What is it you exactly do here?

[El Dingo]

I read an article about rudeness around the world.

Apparently, in France (and other European countries) it is rude to ask someone's occupation.

This sounded weird at first but then was clarified.

What the fuck does someone's job have to do with them as a person?

You should ask "Where did you grow up",  "What foods do like?", "Do you read much? Who are your favorite authors?", "Do you like movies? What are your favorite films?".

The emphasis is on the individual, not the career.

America is weird about having a "career".

[Dr. Ivor Yeti]

Yup. In the US, it is what you do, in Europe it is who you are/where you're from. How it is in the broad swath of the planet that is Aisa, I have no idea.

[Drunk Monk]

In China, it's 'have you eaten?'  That's how you say 'hello'. Srsly.