Asking someone, “What are you?” may seem like an innocent question, but it can be a loaded and uncomfortable inquiry for many mixed races and people of color (POC). The question asks someone to disclose their racial or ethnic identity, which can be a sensitive topic for many people.
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The question can feel particularly invasive for mixed-race individuals, as it reduces their complex identities to a particular category. Being asked, “What are you?” can make mixed-race individuals feel like they don’t belong anywhere and must choose one aspect of their identity to identify with. It can be especially difficult for individuals who strongly connect to both sides of their heritage.
POC may also find the question problematic as it can be perceived as an assumption that they are not from the dominant culture or are “other.” It can also be a reminder of the harmful practice of racial categorization and the historical trauma that comes with it.
Asking, “What are you?” can also perpetuate harmful stereotypes and assumptions about certain racial and ethnic groups. For example, if a person of Asian descent is asked, “What are you?” If they were born and raised in the same country as the person asking the question, they might be assumed to be from abroad. This can reinforce the harmful stereotype that all Asians are perpetual foreigners.
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It’s important to remember that people’s racial and ethnic identities are complex and personal and should not be reduced to a single question. Instead of asking, “What are you?” it’s better to approach someone with curiosity and interest in their background while respecting their boundaries and allowing them to disclose information about themselves if they feel comfortable.
In short, asking someone, “What are you?” may not necessarily be racist, but it can be a problematic and uncomfortable question that can perpetuate stereotypes and assumptions. It’s better to approach people with respect and an open mind and allow them to share information about their background on their terms.