Nama-staying In Your Lane

I’m French but currently learning Hindi for a variety of reasons. I mention to an Indian friend that I feel weirdly racist saying, “Namaste,” and stuff like that, especially when using the proper gestures. This friend lives and works in France.

Friend: “Well, do you think it looks racist when I, the brown guy, say bonjour and shake people’s hands when I get to work in the morning?”

Me: “Obviously not. That’s just saying hello.”

Friend: *With a sly smile* “Yeah, so’s saying, ‘Namaste,’ and joining hands.”

Point taken. I felt way less self-conscious after that.