Where's Africa?

Dear Charlie,

One night, I was working with someone who obviously failed in school. How she became a nurse, I will never know. We were having a philosophic discussion about religion in the geographical sense. I know this is of interest to you, since you frequently have discussions about religion where you live. But we needed to reference a map because we weren't too sure about which countries border Egypt. That is when I referenced the internet. That is when this ignorant person said, "Where is the Middle East, really? What continent is it on?"

I said, "It's in between Europe and Asia. You know, in the middle, that's why it is called...the...MIDDLE...EAST."

She then said, "Yeah, but what CONTINENT is it on?"

Okay, she obviously needed a visual reference, so I showed her on the internet: "Here's Europe, see look, there's France, Germany, Italy, and all that. Now, over here is Asia. See China over there? India is technically Asia. And see, the Middle East is RIGHT THERE, IN THE MIDDLE, right about Africa."

She paused for a moment then said, "Where's Africa?" Remember that E.F. Hutton commercial long ago, where if "E.F. Hutton speaks, everyone listens" and it suddenly gets quiet? Well, that's what happened. "Where's Africa?" echoed across the room and all eyes fell on her. All eyes were focused on this young female, a citizen of Canada of African and West Indian decent. Yes, Charlie, she is Black.

"Did you just ask me where Africa is?"

Everyone thought the same thing, at the same time, but the only person who dared to say what everyone thought was the only other African American person in the room. "How does a Black person NOT know where Africa is?"

"I don't know. I'm not good with Geography." Okay, Charlie, I may not know exactly where exactly Darfur is on a map, but I at least know where the continent is. Third graders know where Africa is.

My darling Charlie, I was seeking your advice on how to deal with such a person. Obviously, she needs remedial school. But every time I see her I think, "Where's Africa?" I can't stand it. I can't stand her! What should I do?