[John-B29406]

Sounds like three questions: Was this an attempt to stereotype and demean you? Was it really a question only about culture and foods and not meant to demean? Should you have been upset?

First, it probably depends on the context of the request. If it came from a person representing a group, for example, who clearly (by their own admission) wanted to produce a multi-cultural meal, then it could be chalked up to an honest, though stupid, mistake. If, on the other hand, the request was really a smart-mouthed gibe, then it was so far out-of-bounds as to be not worth responding to.

Which brings us to the second point. Only you know if the person was being demeaning. And in your heart-of-hearts, you do know.

Third, one of the most difficult tasks is to remain calm in the face of such remarks. I’m not saying I could. Perhaps you can give the person the benefit of the doubt – not for being stupid and demeaning, but for not realizing how stupid and demeaning he/she was being.

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Name : John-B29406, Gender : M, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Christian, Age : 49, City : Houston, State : TX, Country : United States, Occupation : Executive Recruiter, Education level : 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

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