitated they are more likely to stop moving, to stare at the 'threatening' person, and to talk in a more controlled manner.

This difference meant that police officers found their reactions illogical. When they seemed calm and controlled they suddenly attacked or ran away without warning. Also, the officers were unwittingly interpreting their normal relaxed movements as suspicious, turning calm situations into problem ones.

I think I heard this on the radio. Any views or info on this?

(NOTE: This is about body language only and not about views on the Metropolitan police).

Hi, I am a police officer in Canada and we have a similar situation here. It is a somewhat common cultural trait among our Native Indian population to not look authority figures directly in the eye. It is very easy to misinterprit this as a sign that the speaker is hiding something. I think situations like this are not so much body language at cross purposes, because the body language for the sender is correct. It is more body language at cross cultures.
I enjoyed the article, thanks.
Edner Zed