can we not make it a big deal, please?

We all have a different upbringing, and all of us unconsciously know that.

Based on that, here’s my question: Why do we still call others out?

Growing up, I watched Nickelodeon, Disney, Cartoon Network, and a bunch of English movies like Narnia or Spider-Man.

Barely any Bollywood—or, to say it plainly, almost nothing from my culture.

Why?

I don’t know. My parents never brought us into it, and when I grew up, I never developed an interest myself.

So here I am, sticking to English. Then came anime, and a bit later, K-dramas. Never Bollywood. And I mean… there’s necessarily no harm, right?

But maybe there is…

It’s the reaction people had when they found out that threw me off—and to this day, I still see it.

Does it hurt?

Yes. Although not so much anymore, because now it just leaves a single question behind.

Why? I’m not that different… am I?

Don’t get me wrong, I have watched a couple of things here and there and know most (I hope) of the actors by face, and only some by name. But that doesn’t necessarily mean I’m stupid.

And let’s be honest—it’s the same with the stuff I normally watch. You think I know all the gossip and tea??

Brother, I live under a rock. I only know things I’m interested in; the rest is white noise.

So then why do I get looks from people like I’m this innocent child who knows nothing about the world?

It does get me fuming at times. And when do I get to say that you’ve crossed the line?

Why do I have to sit and take the hits with a stupid smile on my face just because I refuse to do the exact same?

And why?

Because it’s not right.

That’s how simple it is.

In no world, in no way, is it right to make someone feel bad—even as a joke—and I will forever stand by this statement.

So this is a request, and essentially a rant.

Please stop.

I’m not stupid, nor am I crazy. I may not understand the jokes or not recognise the actors by name, but please, please, please don’t make me feel like absolute crap for not knowing something.

Has this been on my mind? Yes.

Did I just get it out of my system? Also, yes.

Has anything like this ever happened with anyone else because this whole thing really gets to me every possible way.