Thanks for an interesting piece. I’m reminded of Jared Diamond’s interpretation of tribes and religious rites and language as cryptography. In that sense, we are always judging/testing each other and those who need to understand, already know us. OTOH, not knowing someone’s tattoos might be all a stranger has in order to shoot first, so explanations might not be a bad idea if the chance is given. It works the other way, as well: don’t ask too many questions or you give away your ignorance.

All things in moderation; including moderation. ;-)