Common Sense

Look, I'm not a racist. I am very open-minded when I speak to people and I always give them the benefit of the doubt when it comes to being culturally different. But I must say that you don't have to be an Asian to understand "Asian" values.

Don't use your feet to point at things for instance. Simple things like these need not be pointed out to you. Your feet are the lowest part of your body and you walk with them, they're stinky and don't you have hands? Don't kick or use your feet to even nudge people. Not cool...

Don't touch people's heads. Unlike your feet, your head is the highest part of your body and holds the organ to your intelligence. Is it really necessary to hit or playfully tap someone on the head? Really guys...do you not respect heads where you come from?

Respect your elders. Even Pocahontas respected her father and all the elders in her tribe. It's not rocket science you know? Always greet them when you enter their home, even if they are in the kitchen. Thank them for the meal they gave you, it's only common courtesy. Try to have a conversation with them, ask them about their day and what they've been up to. Don't sit at the table sulking like a spoilt brat.

Please, watch your language around your elders too. Never, ever think of your elders as friends. They do not like listening to you curse like a sailor. It does not make you seem "cooler".

Pay for a meal once in a while. Asian people are known for their generous hospitality. They welcome you into their homes and let you share a meal with their family, especially during the holidays, like Christmas or Deepavali. Reciprocate during your own holidays and reciprocate their generosity. 

Golden Rule: Always bring a door gift. 

During one of the dinners hosted at my mother's house, one of the guests brought 2 bottles of wine. What a generous person? But what if the bottles were half-empty or half-full, either way, it didn't sit very well with my mother. How much effort does it take to stop at GE Mall and pick up a full bottle of wine? After all, she made the effort to get the groceries and spend the entire day in the kitchen to feed your tummy.

I could go on for hours but I'm very sure you get my drift by now. We don't expect you to think like us, but we do expect you to respect us. We are human too after all. We don't live on trees and I think our technology is waaay ahead of you. So tell me again, why do you think you're better than us?

Don't you think all of this is just common sense?