>If you even touch another person lightly you can be arrested or sued for assault. Our society is hypersensitive. Now if you are a woman and touched on the shoulder or arm by a man you can be sued for sexual assault.

Hypersensitive is not the right description.. I would say: The american's values are so pointed to materials.. Values as Friendship, love, etc.. are so distant of your targets.. Naturally you are losing it..
>
>My wife is from Peru and her family is from Zaragoza, Spain. They are very expressive with words, affection and will often touch you on the shoulder while talking. It is strange how different customs can be from one country to another.

Here is some cultural shock not only with americans and brazilians.. But, people of Brazil's northeast area and southeast also.. Here (at northeast) we are very warm people.. I remember in a recent past, I receive here in my home a cousin that I never had contacts before.. My first action was to give him a hug.. Result: during the itinerary of my home.. He was thinking.. Is he become a gay? :)
>
>By the way I would not consider touching a policeman for any reason. You might get arrested or shot.

With this last experiences, I am afraid even of speaking with a cop.. :)