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just a vent.. i've experienced more subtle and not so subtle racism in my year living in WA than the past 20 years in CA. today was my first day at my new job. i was being introduced around and one lady says to me:
RB (Racist BXXXX)-- so what's your first language?
ME: What do you mean? i only know one language, English
RB: Surely you must know another language. English can't be your first language
ME: Why would you think English is not my first language (with death glare)
RB: (stumbling around) I just thought... well, with your background... (slow fade)
ME: SMH ...
another day in WA, another unpleasant experience with an ignorant RB...
Sounds to me like you're the one with the problem.
How are negative stereotypes in any way similar to asking someone if they speak another language?
Asking someone if they sleep with their cousins is a bit different than asking if the speak another language..
Sounds like someone is insecure about their nationality and uses anything to further rationalize their insecure thoughts.
They didn't ask if he spoke another language. They assumed he did based entirely on the way he looks, and then argued with him about it when he didn't validate their stereotype.
How are negative stereotypes in any way similar to asking someone if they speak another language?
Asking someone if they sleep with their cousins is a bit different than asking if the speak another language..
Sounds like someone is insecure about their nationality and uses anything to further rationalize their insecure thoughts.
do people even read before posting here? i didn't say she asked me if i spoke another language. i said she kept insisting on finding out what my "real first language was." two very different things.
^^ this is my point. it's not polite to make ASSumptions about people based on someone's appearance/race/ethnicity/religion. I just had this conversation with my 8 year old son. Do 50+ year old adults not get this?
And again, white people always say things like "you're oversensitive about this" b/c they have never had to face issues like this.
I am sure this lady was trying to make friendly conversation with me. I don't think she was trying to be rude, but that's the problem in itself. She (like many others) are clueless. Those who say things like "lighten up" are the ones who could probably see themselves saying similar remarks as this lady did.
I wouldn't take any offense if someone asked me that. Its not racism, just curiosity. Some people are more blunt & say whats on their mind. Children of immigrants tend to be more sensitive about this issue as they are born American but their parents keep imposing their own culture on them so they end up hating being asked questions about their origins. They just want to be Americans & nothing else. But your skin color, accent clearly points to your country of origin. I have mistaken people from other states to be immigrants because of heavy accents. They did not take any offense & just laughed about it. There are so many people here from all around the world so these questions come up as conversation starters.
^^ this is my point. it's not polite to make ASSumptions about people based on someone's appearance/race/ethnicity/religion. I just had this conversation with my 8 year old son. Do 50+ year old adults not get this?
And again, white people always say things like "you're oversensitive about this" b/c they have never had to face issues like this.
I am sure this lady was trying to make friendly conversation with me. I don't think she was trying to be rude, but that's the problem in itself. She (like many others) are clueless. Those who say things like "lighten up" are the ones who could probably see themselves saying similar remarks as this lady did.
Hi OP,
As an Italian American fellow, I've been called Michael Corleone , Rocky's cousin, yo hey johnnie, is your family in the mob or in the "Five Families "? are you Sicilian? I would just say, forgetabout it, laugh and walk away. END GAME. Next time ask her why?
do people even read before posting here? i didn't say she asked me if i spoke another language. i said she kept insisting on finding out what my "real first language was." two very different things.
it annoys me when white people do this.
remember, the people who are attacking you and defending the white idiot lady are white as well.
these people have no idea how annoying that crap is.
I wouldn't take any offense if someone asked me that. Its not racism, just curiosity. Some people are more blunt & say whats on their mind. Children of immigrants tend to be more sensitive about this issue as they are born American but their parents keep imposing their own culture on them so they end up hating being asked questions about their origins. They just want to be Americans & nothing else. But your skin color, accent clearly points to your country of origin. I have mistaken people from other states to be immigrants because of heavy accents. They did not take any offense & just laughed about it. There are so many people here from all around the world so these questions come up as conversation starters.
playing off stereotypes, if i asked a white male how small his penis is, he would report me to HR.
why can't this guy do that with this white lady playing off stereotypes and annoying him?
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