In the middle of a Da Shi Tan meal with students, I adjusted my stool. Only the seat’s plank lifted – then came down on the tip of my finger as I sat, slicing away a hunk of flesh. My hand dripped red.
No napkins or tissues were at hand, so my tablemates offered me a wad of paper meal tickets to staunch the blood. I declined. I also declined the subsequent offer of a silk handkerchief. The bleeding wasn’t slowing, so I removed one shoe and sock, wrapped the sock around my finger, then raised my hand above my head.
All concern for my health dropped away as my students fell over themselves in guffaws.
Elevating an injury? They’d never heard of it. Americans sure were superstitious. Plus, removing a shoe in public was rude enough – they’d never imagined removing a sock.
“But it’s okay for you to do it,” they concluded, wiping away their tears, “because it’s just your American way.”
