Quote, End Quote.

Nice International Office Lady: You could get involved with Martin Luther King Day next Monday- you'd meet a tonne of people that way.



Me: Yeah- what is that?



Nice International Office Lady: Do you know who Martin Luther King is?



These Americans really break shit down.

Comments

  1. Anonymous12 January 2010 at 21:58

    LOL - she has probably ran into students who don't know who he is. I was a teacher in public education for 3 years...in MI. Now, not all student and school types were represented in my former school...but it is safe to say that she has probably ran into students who don't have a clue...either that or she heard your accent and assumed you wouldn't have a clue.

    I vote for the former reason.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Steve13 January 2010 at 02:29

    Haha I can just imagine your response! :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. P13 January 2010 at 04:31

    I hope your response was "He's one of the Backstreet Boys, right?"...

    ReplyDelete
  4. Laura Jane Williams13 January 2010 at 06:02

    Jen- I can't honestly believe that somebody might not know that. Really. REALLY? Dear God. Although I do like P's response (see above) x

    Steve- I know, right? It took EVERYTHING I had in me not be sarcastic. EVERYTHING.

    P- HA! I WISH I had been that quick! x

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous13 January 2010 at 10:54

    Not to be picky but 'tonne' (pronounced ton-a) is a metric ton (that's 1000 kilo) and the yanks have not progressed beyond imperial measures (pounds); so 'a ton of people' is probably more correct!

    dad x

    ReplyDelete
  6. Laura Jane Williams13 January 2010 at 13:47

    Dad- I think she was talking in metric-terms to help me feel more at home. Probably.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous13 January 2010 at 16:51

    Hi, Laura! This is Lisa from EMU (met you in your Friday class & sent you an e-mail). Reading your blog (& your readers' comments) is FUN!! Cute sarcastic comment from you, Laura (if I read into it right :-) about the International Office Lady "talking in metric terms to help you feel more at home. Probably." (Ha Ha :-) Your dear wise Dad is right--
    I.O. Lady meant ton as in 2000 pounds = 1 ton. I.O.L. could've avoided all of this bewildered (yet entertaining) speculation by just saying "ALOT of people." It's curious that I.O.L. would use the expression "a ton of people" so automatically with international students, even Brits, because although any native Michiganian (or Michigander) WOULD understand what is meant by "a ton of people," we would consider this as NOT an everyday expression, as slightly quaint, or as something a kid would say in excitement or exaggeration, or as kind of a colloquialism (but not really a Michigan colloquialism). Regarding internationals, probably Middle Eastern or Asian students new to the U.S. would find that expression confusing or awkward (or annoying?) Oh, well...Please forgive my analytical ramblings.
    Also, I agree with Jennifer's opinion. Have a great day, everyone!
    --Lisa from EMU

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anonymous13 January 2010 at 17:11

    Laura,
    Hi once again from Lisa from EMU--After all this discussion, now I can't help imagining you meeting 2000 pounds' worth of people on Martin Luther King Day! See what you and I.O.L. started? :-)
    P.S. Did you ever find out from I.O.L. about the all-day schedule of events on campus for Martin Luther King Day? If you haven't yet, then check the my.emich website or ask in the Student Center Building.
    Take care,
    (Lisa from EMU)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Laura Jane Williams13 January 2010 at 18:04

    Lisa- thanks for your comments. And if 'a ton' is not used a synonym for 'a lot' I guess I'm going to have to bring it back into style! Oh, and yes I've read the calender. Thanks! x

    ReplyDelete

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