It’s 2013. The time when information is available at the tips of your fingers. The time when the world is so connected, whatever trends at one end of the world would catch on in the other in the matters of hours and days.
Not too long ago, a person I just met asked me just about all of the routine questions.
Her: So, what nationality are you?
Ding. Routine question #1.
Me: I’m Thai.
Her: From Taiwan?
Ding. #2
Me: No. Thais are from Thailand. Taiwanese are from Taiwan.
Her: Oh. So, Bangkok?
Me: (surprised, actually) Yes.
Her: Do you ride elephants?
Me: Yes. My dad only uses our rickshaw on the weekend.
Her: Really?
Me: No.
Sure, she skipped “What nationality is your husband? American?” and that “Oh she must’ve been a mail order bride and/or rescued prostitute” look that briefly registered on her face before moving on to, “So, how did you guys meet?”
True, she also skipped, “I LOVE Thai food! Pad Thai is my favorite!”
But it’s 2013. Six whole years after this incident.
Elephants?
Really?
