During one our our meals with our Korean coworkers, Derek reached across the table to get some food. He was wearing a sweatshirt because it was chilly outside, and had pulled up the sleeves so he wouldn't drag them through the open pots of food. Mr. Sohn, a coworker, was visibly startled and stared at Derek's exposed arm. We asked him what was wrong. He answered--without taking his eyes off Derek's arm--"Isn't that a little unsanitary?"
What?!! We were so shocked and offended! It wasn't like it was the first time Derek had dared to bare his arm! It was one of those typical situations where the offender offended because of a lack of knowledge. Most Koreans don't have much if any arm hair, so when they see someone like Derek, who has a healthy amount (but not too much mind you), sometimes they verbally vomit.
We proceeded to explain that arm hair wasn't unsanitary. I tugged on some to show that it doesn't fall out easily and told Mr. Sohn that arm hair was no worse than the hair in his own goatee!
that is really funny!
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