Where Do You Come From?

Dear Diary:

As a first-generation Asian American in Lower Manhattan, I've experienced all different kinds of comments, curiosities and remarks through the years regarding my race and appearance. Some of these remarks have been inspired by sincere curiosity, and others have come from a different and perhaps not so friendly place.

Regardless, most interactions have been harmless, and most of my conversations are with taxi drivers, who themselves are often from faraway places and love to know from where it is I hail (no pun intended).

One such interaction started as commonly as many others:

He: “Where are you from?”
Me: “Queens.”
He: “No, where are you really from? China? Japan?”
Me (sigh): “Neither.”
He: “Hmmm. I know! South Korea!”
Me: “Yes.”
He: “You know what's funny; I never meet anyone from North Korea.”
Me: “Yeah, probably not anytime soon, either.”

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