So, like, what are you?

[fire_of_avalon]

No one's ever mistaken me for another "race" and whenever I open my mouth they usually figure out my geographical location pretty quick.

[Shiny]

I'm not sure where I want to start when critiquing the whole notion of categorizing a person by their geographical ancestry. We all came from what is now known as Africa, but I'd think twice before trying to convince certain friends of mine that I'm 'part African'. Obviously I'm trying to get across the notion that we're all humans and categorizing by geography is beyond silly. This is complicated by my general disgust for any sort of nationalism.

You right.

Story time! I find it interesting that people also tend to get assumptions about a person's race just by hearing their voice. For instance, one time my dad called a retail company or something and the lady was nice to him over the phone. Yet, when he met with her in person she was suddenly rude and snobby. When my dad asked why she was being a bish, the lady simply put, "I thought you were going to be white."

[Dynast-Kid]

Well, I think i'm legally considered "African-American", but if you want to get technical, i'm a bi-racial mix of black and white. About 75% black, 25% white.

I like to think of myself as being bi-racial. I think it makes me more interesting!

But, this "bi-racialness" can be a problem. All of my life, i've been surrounded by white people. White neighbors, white school, white friends, white teachers...Most of my childhood (outside of family) was within a very Caucasian area. I guess that being surrounded by " white culture" has somewhat sculpted my psyche somehow. That's where the "problem" lies. I'm in my freshman year of high school, and for the first time in my life, i'm encountering other black people on a larger scale (much larger black population at the high school) on a regular basis. I don't have many black friends, all because of my "white mentality". People say I act, talk, and dress like a white person. And that makes me mad. Does it make me any less "black" because I speak properly? Because I take honors classes and wear clothing the right size? Because I have lots of white friends?

I wish society would accept people on an individual level, and not on such generalized pre-judgements.

[Mirage]

Sometimes, people think I'm a a guy. And white.

[Bakamut]

Miriel, what I do is carry a glass of water. When that conversation comes up, I throw it in their face. People called me Japanese when I first came to this country 23 years ago.

What's particularly bizarre to me is when people speak to me in mandarin.

I'm not sure where I want to start when critiquing the whole notion of categorizing a person by their geographical ancestry. We all came from what is now known as Africa, but I'd think twice before trying to convince certain friends of mine that I'm 'part African'. Obviously I'm trying to get across the notion that we're all humans and categorizing by geography is beyond silly. This is complicated by my general disgust for any sort of nationalism. I tell people I'm Canadian only for their ease, not mine. I couldn't possibly care less what your particular ancestry is. I of course respect your freedom to care what your ancestry is.

It seems this thread has incited yet another attack on my attempt to rectify my own issues with growing up in this country. Bravo, I say, geniunely, with no sarcasm.

Best post in the whole topic.

[Yamaneko]

No one's ever mistaken me for another "race" and whenever I open my mouth they usually figure out my geographical location pretty quick.

Goddess. Heaven.

[Loony BoB]

Hispanic, by a Spanish-speaking man in Scotland. He gestured that it was because of my facial hair.

Australian, by loads of people who aren't from Australia or New Zealand and therefore can't tell the accents apart.

Uhm... I think that's it, actually. Oh, someone in AmeriCanada thought I was British at some point, I believe.

[Faded Tears]

Well I'm mostly Irish

I love you. Marry me?

Any day sweetheart

[Blue Harvest]

Well I'm mostly Irish

I love you. Marry me?

Any day sweetheart

You're all invited to the wedding btw =]

[Roogle]

I dislike that question.

Person 1: Where are you from?
Person 2: Atlanta, Georgia — why?
Person 1: Oh, no, where are you really from?