Be a culture snob!

In the concluding part of our series on social etiquette, we give you the Social Climber’s Survival Guide ‘10.

1. Go green — it’s in fashion
Global warming is the cool buzzword right now and everyone seems to be jumping onto the bandwagon. If you’re not into saving the planet, you’re light years behind the IT mantra. Owning a hybrid car is the least you could do to cut down noxious emissions. If that’s not possible, at least get some recycled tissue rolls for your loo so you save some trees.

2. Contribute secretly to a charity (but it would be nice if the world knows about it)
They say charity in the name of God takes you a step closer to nirvana. And if the contribution is done without letting the whole world know about it, it takes you 10 steps closer. All very well, indeed. You don’t need to do the bragging, your publicist will!

3. Know your Damien from your Dhruvi
Art is an integral part of culture. The moment you look at an artwork or installation, you must be able to ‘discern’ the style — whether it’s created by Damien Hirst (the world-renowned British artist) or Dhruvi Acharya (the young, upcoming Indian artist). That’s bound to be your passport into rarefied Arteratti circles.

4. Be a global gypsy
Travelling to New York for shopping or to Singapore for lunch no longer generates as much excitement as it used to a few years ago. Now, if you haven’t travelled to the pristine Mansorovar Lake in the Himalayas or attended the Ladakh festival, you’ve really not travelled far.
 
5. Wear village couture
Versace and Armani have become run-of-the-mill. Hand-embroidered clothes from the remote villages of Kutch and Kerala seem to have beaten these brands hands down. A lot of talent, time (2-3 months) and hard work goes into creating a piece of handmade clothing. It’s all about being exotique!

6. Know your foie gras from falafels
So, what is foie gras made of? A duck, a goose or a gremlin? Yes, it’s important to know your French palate from your Lebanese. So don’t ignore your falafels either; having a taste of variety adds that cultural diversity to your taste buds.

7. Wow all with World cinema
Movie appreciation is not restricted to critics alone. If you know Hollywood blockbusters by heart, you should also be able to rattle off the latest hit in Iran. Or the latest regional hottie.

8. Wine and dine
Wine fests are de rigeur right now! So you betta know your Aussie from your South African, Bordeaux from your Blancs.
 
9. Democratic is passe, Twitter-cratic is in
If you are still posting those 1,000-plus word blogs, then get with the programme! Today no one has either the time or the inclination to read your essay-type blogs. People want to know what you are doing second by second, in short form. Criticise government policies or express your angst at spotting your ex-flame with a new beau — yes, who needs reality TV anymore, it’s all there for everyone to see!
 
10. Be media-savvy
Last but not the least, you must know that the media is your best friend. Really! Don’t hide and don’t lie to us. You will be respected more if you are honest and forthcoming…And, if all else fails, you might still become the toast of the town overnight if you mug up these rules and pretend to know it all!