Final answer:
Edward's kiss on the nose was likely a cultural misunderstanding or a mishap. Diverse cultural norms dictate different forms of greetings and physical interactions, with some cultures accepting cheek-kissing among men and others not, which can cause culture shock.
Step-by-step explanation:
The inadvertent kiss on Jessah's nose by Edward can likely be attributed to a misunderstanding of cultural norms or possibly a simple mishap. Different cultures have varied greetings, such as in the example provided where kissing on both cheeks is a customary way to greet someone in Italy. This is different from the U.S. where Rodney reacted with surprise because it is not usual for men to kiss each other unless in a romantic context, which highlights the concept of culture shock.
These scenarios from literary excerpts demonstrate the significance and diversity of physical interactions in conveying emotions, establishing relationships, and reflecting social customs. Differences in cultural expectations around kissing can lead to confusion or discomfort in international or unfamiliar social interactions. Moreover, the physical act of kissing can express a variety of sentiments including tenderness, love, or even social conformity and can be indicative of the relationship dynamics between individuals.