Red, White, Blue, Black, Yellow, Who Cares?

(I am photocopying my passport for a trip later this week when a man lines up behind me waiting to use the printer. I finish quickly and am about to leave. I am Asian and look very Asian, and the man behind me is black.)

Man: “Excuse me, miss. Is that an American passport?”

Me: “Yes, it is?”

Man: “So, you’re an American citizen?”

Me: “Yes, I am.”

Man: “But you’re Chinese.”

Me: “Actually, I was born here.”

Man: “But you’re Chinese!”

Me: “Yes, I am well aware that I’m Chinese. I am also well aware that I was born here; therefore, I am a US citizen.”

Man: “BUT YOU’RE CHINESE! HOW COULD YOU BE AMERICAN?!”

Me: “Are you saying only white people are American?”

(I’m getting very fed up with this obviously racist dude.)

Man: “H*** NAH, EXCUSE ME? THAT’S SO RACIST! OH, MY GOD! I AM AMERICAN! HOW DARE YOU SAY I’M NOT AMERICAN BECAUSE OF MY SKIN COLOR?!”

Me: “Exactly! So, I’m also American even though I’m not white!”

Man: “BUT YOU’RE CHINESE! THERE’S A DIFFERENCE!”