Putting The Pain In Spain
It’s the first day of a graduate seminar. The professor has a noticeable Spanish accent, but he hasn’t said where he’s from yet. He steps out briefly to make copies, and the room immediately buzzes.
Student #1: *Whispering.* “Where do you think he’s from?”
Student #2: “I dunno… maybe South America?”
Student #3: “Could be European, right? He kind of looks European.”
Student #4: *Confidently.* “If he speaks Spanish, he’s Mexican. Duh.”
The room goes silent.
Me: “Uh… not necessarily.”
Student #3: “Yeah, there are lots of Spanish-speaking countries… not to mention Spain.”
Student #4: “Spain, Spanish, whatever.”
Me: “…Whatever? Spain is in Europe.”
Student #4: *Stares blankly, then frowns.* “Wait… Spain is in Europe?”
The professor walks back in, completely oblivious, while twenty grad students actually face-palmed in unison. I’m yet to see anything like it since.
