It's only natural to want to act according to local etiquette regardless. One easily imagines an European feeling piqued at making a similar goof while dining at the chieftain's table in his home turf.

Did/do Europeans feel superior to "Orientals"? Sure. Said was right. But we have to ask: Don't societies have high points & low points? Prior to the Mongol invasions Arab culture, arts & sciences were far advanced of European.