How to Ask Me about my Ethnicity

Brooklyn Historical Society annually hosts an event called What Are You? a discussion about mixed heritage (see re-caps and photos of past events here and here). The "What Are You?" question is something people of mixed heritage are often asked and at the What Are You? event we often discuss the difference between someone asking about your ethnic background because they are really interested in getting to know you better and hearing a full story... and the odd, rude way some people ask as if this isn't a personal question.

Check out Meher Ahmad's advice: "How to Ask Someone about their Ethnicity without being an A**hole" (Jezebel.com 6/20/2013 )

"I am Not a White Person. This means I am a walking version of this fun little game called 'What Kind of Not White Person Are You?' Here's how it goes: I introduce myself to you at a party or some such social gathering. You introduce yourself as well. In an attempt to get to know me better, or maybe just keep the conversation going, you want to know exactly how I am a Not a White Person. Which is totally fine at the right time and place, because I love gabbing on about my immigrant parents and how much I love mango pickle..."