An orientalist (O) in pith helmet, jodspurs, and riding crop, carrying a manual in his hand, tours an eastern city. He meets a local man (L) in traditional dress.
O. Ah, yes, a local! Where are you from, dear man?
L. I am from Nablus.
O. Hmm. (flips through his manual, which contains colored illustrations of traditional dress) Why, no, that’s impossible! You are dressed like a man of Sinai. The natives of Nablus dress thusly. (shows the local his colored plates)
L. Even so, I am from Nablus.
O. Then, sir, you are incorrectly attired. Your headdress is wrong, don’t you see? And your belt, it should be black. Either that, or you are a liar.
L. (a bit heatedly) I should know where I am from!
O. (turning away) These people are as innocent as children. No logic or reason in their actions. They can’t tell black from white, wouldn’t recognize their own mothers — they are impossible!
Hé hé, I like that one
Thanks leblase! It’s great to hear from you.