Everytime people talked to me, they always asking me that are you Chinese? Japanese? I'm Vietnamese, that is so rude, why people are asking that?
2006-11-27 04:56:33 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
They obviously ask you that because you are most openly of Asian looking features. Regardless of which country you are from people will always ask about the two main countries that they can think of. I have a Philipino friend who goes through the same thing. They always assume he is either Chinese or Japanese, but he is neither. Living in the US you will have to accept that this is how it will always be. People are just plain ignorant to the cultures and people of the world. I hope you can get passed their ignorance otherwise it will always have a hold on you.
2006-11-27 05:01:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
they really don't know. probably don't even understand that there are different asian nationalities and cultures. they are laboring under assumptions they got from their lives so far. so it is your job to gently educate them.
"No, i am from vietnam, i am vietnamese"
"My parents were born in vietnam. I'm american but of vietnamese ancestry"
"where are your ancestors from?"
try to understand they are only being rude out of ignorance and when this happens it is your chance to make them a little less rude so they won't offend the next person.
most americans can't tell whether a person is korean, japanese, chinese, vietnamese, laotian, thai etc.
they just don't have the background.
tell people how you feel about it. don't be judgmental.
try to help them. if they are asking they want to know something.
2006-11-27 05:00:25 · answer #2 · answered by Sufi 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are just trying to make conversation. They don't want to offend you by calling you Chinese or Japanese by accident.
We all stereotype, and race is on of the primary forms of stereotyping people into a certain category. People always ask me my race too as soon as they meet me because they want to instantly stereotype me. If I am Hispanic they assume I speak Spanish, if I am Italian they assume I'm better than a minority, if I'm mixed they wonder which race I identify with more.
It's all about stereotyping. Once they know your race they are free to stereotype you with the labels your race usually carries with it.
2006-11-27 05:12:52 · answer #3 · answered by Erica B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is only curiosity. Try not to let it bother you. We are ignorant about the finer details of knowing someones heritage or nationality ( some seem more closely related than others). Maybe you could use the opportunity to spread knowledge rather than being annoyed.
2006-11-27 05:03:22 · answer #4 · answered by MG 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I never do that, until I get to know someone. People are only trying to be friendly and find a little bit out about you. Most people like to talk about where they are from.
2006-11-27 05:05:43 · answer #5 · answered by marie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not everyone can be as culturally diverse as some people. Believe me its not just your culture that faces that type of stereotyping, it happens with ALL cultures trust me everyone will face some type of cultural stereotyping in their lives, your best bet is to ignore it and move on in your life if you waste your time stressing about it you'll go nuts!!
2006-11-27 05:00:40 · answer #6 · answered by So Happy!! 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People are stupid, they just don't seem to consider the feelings of others so I would say something along the lines of 'Whats it to ya?' or something. If not, walk away. Just.walk.away! That's the only thing that will make them look silly!
2006-11-27 04:58:35 · answer #7 · answered by Christina M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well even though it is rude i think they dont do it 2 be mean, they're just ignorant. 4 example im sicilian but ppl automatically assume im greek or spanish. jus answer the question as long as it seems jus curiosity and not some1 being a jerk.
2006-11-27 05:09:35 · answer #8 · answered by una ragazza siciliana 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's not rude to ask someone about their nationality. it may be annoying to you that no one gets it right, but there's nothing wrong with asking. just because something bothers you doesn't make it rude to say. sounds like you're just overly sensitive.
2006-11-27 05:01:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
because they are truly interested in you and your culture. these people that ask are xenophiles IE people interested in learning about different people and their culture. you should take it as a complement. you should be proud of your culture and where you came from. if you feel the people that ask are rude, just maybe you feel that way because you are not happy with who you are.
2006-11-27 05:00:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋