Most people from the African continent have been asked this question many times, especially if they are frequent travelers like myself. Often times, I answer politely with "I am from the African continent, yes :); then flinch when it is followed by "what's the capital of Africa?" or "say something to me in African"! Or worse, "I went on a missions trip or a humanitarian aid to Africa once, the people's lives were transformed." Really???? All of Africa was transformed because of you? Is that so? People don't know that Africa is a continent? That continents don't have capitals, or a common language???! What are people being taught in school these days (notice how I say this like I'm an ancient person :)...
Bottom line, if you are not sure of something... ask! Don't assume and fill in the blanks, ask and enrich your knowledge base. I ask my German and Dutch friends the most seemingly random questions sometimes, but I really want to understand both cultures well.
Ok, ranting done for the day!
Signing off... N.T
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