Ignorance isn't always bliss :10 amusing things I've heard since moving to Canada

My wife and I moved to Canada 2 years ago almost on a whim. Our main reasons for moving were primarily a better quality of life, and also a chance to live in yet another country. It's been a journey of ups and downs so far just like anywhere else, but there's also a lot we're  grateful for.

My interactions with Canadians have been great so far,and a majority of them do indeed conform to the stereotype of being polite, warm and accepting. Having said that though, we've also heard our share of ignorant and amusing remarks/questions over these 2 years, most of which we're frankly sick of answering now! Here's a few:

1. Your English is really good!

Yeah, you know those British people who colonized you? That Commonwealth you're part of as a result? Yup, we're in it too. Also, there's more English speakers in India than the entire population of Canada.

How did I learn English? Maybe being educated almost entirely in the language helped.

2. Wow, YOU know this song/movie? How?

No, I didn't Google or Shazam it. Why are you asking me how I know it, why don't you tell me how you know it? Chances are it'll be pretty much the same story. Have you heard of Star World?

3. So is all your family back in India?

Yup, pretty much. It sucks so it'd be great if you didn't remind me of it. I know you didn't mean it that way, but yeah, just.. don't? It was hard enough for me to move here, why would the rest of them turn their lives upside down and move halfway across the world? India's still habitable, y'know?

4. You're so brave moving here alone!

Normally said in conjuction with the previous statement, or as a follow up. Either way, it's insulting to those who have actually been brave in moving. No, I am not brave. Adventurous? Stupid? Curious? Maybe. But not brave. There's thousands of people who are actually fleeing persecution, poverty, desperation and see Canada as their only option to make it in life. I love Canada, but I don't NEED it. I'm fortunate enough to have another country I can go back to where I'll have a much stronger support system and better weather. Maybe this point should have been a separate article.

5. Where are you really from?

I had this asked to me in an Uber in Montreal.

Uber person: "So, where are you from?"

Me: "Uh.. Toronto" (made sense to me)

Uber person : "Oh.." pause... "But you're like.. from India right?"

Me : "Yeah, I mean. I was trying to show I'm assimilating, but sure."

Me (in my head) : "Let me tell you how we're all originally from Africa"

6. So how many languages do you speak/do you do yoga? (or other less popular Indian cultural export)

I speak 4. 3 of them not very well. Yes, it's amazing. It really isn't, but it's probably 3 more than you can (Hey, I'm allowed to stereotype too), so I get your amazement. No, I don't do yoga lol, I can't even squat.

7. Did you dance at your wedding? Was it like a big Bollywood movie?

No, please stop watching Bollywood if that's all you get from it. And yes, I danced at my wedding. It was a bad decision, I can send you a video for proof.

Also, there isn't one generic Indian wedding. We have many states. And a few religions. Each has their own wedding style. It's super confusing, but cool to learn and experience. The state and religion I belong to has very boring weddings.

8. Don't you all have arranged marriages?

Yeah, I had an arranged marriage.. I mean, Indian weddings are a big deal, there's a lot to arrange. I didn't do much of it though, my parents and in-laws did. I loved my arranged marriage.

9. You have *generic American food chain* in India?

Yup, ever heard of globalization? We also needed a backup in case our rich Indian food didn't get us unhealthy enough.

No, you won't get a Big Mac in India, that much is true. But could I interest you in a McAloo Tikki?

10. Did your parents let you study?

My wife actually got asked this one. It's amusing, but also sad because this is still a very real issue in India. Getting better, but there's still miles to go.

But yes, she was 'allowed' to study, and we wouldn't have met if it weren't for that, so that's another selfish reason to be grateful for that.

I think that's a good note to end this on. As I said before, I really do appreciate Canada and what living here has taught me. I know there are ignorant people in every country, definitely including India, and it's also true that not all Canadians have these questions on their mind. I'd also put most of it down to genuine curiosity more than anything else. Have you heard any of these before, and are there any I've missed out on? Let me know.

Thanks for reading!