2007-05-01 12:46:15 · 17 answers · asked by Dr Velvet 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I didn't know that asking someone what their ethnicity is - Is a racist question?
I've been asked what my ehnicity is throughout my life by people and I've never felt it was a racist question. But then, I live in the USA where there are so very many people from different ethnic backgrounds that it's not unusual to hear people ask each other this question. It's being friendly and getting to know each other. It's like asking where a person comes from? It's not racist at all.
2007-05-01 12:55:04 · answer #1 · answered by gigiemilu 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They probably don't mean it to be racist, they are just curious because you must be exotic and beautiful and they just want to know. If it upsets you though, or they are obviously being racist, you could say something like "well that's an odd question, I don't like to talk about it" or "I'm proud of my Hispanic heritage" or whatever ethnicity you are, so they know it's a touchy topic but you won't seem rude.
2007-05-01 12:51:02 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Never realized that when people ask me what ethnic background I am was racist. Didn't know that being called a European mutt dog was wrong. Funny, I always was proud to tell people what my heritage is. And my Mexican kids have no problem telling people that even though their skin is white they're Hispanic.
2007-05-01 12:50:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
How is it racist to ask what your ethnicity is? I think you're being a little uptight. Some people are just curious.
2007-05-01 12:51:10 · answer #4 · answered by Abby C 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I actually think it's an honest question. It's like asking where your ancestors are from. One of my best friends is half Chinese and half Spanish but it doesn't get in the way of our friendship. I use to date a girl who was half Korean and half Mexican. Neither of them have been offended by people asking.
2007-05-01 12:53:56 · answer #5 · answered by saxman232001 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I constantly say "you are able to ask something you elect yet i'm no longer able to assure i will answer). i don't understand the precise extensive kind yet something like 75% of persons experience scared or frightened whilst asked that query.
2017-01-09 06:57:19 · answer #6 · answered by kunich 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why not tell them and ask them the same question. If you are indicating white people, most of them will tell you of the mix that goes into their ancestry. Why do you think it is insulting? I know you don't know me but I have English, Scottish and Jewish and possible Welsh in my line, but most English people are mongrels anyway.
2007-05-01 12:51:33 · answer #7 · answered by william a 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My answer has been and continues to be that i do not answer racial questions.
A friend of mine who's parents were both Irish married a man who's parents were Chinese and Black. She brought up her children to say they were human. Turned out, teachers in the schools they attended changed these answers to what their physical appearence suggested to them they might be.
On the Census i just black out the entire area, and when i returned to school and in job applications i do the same. No one's given me a problem yet.
2007-05-01 12:52:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
just tell them what it is. that does not mean that it has to be racist. your ethnicity could be one that they are interested in .
2007-05-01 14:07:39 · answer #9 · answered by hesalive 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
How do you know their intent is racist? Some people are just interested in other cultures. Just a thought.
_()_
2007-05-01 12:49:07 · answer #10 · answered by vinslave 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋