Is It wrong for people to ask me if i'm mixed?

Question

I'm a light skin African American sometimes people think I'm half black and half white. Do you think it's rude to ask people what race they are?

Answer 1

I dont think rude, just curious

Answer 2

I think it depends on the person. If they are a friend or someone you have known for a while I don't think so, but if they are just walking down the street and ask you what race you are than that is rude. I believe you should be proud of who you are. If peopl would stop treating that question like it was so taboo it would not be that big of a deal. People ask you stuff all the time as long as it is in good context than I don't see a problem with it. It is just like asking someone what school they went to, and so on.

Answer 3

Yes, I think it's rude. Not only is it not anybody's business, it shouldn't matter - in what circumstance should it make any difference to anyone? I think the only instance where skin color might possiby matter is if you were applying to be a model for a tanning lotion.

Still, unfortunately, a lot of people like to categorize others into nice neat little boxes to accomodate their own comfort level. I think most people honestly don't mean to offend, but I still don't think that excuses all behavior.

I'd suggest, if someone asks, that you reply, "Why do you ask?". At least this may get people to start thinking about the appropriateness of the question.

Answer 4

I'd put it in the same category as asking someone their age - it's a question that they shouldn't be offended by because it's not something they can control... But for some reason, some people are offended. Personally I wouldn't care.

So if you're comfortable with them asking you your age, I'd say let them ask if you're mixed. Other than that, thank God for having such a great skin tone...

Answer 5

I do not think that it is rude! It is curiousity. I am mixed and I always ask someone what there race is if I can't tell. I don't see how that is rude. I like when people ask me!

Answer 6

It could probably be Yes and No. Just make sure you ask in a nice way coz sometimes,people take it seriously as rude. So be tactful and careful. People have different outlook in life.

Answer 7

i get asked what race i am to. i am biracial mother white father black but alot of people think im spanish. ive even had people walk up to me & start talkin spanish!!!! i personally think its rude like why do u care what race i am???? why does it have any importance to you??? in this case KNOWLEDGE is not POWER how is knowing sum1s race doing anything for u??? people even ask me if my 7 mth old is biracial just cuz her hair is straight & my answer is why??? just so u can judge me??? people need to get over race & know that we are all mixed wit sumthing no1 in america is 100% of 1 race

Answer 8

I think it is very rude. My daughter was born with a dark olive complexion, she got a gene from the Italian that was in her lineage. People use to ask me if she was mixed. I would answer, but it bothered me, what is it their business and what does it matter anyway?

Answer 9

No- perhaps they're curious. As long as they're polite and not asking in an abrasive, obnoxious way.

I used to get asked all the time if I'm Russian (cos I'm pasty)- but never not to me.

But being asked if Irish did annoy (I'm English)- when I visited the States- only time it ever happened to me in my life.

Answer 10

Not in most cases. Sometimes people just want to strike up a conversation with you.

Sometimes it is totaly wrong, like at a job interview. Reply by asking them what their religion is. Then tell them that you would never work for a ________________ heathen...

Answer 11

Personally, I feel as though it is rude. While I'm confortable telling people about the various mixtures I have, it is still rude for people to ask.