I went to a karaoke bar Saturday with a couple of friends, and I had to relay this exchange I had with the person sitting next to me:
Brain Surgeon: “I’m Spanish.”
Me: “Oh, really? From where?”
Brain Surgeon: “Portugal.”
Sigh.
Ok, so let’s just get this straight. People from Portugal are Portuguese, not Spanish. Just like people from Germany are German, not Italian. Oh, and also, people from Mexico are Mexican, not Spanish. Same goes for all the other Spanish-speaking countries. Notice how I said “Spanish-speaking,” not “Spanish.” There is a distinction, folks. We do not eat black beans and rice, plantains, etc., in Spain. The first time I had Mexican food was on my 23rd birthday, at Chi Chi’s.
I’m not saying one nationality is better than the other. I’m just saying they’re not the same.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go drink a caipirinha and listen to mariachi music.
10 comments:
That guy sounds like he was missing a few brain cells. He of all people should know the proper name for his heritage. Ok, I will be honest with you, so please don't chew me out. I was raised thinking, if you spoke spanish, you were from a spanish country. that pretty much meant, all of South America. Naturally, as I got older, I learned the difference and changed my wording accordingly. But, I guess some don't change their wording, either out of ignorance or lack of caring.
LaurieC
I know. It's just a pet peeve of mine. Hear it often enough and it'll drive you crazy. And you'd think the person who's from there would know, huh? Sigh ... :-)
I don't take it as a pet peeve. It is out of respect for others, people should learn the difference. I just thought of something else, I wonder if that guy was a second or third generation, maybe that is why he didn't know the difference?
LaurieC
True. It just bugged me. Maybe I'm just getting more ornery in my old age. :-)
We have "earned" the right to be ornery and pass wind. : ) I guess, you're not that busy at work today? I/we should have emailed. : )
LaurieC
I'm never too busy to take care of personal stuff. LOL. :-)
Yup, life is a balance. : )
LaurieC
really, they're not the same.
kisses:-))
Wow. Estoy impressionada! :-)
I'm japanese:-)))
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