i have a customer that is a native american and i want to ask him like, what tribe he is, but i don't want to offend him...
what's the best way to ask?? or is it best to just not ask at all?
2007-05-12 10:09:36 · 18 answers · asked by Chels 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
also i know that my grandfather was an indian chief but know nothing more... i guess that's why i'm so interested...
2007-05-12 11:33:48 · update #1
Most Native Americans are very proud of their heritage. Just ask. We have Pow Wows where I live and they usually are glad to explain things.
2007-05-12 13:27:33 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If its someone you are friendly with, you could just ask "I was curious about your heritage (or about your background)?"
I ask people all the time "Hey, just wondering what's your background?" No one has ever been offended when I ask that.
If some asked me, I would not be offended. Not if they asked politely.
I think its better to ask that way, which leaves it open ended for them to explain. If you ask "What tribe are you from?" that might put them on the defensive. Like if someone asked me "What part of Mexico are you from?" I'm not, so I might take offense. On the other hand, if someone said, "Do you have a Latin or South American heritage?" I'd be more than happy to talk about it.
2007-05-12 17:21:18 · answer #2 · answered by 2007_Shelby_GT500 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
This is a great question, let me just say.
I am half Dutch and half Chinese and so many people, every day, aren't sure if I have any Asian heritage (some people think I even look part Russian). Because so many people think that asking a person what his her racial/ethnic background is is a rude thing to do, people rarely ask me. Mostly, they just stare and look confused.
I wish more people asked me though! It is not at all rude, I don't think, but it does depend on HOW you ask. Sometimes, a little well-placed compliment works wonders.
For instance, "You have incredible features. What is your ethnic heritage?" You can also tell them your ethnic heritage if you think it'll put them at ease.
2007-05-12 19:28:45 · answer #3 · answered by Eames 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would tell him that I have an interest in learning about Native American cultures and would he mind helping you learn about them. I am sure he would tell you about his tribe and it's history. I think it would be a compliment to him to want to learn more about his heritage.
2007-05-16 10:01:54 · answer #4 · answered by TexasDolly 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never been offended when someone asked me what tribe I belong too....Simply and respectfully, ask him "I'm just wondering, what tribe do you belong to?" That can open many doors....Good Luck.
2007-05-12 21:01:25 · answer #5 · answered by blommasbrat 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
say I was just wondering what tribe you were if you dont mind. Alot of them are proud of there heritage and would love to talk to you about it
2007-05-16 03:10:13 · answer #6 · answered by firefighterace 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could ask him about his last name and possibly he will give up the information about his tribe
2007-05-12 18:53:20 · answer #7 · answered by Peachy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
does it matter what tribe he may be from. Unless your native indian he might take offense to you asking him that. I suggest not asking.
2007-05-12 17:34:21 · answer #8 · answered by Steven's Mommy 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't think he would mine at all. He may enjoy telling you about some of the customs and other things of interest.
I'd just ask, but politely.
2007-05-12 17:55:01 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
you should be like, "hey, what are you?" haha not really... but I have gotten that before...
I think it's best to say, "hey are you Native?" and if he says yes, then ask what tribe he is..
2007-05-12 20:10:39 · answer #10 · answered by Estelle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋