Student: “China is becoming more democratic.”
Me: “What does democratic mean?”
Student: “I don’t know.”

Student: “China is an innovative country.”
Me: “Can you list some examples of recent innovations made by China?”
Student: “The gunpowder, the compass, the ink.”
Me: “I said "recent" innovations.”
Student: “I don't know.”

Colleague: “Where do you get your stories from? America I suppose!”
Me: “Hong Kong.”
Colleague: (Looks uncertain about whether to continue with her nationalistic and entirely automatic reaction. Then, unable to restrain herself…) “Obviously they are biased!”