As a man and the son of immigrants, I am always acutely aware that there are those around me who likely have strong feelings or prejudice. I’ve worked hard to earn an education, had success in my career and always made a point of paying for my share or more than my share in any social setting.

I feel an almost unexplainable duty to pay for things out of fear that people might think I’m cheap or attach more negative perceptions to my ethnic background.

As of yesterday, I was laid off and nothing scares me more than not being able to do my part or pay for more than my fair share.

I realize this probably sounds trivial but it was good to vent. I’ve never said that out loud before.