There’s A Wee Bit Of Difference

(Several coworkers are discussing the upcoming local Celtic festival and Highland games. [Coworker #1] has been attending this event for years, as her clan sets up a booth. [Coworker #2] is our newest hire and is Hispanic. About five minutes before this is said, [Coworker #1] mentioned being from Scotland.)

Coworker #2: “Irish culture always seemed so rich and interesting; [Coworker #1] you are so lucky your family is from there.”

([Coworker #1] stops eating and just stares at [Coworker #2]; [Coworker #1] is clearly seeing red. [Coworker #3] and [Coworker #4] both put a hand on [Coworker #1]’s shoulders to hold her down.)

Coworker #3: “She’s Scottish, [Coworker #2].”

Coworker #2: “Isn’t that the same thing?”

Me: “Oh, s***, [Coworker #1], she doesn’t know what she just said!”

Coworker #4: “You really aren’t helping yourself, kid.”

Coworker #1: “H*** NO!” *struggling to stand up*

Me: “[Coworker #2], let me explain what you just did. Imagine if [Coworker #1] is Salvadorian and you just called her a Puerto Rican.”

Coworker #2: “OH, MY GOD! I’M SO SORRY. I didn’t know. Oh, God, no wonder you wanted to kill me. Oh, no. Please forgive me.”

(And that is how our lunch break turned into a quick history and culture lesson on the differences between the various peoples of the British Isles.)

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