White people...

So I worked the brunch today. Nothing too exciting. Although I would like to share a little story that happened with one of my co-workers.

J is Chinese-American. His parents moved to NYC before he was born, so this is all he knows. They ran a little Deli in Kew Gardens Queens for 30 years before "retiring" to Pennsylvania. J is a young guy, just finishing his theater degree from SUNY. This is what took place today, as I witnessed it, but apparently it happens often:

A youngish white yuppie couple are seated at the booth in J's section. J walks up to greet them.

J: Hi. What can I get you to drink today?

They: ohhh....where are you from?

J: Umm...Queens?

They: NO, like where are you really from? Your Heritage?

J: Oh! I'm Chinese.

They: OHHHH...we love china. We go there ALL the time!

J: That's cool. I am actually going there for the first time in July. I've always wanted to go meet my relatives.

They: (Through laughter) How funny! We know more about your home country than you do ! (Hahahahaha.....)

j: Excuse me?

They: (Very seriously) Of course, home is really always right here (puts hand over her heart.)


J walked away visibly annoyed. I watched him, this hard working son of immigrant parents, knowing that he is as American as I, and certainly as much as the 2 people sitting in the booth.

I hate brunch.