[sgtyork]

I am reminded of one time many years ago when I was working in a hotel which was hosting the National Association of Corrections Personnel. I was riding in the elevator with a well-dressed young black man. Being in college and interested in the learning about professions such as this field, I asked him if he was with the convention. He immediately got angry at me and said “I am a brain surgeon!” as if somehow I should have known his prestigious occupation.

These were the days when the ethics of frontal lobotomies for criminals was in debate, and the presence of a ‘brain surgeon’ at the convention made me immediately think about forced brain scrambling using surgical instruments. He may have seen the dismay or confusion on my face because he then sheepishly said his wife was with the convention.

I have never forgotten that moment, when my innocent question prompted by potential career interest provoked a racial response.

[eggman]

There is a saying among medical professionals who deal with that type on a regular basis. Doctors may think they are God but surgeons know it.

[VeniVidiVici]

He immediately got angry at me and said “I am a brain surgeon!”

You should have replied, "I'm sorry. Did you lose yours?"