My teacher asked me my race and I stormed out (present, messages)

[Threestep2]

Originally Posted by buildings_and_bridges

I didn't realize that. Maybe some of this is cultural/regional. Maybe the teacher is from a place where it's not seen as so intimate a question.

Come to Oklahoma - every tribe has a car tag with tribe name and often citizen XYZ.

[Mikala43]

Obviously I don't understand what the big deal is, but as adults, we are perfectly capable of saying "I'm not comfortable answering that question" without upping the drama by running out of the room.

I have some doubts as to whether the teacher truly did respond with sarcasm and an eye roll.

[hertfordshire]

Originally Posted by Mikala43

Obviously I don't understand what the big deal is, but as adults, we are perfectly capable of saying "I'm not comfortable answering that question" without upping the drama by running out of the room.

Exactly this.

[fleetiebelle]

Originally Posted by redplum33

My conclusion was clearly accurate based on the rest of your response.

Is this why you are so interested in learning about your ancestors?

With all of his posting about "blood" and whatnot, I was sincerely hoping he wasn't hinting toward the supremacy angle.

[Parnassia]

Originally Posted by Mikala43

Obviously I don't understand what the big deal is, but as adults, we are perfectly capable of saying "I'm not comfortable answering that question" without upping the drama by running out of the room.

I have some doubts as to whether the teacher truly did respond with sarcasm and an eye roll.

Agree. You could say you decline to answer, give a witty answer, a sarcastic answer, or simply answer the question. The choice was completely yours to make. However, storming out of the room in a huff just made you look like a child; of any race.

[aquietpath]

I have a coworker who is mixed race. She states she gets a lot of flak from African Americans for having light skin and green eyes.

I could be wrong, but it seems as though the course was some kind of black-only subject and she was wondering if OP could relate because he was mixed. If I'm right, it was a stupid comment made by the teacher. Stupid comments from stupid people are unfortunately part of life. Op needs a thicker skin or needs to develop some coping skills.

[LLCNYC]

I have a feeling we are missing a huge part of the story...and storming out? Just no.

Anyway, I couldn't care less if someone asked me about my background...I'm not easily offended by anything.

[Mikala43]

Originally Posted by LLCNYC

I have a feeling we are missing a huge part of the story...and storming out? Just no.

Anyway, I couldn't care less if someone asked me about my background...I'm not easily offended by anything.

My race, height, weight, age...... it is what it is, so why would I get offended?

Or like Parnassia said, make a joke or something "They said I'm the milkman's baby, so I have no idea what my race is." Ok, that was lame, but yeah, humor fixes a lot of awkward moments.

[jamary1]

Over reaction. More drama. Business as usual.

[treemoni]

Originally Posted by Tzaphkiel

“Nothing I accept about myself can be used against me to diminish me.”

― Audre Lorde

Also: see Eminem's final rap battle in 8 Mile. Powerful message there.