Major religions have admonitions on the treatment of strangers. It's because outsiders are so vulnerable to exploitation. When I visited New York this past week, I wore a sun hat and carried a back pack, and I didn't look like a native.
At La Guardia Airport, a taxi driver from a non-registered company offered to drive me to my hotel in midtown for 50 bucks. It should cost 30 dollars at the very most and with a generous tip!
In large population centers, there are always individuals seeking to make money off unsuspecting newcomers. The Beijing Airport is notorious for this. Every American I know was ripped off in some way on first arrival. Religions have rules on treatment of strangers because we make such tempting targets.
Above: With my hat and backpack, I pose at the Simon Wiesenthal Tolerance Center, which does diversity training for various groups. Below: legitimate taxis in midtown M
anhattan.
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