The War Goes On

The following reflects numerous conversations, almost to the precise wording, that I have had with citizens of France over the course of many years.

Q: Are you British or are you American?
A: I am human.
Q: (laughter)

Q: What do you do for a living?
A: I used to be a producer now I work as an artist.
Q: Ooh, but what type of artist?
A: I take photographs, I write and I paint.
Q: Oh you paint. But what do you paint, what style?
A: Abstract Expressionism mostly
Q: (silence)

Q: And you are Franco-American? Ah, but were your parents French?
A: My mother was from France, with Russian and Polish roots.
Q: Ok, but your father, what was he?
A: He was from America with German roots.
Q: So, do you have both passports?
A: Yes, I have dual-citizenship. Excuse me but why is it so important for you to know about my parents?
Q: Because I must know who I am speaking to. I want to know if you come from 'zerr' aristocracy.
A: (end of discussion)

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