How Come People Always Get My Ethnic BackGround Wrong?

Question

Like they always ask "Are you chinese?" or any other asian nationality when I'm not. I'm filipino. This happens all the time. It's annoying too.
And they always ask my sister if she's mexican when she's filipino.
And they ask my other sister who has naturally blonde hair (from our Great Grandpa who was European) why does she have chinky eyes and blonde hair?
Like people think she's denying her heritage by coloring her hair?
Why can't people just ask if they're curious what's my ethnic background and stop assuming something within a question.
You don't see me going around asking white people "You look Swedish" or black people you look "Ethopian".
If I'm curious about someone's ethnic background, I ask politely "If you don't mind me asking, what's your ethnicity? You don't have to answer if it offends you". I don't ask someone "What's your nationality?" Because nationality is where you were born
Why does it always happen to asian folks? What is this world coming to?
Thanks for the vent!

I'm writing this question again for the other people who haven't seen it.

To that poster named "Noor"- I am proud of who I am. It's just annoying that people don't know how to word their questions right when they wanna know "what" I am.

Answer 1

I understand what you are saying, but I'm sure they are unaware of their ignorance. Many people are ignorant of Asian culture and have a stereotype of how Asians SHOULD look like in their mind. Just be easygoing and let it go. Not all people are as polite as you are.

I'm mostly Filipina, but also part Chinese, Japanese, and European, many strangers ask about my heritage, especially other "Eurasians," while others assume just like in your rant. I've been mistaken for Vietnamese, Taiwanese, Korean, you name it, someone has assumed it. Just don't let it get to you, but I understand why you would find it insulting. In fact, a girl assumed that “Oh you don’t speak Japanese, so then you must speak Chinese!” I was disgusted by this ignorant remark, but there are many ignorant people out there who live in their own limited world, don’t pay any attention to them.

Also, I know two girls with Asian "chinky" eyes who have natural blonde hair, one of Japanese descent, the other of Korean descent, however it is probably a rare trait which is why some people would be naturally curious. And if they wrongly assume that your sister’s hair is dyed and she is ignoring her own culture, that’s their own personal problem. They probably think they have all the answers, which is wrong, because no one does.

Answer 2

It's not just Asians, sister friend.
If you, like I do, have a "perpetual tan" there are those that ASSUME you are Mexican. I can't even count how many times someone has started speaking Spanish to me. For the record I am Italian and if you heard me talk you would know it instantly, lol.
Face it, people are nosy and a lot of people are rude. I know it sucks but at the end of the day if this is the worst thing that happens to you all day, you had a pretty decent day IMHO.
Take care.

Answer 3

I dont find anything wrong in people asking you about your ethnicity. Your face may appear to them as that of a chinese, so they are asking. You dont get annoyed if the same question is asked in a different way like what is your ethnic background.It is common for a foreighner to ask this question like where do you come from. The same thing is not asked in one^s own country. Be cool and plainly say you are a fillipino.

Answer 4

Some ppl mix up several ethnic groups who share similar looks, its the same with me. I am an Emaraty Arab and when i go to Europe ppl there mix me up with other ethnic groups like Egyptian, Kuwaiti, Saudi, Morrocan and sometimes Pakistani.
Some ppl dont distinguish between some ethnic groups.
But the important thing is to be proud of who you are and dont care about what others think.

Answer 5

People just assume that they know just by looking at you or they get thrown off when they see something so uncommon they feel compelled to ask no matter how rude. It's doing before thinking. Oh, and anyone ever came up to me and asked "You look Ethiopian." I'd be so pissed and just lash out. I'm Haitian people! Not all black or asian people look alike!

Answer 6

many people just don't have the respect that some of us do. i hate it that people are so rude to you. i understand completely. i wish you better luck in the future. maybe you shouldn't worry about it so much. i know that is easier said than done, but like i said, i understand completely!

Answer 7

i get spanish and asian. yet i'm of african decent.

i think people like to place everyone in groups and when they can't place you, they will pick anything.

Answer 8

They are a little silly sometimes.

Answer 9

like who some friggin CAVEDWELLER!