Being right

I love being right. Some time around 11pm Saturday night I was sitting with a couple of friends watching an Indian version of American Idol called Launch Pad. I couldn't understand a word of what they were singing and the last time time I was asked to choose some Hindi songs for a party it was because "you know what the white people like." What do I know about emerging Indian singing sensations? Nothing. But I critiqued each one- "poor song choice", "narrow range", "trying to hard"... and I praised a few- "amazing tone", "passionate and controlled", "wow". As I spoke my friends seemed to be convinced that I knew what I was talking about.

Earlier during the day we had argued US politics. I was thoughtful and balanced but pretty much right. They had questioned me on Cambodian culture and Asia in general. I had happily responded to their questions and given my opinions on regional issues. Yet the moment that was most satisfying was somehow being the expert on something that I have no idea about. The more trivial the better; I just love being right.