Comments on: Slate.com’s take on “What Are You?”

By: Shannon

Shannon — Wed, 29 Mar 2006 18:51:40 +0000

Ugh…. I can’t stand that question either. What I say also depends on the context. If it’s someone I know well who just seems curious and wants to get to know me better, I will usually tell them. If it’s a stranger that just asks for the hell of it, or out of a passing curiosity, I usually ask them why it matters… or sometimes I will just say “American” or “human… why, what are you?” if they’re particularly rude about it. I personally consider my ethnic background to be personal information that random people aren’t just entitled to because they’re curious, much the same as I do my religious beliefs, financial status, or educational background.

By: Ben

Ben — Fri, 17 Mar 2006 17:05:43 +0000

If everyone is mixed, then nobody is mixed.

By: ebichan

ebichan — Thu, 16 Mar 2006 05:48:29 +0000

I HATE this question!

In short, I believe that everyone is mixed to some degree. Ask any average White American and you`ll find out that that most are a mix of several European, and not uncommonly with Native American, bloodlines. But, how often are they asked this question. This “what are you?” question is based on the premise that only certain people are mixed or that certain mixes are worth asking about, ie EuropeanAmerican mixes are just “normal” but Asian-Other mixes (which I`m one of) for example, are “exotic and different”.

I personally like to think that ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. All mixes and possible combination of human beings exist and are therefore, NORMAL.

I often say the answer “human”- that usually pisses people off, but that`s what I am.

By: Ben

Ben — Thu, 16 Mar 2006 01:07:40 +0000

I like to respond with “why do you ask?” because once the inquisitor can explain his motivations, you have much better information on which to base your decision about whether or not to get offended.

On the rare occasion that I have a defensible reason to ask and am bold enough to do so, I usually say “I’m mixed and I was wondering if you might be too” so they understand I’m just tryna relate. But, like I said, rare.