Three months more, would they ask?
Nina Martin Phoenix, AZ I am quietly proud of my multiracial background: my mother is Chinese, and my father is half German, half American. I...
You Italian then? No, I’m Hispanic.
Andrea Lopez, Sacramento, CA. When confronted with the question of whether or not I’ve experienced racism in my life, I always remember the first time...
They always ask: What ARE you?
Lisa Page Rosenberg, South Pasadena, CA. Mexican-Spanish-Apache-Basque-Irish-Swedish American
What are you? I’m a human
Theresa Lenberg, Chisago City, MN Ever since I can remember I have been asked this question. People are quick to assume I’m white but also...
“So, what are you?” “An American.”
Kristin Maerke, Springfield, MO. When I was younger I was very annoyed by the question, “What are you?” Which were usually the first three words...
You’re Too Pretty To Be Black
Akira Lee, Virginia Beach, VA I once had a woman approach me in a restaurant and tell me that I was really pretty. It was...
White and some kind of Asian
Miles Foltynowicz, Edwardsville, IL. I’ve dealt with racial ambiguity most of life. It is not uncommon for someone to ask me, “What are you?” in...
Three White Eagles and a Brownie
Mark Petersen-Overton, Mount Laurel, NJ The loves of my life! When we was stationed in Hawaii, we wanted to adopt a local girl to go...
“Appalachian” means “none of your business.”
Amy Tanisha, Petaluma, CA. When asked the infamous “what are you?” question, I define myself on my terms. Sure, its easy for someone to understand...
“You don’t look Iranian!” “I am.”
Rom Barkhordar, Chicago, IL This was a brief exchange with someone I just met who, to his defense, had a few beers and was feeling...
No really what are you?
Mia, Honolulu, HI I grew up in Hawaii which was a very diverse place. Coming to the mainland I had a lot of people ask...
So much more than just “white”
Candace, USA I am white. I hold ancestry from several European countries but identify strongest with my Italian side. I am proud to be third...
I don’t know what I am.
Jasmine Perry, Cleveland, OH. When it comes to race I honestly don’t know what I am. My families backdrop is kind of patchy, no one...
Wait, so what are you exactly?
Ysabella Woods, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Sociology 101, Knoxville, TN
