It really is REAL. I've traveled a fair bit and and seen it, especially in Thailand. Awkward white guys dishing out dollars to feel like the entitled king, thinking they're on their way to love. It's probably even more prevalent now as more males are introverts from playing video games.

On a similar delusional note, I always tell my buddies, "Listen, the barista and the bartender don't like you. She smiles at everyone!" Hah!

I will say that as an American Born Chinese (ABC), I had a hard time traveling in Southern China just chilling and be left alone. It was like I had, "Your ticket to America!" sharpied on my forehead.