uhMERikuh

despite how unflattering the people are, how poorly the people present themselves to the world, and how stupid the people can be, it is still great to be American. i love this country and i really feel blessed to have been born in the US of A.

BUT OH MY GOSHHHHH @$%&#*&$#%# how amazingly arrogant/stupid/idiotic/rude/ignorant American Men can be.

story time.

while the average American sleeps in on the 4th of July, and lazily starts up a BBQ in their oversized backyard, i had to get up early and go to work because i work at an underfunded historical landmark. old, patriotic Americans in Philadelphia like to come to Germantown to hear the bells being rung 235 times (marking each year since the signing of the Declaration of Independence) and to hear the Declaration of Independence being read dramatically. they also pretend that they understand their country's history and take tours around town. but i digress--let me tell you about two assholes i encountered while working on July 4th.

imagine a typical overweight American man, short and middle-aged. of course, he's wearing a hideously over worn t-shirt that barely covers his frighteningly large belly. he comes in and starts acting like he knows his history, talking about the Battle of Germantown that took place where i work. he obviously assumes i'm another visitor waiting for the tour to begin. so he starts talking, acting like he knew what he was talking about.

man: do you know anything about the battle that took place here, young lady? it was one hell of a bloody battle with thousands of Americans dead. they fought for our country!"
(in my head): ermm...nope. wrong. there were only about 60 Americans who died here...but yeah, i'll ignore that you missed the number of casualties by a mile because i know you want to look patriotic right now.
me, in reality: *silence + a judging nod*
man: so where's the tour guide?
me: i'm giving your tour.
man: *startled + condescending voice* and how do YOU know so much about our country's history, young lady? did you come here to be a history major?
(in my head): i don't want to give this tour. i'm gonna find someone else to take care of this one...
me, in reality: no. i was born in philly. and no, i'm studying politics. i just really like history. *i walk away*

when i think about it, this encounter really wasn't that bad. and i'm a little surprised it pissed me off so much. but my next encounter was disgusting.

enter, old mad looking man. you can tell he's not all there, mentally...

old man: *stops and stares at me* are you japanese?
me: no, i'm korean.
old man: oriental women are so beautiful.
me: thank you.
old man: you look like you're chinese!
me: nope. i'm korean.
(in my head): go join the fucking tour group and stop talking to me.
old man: have you ever tried sake? i really love it.
me: no. i've never tried sake before.
old man: are you sure you're not japanese? not even the slightest bit?
me: no.
old man: you would make a beautiful geisha.
me: *stare + pause + pissed off* you should leave now.

so yeah. happy birthday, america. you're a really great country and i actually enjoy reading and learning about your history, but you sure do have a lot of people to be embarrassed about.

despite these upsetting moments, the weekend was great! birthday brunches and a night with seats to see The Roots, Sarah Bareilles, Earth Wind & Fire, Michael McDonald, Boyz II Men, and DJ Jazzy Jeff in concert!!

i arranged the fruit!! aren't they purrddyyy :)