So what are you?

  1. Are you Indian?
  2. Are you Filipino?
  3. Are you Chinese?
  4. Are you Polynesian?
  5. Are you from the the outback (Australian Aborigional)?
  6. Let me guess, I bet I can guess where you are from, Chinese? Filipina? Spanish?

The question comes up from time to time. And in between those times I sort of forget why it bothers me when people ask it. Anyone who knows me knows I would talk about race and ethnicity all day if I could. To me its a very interesting topic that is so subjective in how it affects people, but at the same time there are some very real structures in place that some how seem to disappear into our social landscape. So why, one might ask, when a total stranger asks me about it at a bus stop, or in cab (see #6 aka the cab driver), do I shut down, or feel offended? Why do I feel wierd about someone elses curiosity? And why do I not just answer, the person is probably just being nice right? I am proud of who I am right? (more…)