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Vent: It gets quite frustrating traveling as a nonwhite american. (alien.top)

submitted 11 months ago by CanalBloody@alien.top to c/digitalnomad@expats.zone

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Tired of constantly having conversations like this:

"Where are you from?"

"USA"

"But where are you really from?/But whats your nationality?/Are you actually american?... like.. full american?"

American isnt a race! American =/= white. Yes im "full american" even though im ethnically latino! If you want to know my ethnicity/race then just ask me that instead of implying im not a "real" american.

I know most people asking this arent doing so from a place of malice, but damn does it get tiring after the 100th time.

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[–] theganglyone@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago (4 children)

As a white American, I used to ask fellow Americans this question all the time until I realized some were offended by it.

FWIW, I was just making conversation and love hearing stories about historical immigration. Some people seemed to enjoy talking about their roots and culture.

[–] Tychonaut@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago

As a white Canadian, I am kind of sad that nobody is ever interested where my family comes from or what my ancestral roots are. (Polish)

[–] enunymous@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago

More than just "some" were offended. They just didn't want to tell you they were. Even if you asked them directly, they wouldn't say so. The problem with your old approach is that "Where are you from" means "You look different" ... If you're really interested in stories about immigration, lead with your's and if they want to share, they'll take that as a cue to share their's...

[–] The_Boopaduke@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

As a Seattlite I always ask this question because the city has grown so much and become flooded by transplants. In most major cities the majority of the people you meet aren't from there, at very least they are from a different state, so it's OK.

[–] someonesdatabase@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago

As long as it’s not one of the first questions you ask, that’s when it may be seen as invasive.

[–] SenorYak@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago

As an American - Brazilian (and a mix of ethnicities of people that immigrated to Brazil) I loved answering about my hodge-podge ethnicity and hearing other people’s stories about the cultures they originated from. Later realized that’s it offensive to ask about it. 😬

I guess it depends on how you ask the question. (Not questioning the nationality, more interested in their heritage?)