That year, 1996, the culture of our country changed noticeably. In the past, when visiting someone’s home, I’d be welcomed by the greeting: ‘Have you had rice?’ This was a gesture of hospitality, meaning: ‘Have you eaten? Join us.’ But with the food shortages, how could anyone give the old greeting with sincerity? It wasn’t long before it was replaced by: ‘You’ve eaten, haven’t you?’
