Why are people so obsessed with asking questions about race?

Question

I really don't get why people assume one's color will reveal some universal truth or something. I'm probably missing the point, but I think the race questions are misdirected, shouldn't they be culture questions?

No I'm asian.

Answer 1

Some people might be looking for universal truths as you say -- they may just be trying to confirm a stereotype. That's offensive.

But I don't think this is true most of the time, otherwise, why would so MANY ask a question when they already know the answer?

I agree with several of the answerers above -- people are curious and they want to understand the experiences of others. And Answers is a good place to ask because you won't offend any friends, classmates, or coworkers.

Yes, some questions are just about culture, especially where people have recently immigrated from another country. But some are about race. Do you think the experience of being of descendant of Chinese people who immigrated to work on the transcontinental railroad is the same as that of a white Anglo-Saxon who's family also came to the US in the 19th century?

Answer 2

I guess because It is a big problem in America, that needs to be addressed. Also, alot of people wonder why one race is the way it is and this is a good place to ask (internet of many races) rather than walking up to a race on the street and asking the question...

Answer 3

I guess it depends on the questions. Usually, human beigns are curious by nature, and some just want to know anything. Besides there are some real biological differences between races. For example, I'm Hispanic and because of that I am at more risk for hearth problems.

It's just the nature of humans, we ask questions since we are little and we never stop asking.

Answer 4

Sure, I've see some black girls who act like valley girls some times. So you don't understand why people ask questions about people with different skin colors? How would you label black culture aside from calling it black culture? Even then, you're still talking about race because you called it "black". I'll admit that your color doesn't cause you to act a certain way (everyone knows white guys who act black and black guys who act white), but there is a correlation between skin color and culture. It all depends on where you were raised. A black guy raised in Japan would act like a Japanese guy, true. When people refer to "black" though in the US, they mean what everyone knows they mean. African Americans.

Answer 5

Thats human nature. They think they are superior over others just by the colour of their skin. Dare to call ourselves civilised and modern?? Stereotypical...
Even if the question is not meant as a racist question, in the end what counts is that how the qns is brought up. The way its structured...

Answer 6

Amen.

Unity is divine. The result of spirituality based on truth.

The devil devides most often through "observable differences".

RACE is one.
GENDER is another.
Then there's EDUACATION
INCOME
PROMINIENCE
BEAUTY

as well as many more too numerous to mention. Of them all I am trying to rid myself of all bias and prejudice.

But I got to be honest. I am prejudiced against UGLY people. I don't like being around them. They give me the creeps. Especially when they talk of things so immature and juvenile as the color of one's skin.
EEEEWWWW get away from me.

Answer 7

I would ignore them if it bothers you. The reason why people do it is because they can hide behind an avatar and get a rise out the people they are inquiring about.

Answer 8

I agree. Color means nothing -its a side effect to culture

Answer 9

I agree with you....it is equally disturbing when they bash genders, religions, regions of the world and even the North and South of the US. I thought we could move beyond this....

Answer 10

Because it's the internet and you can be as racists as you want on here and no one will every know who you are