F53

Where are you from?

April 28 2014

My first post as an OP. So be gentle. i have noticed during my short membership here, I always get asked 'Where are you from?'. (just got asked that this morn). I know I put my race as ASIAN. as I am. However, I am Australian... I always expect the condescending question in the first or second email. And really, it is quite exasperating to be asked this, to think I have been a shoe in into this country and to feel marginalized, albeit unintentionally and without malice, due to the colour of my skin. You may think it is being hypersensitive to racism, but for those who have not walked in my shoes( and of similar race), this is really quite offensive to be asked ALL THE TIME! It sometimes makes me laugh when uneducated people talk slowly at me and quite loudly. People, I AM ASIAN AUSTRALIAN, NOT DEAF AND STUPID. Lol. For those who live under a rock, what will it take for you to accept that Australia is a melting pot of people from all walks of life and from different corners of the world. Yes, Australia has Asian people born here and even been here for generations!!! A bit of sensitivity would go a long way. I have lived and worked in the US, CANADA, EUROPE and ASIA. When I was in the US and CANADA, I was never asked ' Where are you from?'. However, in the early years OS, some people recognized my accent as AUSTRALIAN! WOW. As my accent morphed into American/Canadian ( to blend in), there was no mention of race and the question was never raised. How liberating! Maybe with the continual globalisation of our society, there will be more acceptance of different races and cultures in our society. It is my hope. Rant over. Peace to all.

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Seachange73

12 years ago

Why Single.. Are you flirting with me? (Batting my eyelids) The troll has jus given you a pass ;) - Posted from rhpmobile

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RHP User

12 years ago

Quoting 'lilyorchid' Why Single.. Are you flirting with me? (Batting my eyelids) The troll has jus given you a pass ;) - Posted from rhpmobile Yes, Yes, Yes I am flirting with you Lily for all the world to see :-)

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RHP User

12 years ago

I've been asked if I am Scandinavian or Russian!!! Umm no, just a sexy Aussie blonde!!!!

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RHP User

12 years ago

Mrs D & I were in Malaysia,it was early on in our trip. When we were asked where we were from our replies quickly changed from West Australia to Canada (her) and NZ (me)...Aussies were very much on the nose at that time!

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RHP User

12 years ago

Either way Australian,Asian,Canadian who really cares ,hot is hot and sexy is sexy ,sex appeal is not racist and you as a human have it .x - Posted from rhpmobile

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Seachange73

12 years ago

Quoting 'Strongfundte' Either way Australian,Asian,Canadian who really cares ,hot is hot and sexy is sexy ,sex appeal is not racist and you as a human have it .x - Posted from rhpmobile Why thanks mr strong.... so do you... xxx

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RHP User

12 years ago

I think most people may ask this question because they are interested in different cultures :) I'm a pale skin aboriginal male that looks little Italian lol most people when they find out my culture will go into deep conversation regarding it... So don't take the question as nasty it's more about getting to know you for you :))

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RHP User

12 years ago

I have on the odd occasion asked the "where are you from" question. I am half American also married to an American & love the exchange of different cultures. When I ask the question it is out of genuine interest & a point of conversation. When I lived in the USA, I often got asked where I was from the moment I opened my mouth & the Aussie accent came out. I am proud of my heritage & happy to talk about it with anyone who shows an interest. I would never have thought my question "where are you from" would have been taken as disrespectful as I am just interested in the diversity that makes up this beautiful country. I only ask the question if someone has made mention of their heritage in their profile, if someone lists their "race" as Australian, but visually shows signs of another culture, then I would not ask the question. It is only if they have acknowledged their heritage that I would look to it as a cue for a point of conversation.

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