Seems like these days international relations and politics have become one of the most sensitive subjects, and we have to be extra knowledgeable and tactful in order not to offend anyone. I was on a bus talking on the phone in Russian just several days after the awful explosion at the Boston Marathon. After I hung up, a man sitting next to me asked what language I spoke. His next question was Why did your people do such a terrible thing? I was asked a similar question by some acquaintances, and explained to them about Chechnya, its relations with Russia, terrorism, etc. I wasnt going to lecture this man, so I just said that terrorists exist in every nation, and this kind of question didnt make a lot of sense. His response was a perfect example of complete mess created in so many minds. I dont know why our country is letting all you Russians in, you are all drinkers, mobsters, mail order brides and...and Muslim terrorists, too! I suggested he was watching too many TV shows and kept reading my magazine, but our short talk was overheard by a dozen other upset Russians, so the guy apparently had picked the wrong bus. One of my countrymen quickly explained our traditional religion to him and tried to present his view on what had happened in Boston. The guy listened and didnt interrupt until the Russian uttered, surreptitious activity. Its suspicious, you cant even speak English correctly. The skeptical guy yawned and stopped paying attention. I couldnt help cracking up and advised the Russian man not to waste his effort. If it makes you feel better, you have way more impressive English vocabulary than this native speaker, I said laughing. Its very sad when prejudice keeps people from learning more about the world.
Posted on: Fri, 25 Jul 2014 07:31:59 +0000
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