Everyone should be aware of others and respect them, no matter what. By understanding cultures more than what is pre-set in our heads we can show respect and understanding without seeming unintelligent. If you treat someone based only on cultural stereotypes, they will most likely feel unimportant, annoyed, upset, and/or angry. That said, the characters were supposed to treat everyone the same unless they were asked to change the way they behaved by a person themselves. If everyone simply did this, people wouldn't have to worry about whether what they said was right or not; because if you have to ask yourself whether what you're about to say is acceptable or not, then probably yes