Inquiring mindlessness

Re “There’s a Reason She Won’t Pick Up” [by Cindy Chang, Dec. 1]: It never ceases to amaze me when I get that question: “Are you Japanese?” (Usually, though, it’s Chinese, Korean, Thai, even Filipino; anything except what I really am.) Regardless of the ethnicity du jour, even if it’s the correct one, nothing can be more telling of the guy who uttered those words: a cultural simpleton who lacks common sense and lives with the delusion that his expressed interest will be impressive, resulting in some elated, joyous response that I’ve finally been figured out.

Nowadays, I get the “Do you speak Japanese?” question, whereas, before, I would get “Do you speak English?” I can’t decide which is more offensive.

When’s the last time a guy asked you “What’s your favorite book?” That would be so refreshing, wouldn’t it?

ALLISON NAKAMINE

Pasadena