During a business trip to China, I was browsing through a department store in Beijing when a staff member timidly approached me.

"Excuse me," she said. "Are you American?"

"Yes, I am," I answered.

"What state are you from?" she asked.

"Texas, " I replied proudly.

"Oh, I'm sorry," she said, obviously disappointed. "I was hoping to find someone to help me with my English."