Ruby Russoniello Tagaban,
Ruston, WA

I’ve spent much of my life greeted with “What are you?” It is neither a form of greeting nor an encouragement to share. I took it to mean I looked “odd”. I had dark hair, olive skin, and green eyes. My father was a light-skinned Italian. My mother was Aaniiih and Nakoda. What does that mean, ‘what are you?’ What is the correct response except, “WTF?”
I am no longer asked this when accompanied by my Tlingit/Cherokee/Filipino husband. I believe they may assume my identity, or they may fear offending him.