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Super vanilla folks seem to have no shame at all about making assumptions about other people. It’s one of the reasons I don’t like to reveal much about myself.

Check out how ridiculous some people are about their ignorance.

American Tourist in England asked me if I spoke English.

I work in a major London museum. I’m Caucasian with brown hair, currently looking more like a ghost who’s done their Christmas shopping early.

I have bags under my eyes to show for it because of ongoing shoulder issues.

It’s already an irritating job. I would lose faith in humanity in this kind of role.

So I’m sitting down, doing my job as a museum attendant and getting ready to yell at the next person who thinks that they can touch stuff behind barriers because there isn’t a don’t touch sign that they wouldn’t read anyway.

An American lady comes up to me and asks if I speak English.

Due to my pain levels activating my neurodiversity, I decide to make her see exactly why that was a stupid question, so I answer “No.”

I admire her hilarious reaction. I wouldn’t have had the nerve!

So she asks me again, “You don’t speak English?” And I reply “no.” She stands there and looks confused. Maybe it’s my London accent.

I sigh and ask “How can I help you my love?” and she brightens up immediately, replying with “Oh! So you do speak English!!” Before asking me her question.

I’m not at all surprised. The racism I see on the internet in comment sections is deeply unsettling. Being like this in person is a choice.

The really sad thing is that when I repeated this story to my colleagues, all those from different countries or who have a skin colour other than white, all said they’ve been asked that question on more than one occasion.

But at least I got to mess with someone who was clearly seven shades of stupid and make my colleagues laugh.

Here is what folks are saying.

Simon Pegg is hilarious. I love British humor.

It’s hardly cruel. Come on… Unprofessional, though. I would be civil and roll my eyes after.

I wonder what language she thought English people spoke. I will ask ask my English relatives.

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This requires too much thinking. I hate to stereotype, but Americans abroad seem to have a knack for embarrassing themselves.

If you enjoyed this story, check out this post about a fast food employee who shuts down a customer angry about her change with a single word.

You think there is one dialect for all of England? (Laughs in English.) I find Northerners a bit hard to understand, but that’s it.

British worker gets asked ridiculous question, so she gives a ridiculous answer.

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Author

Ashley Ashbee

Ashley Ashbee | Contributing Writer, Workplace & Culture

Ashley Ashbee is a contributing writer for TwistedSifter specializing in workplace dynamics, employee advocacy, and professional culture. Drawing on her real-world experience as a software consultant, she brings a unique, insider perspective to navigating office conflicts, toxic management, and trending professional dilemmas.

Holding a degree in Professional Writing from York University, Ashley combines her formal editorial training with her corporate background to deliver highly engaging, empathetic narratives. She excels at breaking down complex workplace dramas and translating them into stories that truly empower and validate modern workers.

Based in St. Catharines, Ontario, Ashley balances her time between the tech and publishing worlds with her love for the outdoors. When she isn’t consulting or writing, she can usually be found exploring local walking trails or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.

Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn and Twitter/X.