Not saying anyone should turn off their brains, but being aware of local norms helps. A swastika in Germany simply does have another meaning as in SEA. As does smoking weed or eating porkchops.

Every culture loves “hiding” behind norms. That does not necessarily make them better or worse. Norms are not a racist attribute. Being subservient to the rule of law and thus “rightful” is more significant and the source of “right” in contrast to left. Both have little to do with actual directions.