General Discussion

usedtobedemgurl

(1,124 posts)

24. For me it is about....

Thu Jun 22, 2017, 01:28 PM

Jun 2017

assuming people are asking because they are prejudice or just nosey and cannot mind their own business. I ask because I really do feel it is a very respectful thing to do. Sometimes I will ask, "Where are you from so I may thank you properly in your language?"

I understand what backwards people do but I hate being lumped in with those types of people. Thank you. It is something we can all do to reach out and make things a tad friendlier. For me it is telling someone I may not know a lot, or anything, about them but I respect others and I want to show respect for them. I have had nothing but positive encounters by doing so and I hope my sons will continue the tradition.

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Tempted to ask strangers 'where they are really from?' Here's why you shouldn't [View all] IronLionZion Jun 2017 OP

I just woke up...thank you SHRED Jun 2017 #1

Sometimes it's probably OK Ezior Jun 2017 #2

I think it has to do with being interested in the other person as opposed to targeting them. jalan48 Jun 2017 #4

Intent, context, and other factors are involved IronLionZion Jun 2017 #18

Is there a way to do it without sounding like a dick? Dave Starsky Jun 2017 #23

Just talk with them first. Maybe it never gets to the point where you feel comfortable asking about jalan48 Jun 2017 #25

If they don't have an obvious accent, you shouldn't assume they're not natives or neighbors? bettyellen Jun 2017 #28

Please stop... HipChick Jun 2017 #8

I never meant to be rude SHRED Jun 2017 #9

I just met a British person who has no British accent and Middle Eastern name IronLionZion Jun 2017 #10

Oh good lord Egnever Jun 2017 #27

Last time I got asked that, I said "United States" and the follow-up was "No, I mean originally". nt LexVegas Jun 2017 #3

People always laugh at me disbelievingly when I say United States IronLionZion Jun 2017 #11

No, English is my first language. I get asked strictly based on my "foreign" looks. nt LexVegas Jun 2017 #26

Yup, same here. Everyone knows what a foreigner looks like nt IronLionZion Jun 2017 #33

Like this? :-/ NurseJackie Jun 2017 #38

HA. Exactly. LexVegas Jun 2017 #39

So asking where you are from is not ok, but asking where is your family from is ok? SweetieD Jun 2017 #5

Yup, traveling abroad no one ever accepts that I'm from the US IronLionZion Jun 2017 #15

Usually if it comes up I just ask what their heritage is Blue_Adept Jun 2017 #6

It comes across as "what the fuck are you doing here? NightWatcher Jun 2017 #7

I usually sneak a cheek-swab while they're yawning Orrex Jun 2017 #12

I ask sometimes. Dulcinea Jun 2017 #13

One exception would be the South.. dixiegrrrrl Jun 2017 #14

You have to work to be accepted? I shudder to think. bettyellen Jun 2017 #29

I have to be accepted in order to work, actually. dixiegrrrrl Jun 2017 #35

It's odd because I feel like we leave our cultural differences at the door when we go to work.... bettyellen Jun 2017 #37

I'll just leave this here.., Caliman73 Jun 2017 #16

Oh yeah that's a classic! IronLionZion Jun 2017 #17

Ohhh. a cool site. thank you. dixiegrrrrl Jun 2017 #36

I ALWAYS ask rude, obnoxious people. furtheradu Jun 2017 #19

They're everywhere IronLionZion Jun 2017 #20

I have this many times over.... usedtobedemgurl Jun 2017 #21

It's not about language IronLionZion Jun 2017 #22

For me it is about.... usedtobedemgurl Jun 2017 #24

Good for you Egnever Jun 2017 #30

Brings back memories.... Dem_4_Life Jun 2017 #31

My mother's womb! IronLionZion Jun 2017 #34

"Where are you from" - or "where did you grow up" is a question I've been asked MANY jonno99 Jun 2017 #32