In plain English, she’s American

Cindy Chang’s annoyance with Americans who ask her if she speaks English [“Just Consider Her the Girl Next Door,” Aug. 17] reminds me of the pharmacist with the Chinese name and accent who insisted on addressing me in Spanish. I was born in the U.S. and speak English without an accent, so I found the woman’s decision to practice her Spanish on me amusing and, yes, slightly off-putting. Ms. Chang has discovered that life is not fair.

But Ms. Chang attempts to make a connection between her pique and the 1942 internment of Japanese Americans and what is causing Muslim Americans to be singled out today. No matter what one thinks about the two situations she cites, in no way does her (or my) situation rise to that level of seriousness. Her attempt to invest her upset with high tragedy falls flat.

M.H. RODRIGUEZ

Burbank

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I hear you, sister!

I’m Filipino. I was raised in New York City, went to tony schools and speak Romanian, Italian and Spanish along with English. Often, while I’m shopping at Filipino establishments, I’m glared at by the proprietors and clients alike for not speaking the “native” language. As both my parents came from the provinces, they didn’t speak Tagalog at home and certainly didn’t teach us. Then there’s the other set of folks who ask me if I speak English. I’ve learned to reply with “Why yes! Do you?!”

After I became a mother, I now get a permutation of the same question: “Is she your baby?” My baby was white, blue/green-eyed and light-brown-haired, just like my husband. One day, a lady asked me my rates ... “for cleaning.”

It doesn’t end, but take comfort in having learned to react appropriately to these people.

CECILIA ACERO

Westchester

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My two kids were playing on Pismo Beach one summer when a little Caucasian boy came to join them, followed by his mom. After they went their way, my daughter ran up to me with a puzzled face and said, “Mom, she asked us if we spoke English.” It saddened me to think that my kids -- born in the U.S. and who, to the dismay of their grandparents, cannot speak or understand Korean -- will never be truly accepted as “American” because of their appearance.

JOANNE KANG

Cerritos

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So people make an incorrect assumption based on your appearance. Is that really the worst thing that could happen to you? The bottom line is that Americans assume that people of Asian descent are intelligent, diligent, hardworking and wise.

I’ll bet you have gorgeous, silky, shiny hair. Go ahead, take your best shot.

MARTHA DORAN

Culver City

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One comment: “Get used to it.” But be sure to keep your sense of humor.

My Chinese grandfathers settled in Los Angeles in 1899 and 1909, respectively, and my kids still get asked similar questions. When my son was young and wearing a U.S. Marine uniform, he told my uncle that he was an American. My uncle laughed and said, “He’ll learn.” That same uncle received a Bronze Star for heroic achievement in the Battle for Okinawa.

KIRBY LEUNG

San Marino

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Get that chip off your shoulder and get an attitude adjustment! Screaming at people or lecturing them creates more hatred and hinders understanding. Chill out.

GLEN DOI

Artesia

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Cindy Chang is not any different from the girl next door because she is the girl next door. That’s still a difficult concept for some to grasp.

THOM GOSSOM

Santa Monica

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Cindy Chang certainly has a point in suggesting that asking her what country she’s from and if she likes Chinese food are not as good cocktail hour openers as “What’s your sign?” But I find it hard to understand why she finds them offensive.

It’s not the same as asking an African American how he likes watermelon or a Jew if he’s tight with money. There’s a world of difference between assuming negative stereotypes and being aware of race and ethnicity.

BOB SHAYNE

West Los Angeles