While at someone’s home for a long weekend bbq, some of the guests sat around chewing the fat before dinner, and one of the topics of conversation was the recent Tamil protests in Toronto. The man started off by saying, “Oh, those damn Iraqis are at it again.”
I became instantly confused, and asked for clarity, “Um, are you talking about the Tamils protesting in the downtown core of Toronto?” Our exchange is as follows:
Him: Tamils, Iraqis - same thing.
Me: No, it isn’t.
Him: *getting hot under the collar* Well, what’s the difference??
Me: Um, a whole country?
Him: Let me ask you this - do Tamils wear turbans, too?
Me: Not sure, but I suppose some of them might if they are Muslims.
Him: Then they’re the same to me!!
Me: Actually, saying they are doesn’t make it true. That would be like someone saying you’re black. It’s not true in the least because you’re NOT black.
I got up at this point and hit the bathroom to end this innane conversation. I cannot believe this crap. WTF…? Is this the way people are still thinking eight years after 9/11?!? Seriously? Will it ever end?