Re: What to say when an elder says something rude
Having faced this situation many times in life I've adopted a different approach.....
I simply say, "I've decided to see how people who are (fatter, skinnier, lighter-skinned, darker-skinned, etc, etc) live."
If you say this jokingly and make light of the matter you come across as polished and avoid making a scene.
If the person keeps repeating the comment, I keep repeating the answer.....
The only time this kind of stuff hurts you is when you allow it to.