Subtle as a Seizure

In normal day to day conversations, I don't actually talk about Taiwan much. I feel like it's one of those things people know about me without too much advertising, like the fact that I like Jesus, sarcasm, food, and books. I don't get offended when people confuse it with China or ask me the difference between the two. I've lived in New England for more than half of my life. I know how small Taiwan seems to the rest of the world. And when asked, I'm more than happy to explain the history of the two lands.

But once in awhile, I bear one grievance too many and indignities come bubbling up. Today, it was when a girl at work mentioned the "SARS masks" I had brought back "from China." Coming back from Taiwan, I brought back cute face masks, like the one the lady is wearing below, for a few colleagues because the masks are adorable, unique to Asia, and because I work with germaphobes. They were worn in Taiwan long before and after SARS and is as natural and prevalent part of the culture as mittens are in the States.

I have, of course, been explaining this since I've been back. Yet this one girl only sees them as SARS mask. I have also explained forty gazillion times pre- and post- trip that no, I did not eat scorpions on this trip because I did not go to China and no, scorpions are not part of a normal Chinese or Taiwanese diet. Today, when I spoke up once again to say that I did not go to Taiwan, she just shrugged and looked at me as if I was trying to pick a fight that wasn't there.

"Whatever," she said with a smile, "you're all from the same part of the world." She tried to say it like a joke, but I was brewing an anger so strong that the flames were far past red and blazing an ashen white. I am not nitpicking when I point out the difference between China and Taiwan. It is a difference beyond night and day, but one between Communism and Democracy. Industrializing and post-industrial. World's most populous country and one slightly smaller in area than Delaware and Maryland combined. Oppression and freedom. I can understand ignorance. But I'm pissed off by her unwillingness to be corrected and learn time after time. I guess it's another form of ignorance. I hate writing long, boring posts about things like this, but I feel like sharing, even if I'll regret it tomorrow. If I don't record this, I feel like I'm letting her off the hook. And forgiveness isn't coming easy tonight.