Today, I was at an external lab and upon arriving, we had to sign in at the reception to enter. There, my co-worker met a lovely middle-aged man who conversed happily with my co-worker about his unhappiness with “everything outsourced to China”. He droned consistently for a solid 10 minutes emphasizing the word “China” and consistently ignoring me. I am of Chinese origin but I was born in Canada and I identify myself as Canadian. This man annoyed me. I don’t care much for his bitter words and bitter opinions but I do mind the lack of politesse and etiquette.

I could say that he simply identified with my co-worker more because my co-worker is white, male and French however, we were both standing together, we were both strangers to him and I made it clear that I spoke French by speaking loudly and clearly with the receptionist. But alas, he just ignored me, not even initiating eye contact while he incessantly bitched about China. What other reasons can I believe for such behavior but the fact that I look Chinese?

The world is changing and globalization is here, get with it, accept it, move on and adapt. People like Mr. Happy whom do not adapt but rather take on a defensive response will suffer, wither and die.

Lesson: If you can’t beat them, find a way to work with them, don’t be like Mr. Happy.