I'm not chinese...
The people I meet sometimes honestly think I'm chinese but not in a offensive way. What do I say without being so mean (which I usually am)? Like if I'm talking to older people?
2007-04-12 15:04:02 · 17 answers · asked by lalalala 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
It's not mean or rude to correct someone. They may feel a little silly but there's nothing wrong with saying "Oh, I'm not".
I thought a guy from work was from Turkey the other day, I seemed to remember someone some time had mentioned something like that. Turns out he wasn't.. I felt a bit silly about that too especially since Turks have a bad name here, more so than Chinese would. But the only reason was I had found a Turkish book among a whole load of free books (in languages I can read :)) and I was curious about what it was about & perhaps also looking for someone to pass it on to if it was any good. Still, to get back to the point, he just said no, he was not, I said 'oh sorry, I thought I'd heard that, obviously I was mistaken' and life carried on. :-)
2007-04-12 18:12:53 · answer #1 · answered by Sheriam 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you think I'm really Chinese? or Sorry, I'm not Chinese. Some elderly lady asked me questions in Korean(My response: No Korean, in English.). Somebody thought I was Filipino(My response: I'm Chinese, in English). I am Chinese. You said you're not Chinese. Maybe you're mixed? Do you have family history in Southeast Asia? If not then just honestly tell them: "I'm not Chinese", but because they don't believe you, you'd have a little explaining to do. Some Spanish speaking peoples look a little "Asian". Some Islanders look a little "Asian" too. Maybe you're a Pacific Islander? From Hawaii? Just giving some specifics on how you would "look Asian" to most westerners(European ancestry). Also some "black" people look "Asian" too. Confused?
2007-04-12 22:26:10 · answer #2 · answered by bryan_q 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hey girlfriend I have this same problem exactly. I have turned into a racist because of this. Number one I am not of chinese heritage. I am south korean. big big difference!!! Just tell folks your real heritage...or you can be quiet and let them think you are chinese, (which I do sometimes). Say I'm not chinese...I'm ---------". another rude answer is this:
If they ask you "Are you chinese?" say this "I am a human being." Try it see what happens.
2007-04-16 20:18:48 · answer #3 · answered by stephanie e 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just politely correct them. "Actually, I'm ___________." Some people honestly don't realize how ignorant they come across when they make assumptions like that. Letting them get away with it is uncool, but politely correcting them at LEAST makes the next time they do it out of stupidity and not ignorance. You'll have done your part. :)
2007-04-12 22:32:09 · answer #4 · answered by elizabeth_ashley44 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Fruitloo, there are people out there that can't tell the difference in nationality.
I have had to cope with people thinking I am Italian, then I would tell the folks, sorry--I am part English/ German..Their reply is, you could have fooled me with your 'roman nose' and hand gestures. My final reply back was, I hang out with Italian friends, and bad habits of 'Italian gesturing' was hard to break...
(blushes)
2007-04-12 22:34:08 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just correct them, politely. Say something like, "I know that you may think I look Chinese, but I am ____", telling them what your true ethnicity is.
2007-04-12 22:14:24 · answer #6 · answered by monica_dietz@sbcglobal.net 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
try to understand that most people can't really tell what race you are and many others, i don't think they mean to be rude, but yes it can be annoying. like others have said just simply fill in the blank, and hope they say sorry .
2007-04-12 22:14:54 · answer #7 · answered by fruitloop247 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Answer them with.. "Chinese? Food? are you asking me for a date?.. well I'm not available.. I'll take a rain check...maybe Indian food another time.."
2007-04-12 22:17:11 · answer #8 · answered by Smarty Pants 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Simply state what nationality you are. "Actually, I'm (fill in the blank.)"
People with any class at all would apologize immediately. Anyone who says "Whatever" or any similar response is rude.
2007-04-12 22:09:23 · answer #9 · answered by thezaylady 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are hanging with a lot of people who are slightly rude. I know they are probably not aware of it. I would just smile mysteriously and leave them wondering why you were amused.
2007-04-12 22:26:53 · answer #10 · answered by redhighheelsneakers_ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋