Today was the closest I've come to local behavior since I've been back. I guess it could have been worse.
Have I mentioned why it happened? Shit. Oh wait. Its because I swore.
Vulgarity is a taboo people avoid talking about unless it confronts them and Im not holding back because this one ruined my perspectives on many things.
Today I was at the mall then a little girl was walking by and kicked me so hard I reacted.
"Fuck!" It came so naturally at that point.
Once I realised it was a little girl, I turned away and walked on.
Next thing I knew, her dad came up to me and confronted me.
'Who did u say fuck to?"
I was like "um..."
He repeated it, sarcasm hanging off every single word.
"I asked who you said fuck to"
In between frustration and confusion, I realised he was building up a conversation which might end up with huge quarrel. Well then, I wasnt about to challenge him. Not amongst a bra sale, and least of all, not in a place branded "Triumph"! The irony, at least one of us noticed it.
"Im sorry if I've offended you in any way
I was reacting to my pain
It was an expression"
"She's a little girl and you're a grown up"
"Thats my daughter"
So many comebacks came to mind. Some involved the irony, some involved upbringing. But I kept my mouth shut. Must've been the "triumph" sign all over the place.
I wanted to end off on peaceful terms. So I went ahead with a second apology.
"Again, Im sorry if Ive offended you in any way".
He nods approvingly and struts off.
I want to make this clear that I was apologetic to myself, to the situation and to the insensitivity involved. Those who know me know I dont swear. Well, not in public at least. And the one time I actually did, I got gunned down for it.
To be fair, I see his father pride, although it wasnt even said to her face. Okay, I recognise the word is in many ways very rude. That said, it was something I said to myself. Maybe its because I have been brought up with parents who would not react as such.
From a different perspective, I understand this is culture shock. And much as I am so familiar with the word and the usage of it elsewhere around the world, it is not as socially acceptable here.
Only been back about 6 months and I feel so welcomed and ready to leave for LA.
