I can use chopsticks

There is something that bothers me profusely.  When I go to a restaurant and they automatically bring me a fork.  It is meant to be helpful.  And for some, I assume it is.  However, I find it degrading.  Just because I am white doesn't mean I can't use chopsticks.  As a matter of fact I have been using them since I was a child. 

I don't understand where this stereotype comes from.  Most of the people I know can use chopsticks quite adeptly, especially the ones interested in eating Asian food and going to Asia.  But it is there and it is strong.

It doesn't just happen in restaurants.  I have had more people comment on my ability to use chopsticks than I care to recall.  One of the most annoying was a home economics teacher at a school I worked at 15 years ago.  Each day she would see me eating with chopsticks, she would say "Very good!  Very good!"  It would drive me crazy.  At first I tried to ignore her.  But she continued to cheer me on.  When I finally couldn't handle it any longer, I snapped at her one day "fork-u!  Oh, very good.  Very good!"  She was not amused, but got the point.

I am amazed whenever I hear this.  15 years later and I still hear it.  And it still bothers me to the core.  A snarky response isn't going to solve anything.  I don't really know what to do about it.