Hmm...how many times have I heard that one? My grandparents on both sides of my family were Native American, and apparently their genes were super-strong. I inherited all the facial features, but they blend with my african-american features, so I'm this weird black-sorta asian looking hybrid^_^. I get stopped at least once a day by someone asking, "what are you?" They usually follow up with a 'compliment' like, "you're so pretty! but what are you?" I think I've been confused with EVERY dark-skinned ethnicity on the planet, but what I am. How am I supposed to answer this question without going into a long explanation of my entire genetic background?
2006-06-13 13:35:26 · 25 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Oh, another thing: Am I even technically multiracial? My grandparents were half-native american, so that makes me, what, 1/8th or something, right? Does that count?
2006-06-13 14:04:10 · update #1
I'd be willing to bet that no one is intentionally being rude.
You are probably a very stunning looking young lady and have inherited the best features of both nationalities, which makes you both gorgeous and unique.
I know it is annoying but it is also a compliment.
If I were you, I would take this as a compliment, smile and say,
I am Native American and Afro American and very proud of my heritage.
2006-06-13 13:54:37 · answer #1 · answered by Moma 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People do weird things all of the time. I am in the same boat as you. All of the time people think I am Hispanic. I am actually West Indian (Guyanese) and African-American.
But, I think it is so rude when people ask me that out of nowhere. At the grocery store, on the street, in the mall. That is all they want to know.
When I ask them why they want to know, they usually say "Just asking" or they shrug there shoulders. I usually just shrug my shoulders too and walk away if I am not in the mood; or I might answer. It all depends.
I hope you are not too hung up on this. Just be happy you are beautiful. They are really just jealous. They probably want to look like you, or they admire you.
2006-06-13 21:34:13 · answer #2 · answered by HuniBuniBee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is impolite for them to ask. I would never say that to someone. It sounds like you are a very beautiful combination and I would be proud of every nationality that makes you who you are. I would say I'm Native American and African American, what are you?
2006-06-13 20:40:22 · answer #3 · answered by Annie Oakley 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can't you just say you're a mix of Native Americans and African Americans? Short and simple, no need to go to further details.
2006-06-14 06:17:04 · answer #4 · answered by undir 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes,you are multi-racial;because of race-blending since slavery,there are very few pure Africans in the United States.I also am tres typee(a term meaning you can be anything) and I give the list...but it is very rude of people to ask a personal question."What are you?" A human being.
2006-06-13 21:31:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
just say you are mixed race and leave it at that unless you actually have an ongoing relationship with people.
i am white but was always being asked similar questions which non plussed me until at the age of 24 found out that i had some Russian ancestry which my extended family never told me about
but that did answer quite a few questions for me when i found that out
2006-06-13 20:53:54 · answer #6 · answered by Aslan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its not a hard question to answer at all. if you want to answer them just tell them part african american and part native american. thats all they need to know. i have swedish, german, czecholslovakian, irish, bohemian, and i think a few more in me. when im asked what i am i usually say, "mostly swedish." im not sure the percenteges or fractions and they dont need to know all that either. ill bet the combo of african and indian is very beautiful. yeah you!
2006-06-20 18:34:14 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Smile sweetly at them and say "The last time I checked I was a woman!" I understand how annoying this can be, but just grin and bear it. Actually, it just might be that people are curious and want to learn more. Or you could say "I'm me...who are you?" and then grin. Let them fumble that one around for a bit.
2006-06-13 21:10:04 · answer #8 · answered by Autumn BrighTree 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always get asked that too, when I was younger i got along with every race, they all that I was their race.... I remember a teacher telling me that I am whatever race my father is. But today, when some ask, I just say human...or my favorite reply is "rainbow". I have a little of it all!
2006-06-14 01:18:36 · answer #9 · answered by blessedmaconmiracle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some pople ask me the same thing! I take that as a compliment!!! I mean, you are different! you must be really pretty!!! so when someone asks you, just tell them and feel proud of it!
2006-06-13 22:05:08 · answer #10 · answered by Baby Doña! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋