Customers Asking Where I am From. Do You Find it Racist?

Scrooge McDeal on 07/02/2024 - 14:28
Last edited 09/02/2024 - 14:11

Hey everyone! I haven't posted a forum post for a while. I work in retail (I won't say where) and I have people/customers asking me where I am from.
I personally find it racist for people to ask me out of a sudden/randomly where I am from. Where does that accent is coming from? Strange name, where are you from?
How long you have been in Australia? Why did you come to Australia? Are some of the questions I am been asked daily and to be honest it's getting on my nerves and I find it racist.
To give you context, this are not regular customers that I have interactions everyday. This are random first time customers.

What do you think?

Racist or not racist.

Also I would like your input on how you would reacted if something like this occurs daily to you.

Edit: Thanks to scrimshaw for sharing this article. Although I respect people's opinion, I would suggest people reading this article that might change the way you think.

Poll Options

  • 143
    Definitely Racist
  • 657
    Not Racist
  • 941
    Just nosy/curious people
Education & Work

Comments

          • Ghost47 on 07/02/2024 - 16:42

            @bargaino: Ah fair enough, if you're trying to enjoy your holiday it'd be silly to get into arguments about war and politics at the dinner table.

  • archieduh on 07/02/2024 - 16:31
    -2

    @Scrooge McDeal
    No harm telling them about your Scottish origins before finding the egg and moving to Duckburg.

    PS: 100% feel for you. I have felt 2nd hand embarrassed when people next to me have asked these questions. Most people are in a way harmlessly racists in denial.

  • Oneguyinmelb on 07/02/2024 - 16:31
    +1

    At a kid's party, I saw two guests of south-east asian descent ask each other what their 'heritage' was rather than asking 'Where are you from?".

    Probably still comes across as a little racist if an Aussie asks it, but did feel it was slightly better wording.

    • bargaino on 07/02/2024 - 16:43
      +2

      That might be code for caste, depending how traditional their families are. It is alive and well in the Indian diaspora.

      • Oneguyinmelb on 07/02/2024 - 16:46

        One was Cambodian and the other was Phillipino, so not caste related…..though listening to some podcasts it seems like their importing caste-related discrimination into the States in Big Tech.

        • bargaino on 07/02/2024 - 16:47

          Sorry, I somehow missed the -east.

    • transplanted on 07/02/2024 - 17:11

      Yep, when an aussie asks, most probably there's a fiendish motive to it, but asians doing it on asians is okay.

      • CurlCurl on 07/02/2024 - 17:20

        Yep, when an aussie asks, most probably there's a fiendish motive to it,

        Garbage.

        • brendanm on 07/02/2024 - 18:13

          I detect sarcasm in that post.

          • CurlCurl on 07/02/2024 - 18:42

            @brendanm:

            I detect sarcasm in that post.

            Sorry. Your detector needs recalibrating.

            I was in Hospital for eleven weeks 18 months ago. I had many RNs during my stay. I was curious as to where they were from. I said 'wow where is that accent from'. I had RN's from, Poland, Sri Lanka, Nepal, New Zealand, Fiji, Afghanistan, Philippines, Malaysia, Croatia, Wales, and other places I can't recall. I also had an indigenous Aussie RN. We always had a good chat. The best RN was an Australian born Chinese.

            Maybe I am an exception as I was genuinely curious.

            • brendanm on 07/02/2024 - 19:06

              @CurlCurl: No, I meant sarcasm in the post you were replying to.

              • CurlCurl on 07/02/2024 - 19:52

                @brendanm: I see where you are coming from but sometimes it's hard to pick up.

            • digitalbath on 07/02/2024 - 19:06

              @CurlCurl: Nah. You’re obviously racist :-/

  • pegaxs on 07/02/2024 - 16:32
    +13

    It's easy, you just say "Sydney… Where are you from?"

    My daughter (half Asian) get's asked all the time and she is pure art in motion to listen to her talk these shitheads around in loops.

    "Where you from?"
    "Newcastle"
    "No, where are you really from"
    "Oh, *insert Newcastle suburb*…"
    "No, like, where were you born?"
    "Oh, I was born in Melbourne…"
    "No, like, where are your parents from?"
    "They're from Melbourne…"
    "No, like where where they born?"
    "Oh… Newcastle and Sunshine…"
    And it goes on and on…

    Then the clap back is when she asks them… "So, where are you from??" and they say some random Australian place, and as quick as that, she asks "No… like where are you really from…". If they say they were born in Australia… "No, I mean, like where were your parents born…"

    The look on these people faces is priceless.

    You just fight bullshit with bullshit. just put the same questions back on them. Or, look them dead in the eyes and say with your best Australian accent "Sorry, I don't speak English." (I also use the "I dont speak English" line a lot with shopping center charity kiosks.)

    • bargaino on 07/02/2024 - 16:45
      -1

      Sounds a little hard to believe that people are asking someone with an Australian accent where they are from, all the time.
      Though I'm pretty white, and if it comes up in the flow of conversation, people will ask my heritage. No harm in that.

      • CurlCurl on 07/02/2024 - 17:23

        How do you know op has an Aussie accent?

        • bargaino on 07/02/2024 - 17:26

          He doesn't. pegaxs daughter does in the alleged conversation above.

          • CurlCurl on 07/02/2024 - 17:35

            @bargaino:

            That was a reply to the OP but ended out of sync.

            • Skatez on 07/02/2024 - 18:11

              @CurlCurl: You mean the original commenter (pegaxs), not OP (Scrooge).

      • us3rnam3tak3n on 07/02/2024 - 18:43

        I recently asked a colleague where she was from, expecting an Aussie town. Only after she said NZ I noticed the accent. She'd been here a while.

      • ihfree on 07/02/2024 - 22:53

        Why's it suspicious?

      • john_conner on 08/02/2024 - 02:01
        -1

        People are not entitled to answers if others don’t want to give them. Don’t like it when people make you feel uncomfortable? Then stop making others uncomfortable and stick to non personal banter.

          • ihfree on 08/02/2024 - 15:24
            +1

            @BashfulYak: Maybe the person asking should also try acting more like a normal person and asking more directly.

    • dmac on 08/02/2024 - 07:41
      +1

      It sounds needlessly passive aggressive - fighting bullshit with bullshit. I don't understand why this is interpreted as a fight? Australians are from all places of the world, we are curious. If you don't want to answer a question that they haven't, you could say "I get asked that all the time, do you mind telling me about your heritage first?" If they play the game your daughter plays, play it back, but otherwise why not have a respectful conversation?

      • ihfree on 09/02/2024 - 00:53
        +1

        Fighting bs with bs is probably the right approach. After an answer or two, the person surely should be able to take a hint. If they don't, they need to work in their social skills.

        The kind of person who asks this question to someone they don't know is probably someone you don't want to know. The kind of person who can't take a hint is someone you definitely don't want to know.

        • dmac on 09/02/2024 - 22:11

          I'd rather talk to someone who is curious.

          I've realised most of my friends are neurodiverse (I already knew I was), so not taking a hint is par for the course, in my world.

    • bangiebargie on 08/02/2024 - 12:57
      +1

      Your daughter sounds like hard work. Good luck with that.

      • ihfree on 09/02/2024 - 00:55
        +1

        Sounds like a decent filter - probably cuts out a large number of weebs.

  • GordonD on 07/02/2024 - 16:34
    +10

    Racism is assuming people who aren't like you are motivated by racism.

  • Dollar General on 07/02/2024 - 16:40

    Just tell people you are from Nambia

    • R4 on 07/02/2024 - 16:49

      I'm a WASP but was born in Zambia. Very few people can get their head around that one, apparently.

      • us3rnam3tak3n on 07/02/2024 - 18:44
        +1

        "Oh, my God, Karen, you can't just ask people why they're white."

      • Lurk Hartog on 08/02/2024 - 12:08

        I'm hoping that people will realise that African American is an illogical euphemism for "black" since the rise in prominence of Elon Musk.

  • ginormousgiraffe on 07/02/2024 - 16:40
    +2

    Not necessarily racist but there are a subset of people that will ask so they know how much respect to show you.

  • R4 on 07/02/2024 - 16:48
    +1

    Watched some videos on YT of Western people, born in Japan, speaking perfect Japanese, talking to ethnic Japanese refusing to believe that they're Japanese. Some videos from the PRC showing the same thing too.

    Only the West is, allegedly, multicultural.

    • Ghost47 on 07/02/2024 - 16:56

      Well to be fair to Japan they crowned a White woman as Miss Japan last week or something.

      IMO that was more a spit in the face to ethnically Japanese people more than anything, somehow a White woman is more beautiful than a whole bunch of Japanese women in Japan, of all places. I feel sorry for all the younger Japanese girls who see that kind of thing.

      • R4 on 07/02/2024 - 18:43

        I hear what you are saying but if someone is born and raised in a country, there should be no issue for them to represent that country - whatever their race, religion or ethnicity is. Ethnic Japanese women have had plenty of shots at Miss Japan - and will again in the future.

        This woman was born and raised in Japan, identifies as Japanese - therefore she's Japanese.

        • Ghost47 on 07/02/2024 - 18:52

          I said "ethnically Japanese". There's a difference between being Japanese because you're simply born there (i.e. Japanese nationality) versus your ancestors going back hundreds of years being from Japan (i.e. ethnically Japanese).

          When I say "She's Japanese" (i.e. to describe someone) no one in their right mind would think of a person who is White. If I said "Those four teenagers who murdered that grandmother and stole her car were Australian" many people would automatically think they look White because Australia is predominantly known as a Western country.

          • R4 on 08/02/2024 - 13:29

            @Ghost47: I'm white - a WASP basically - but I was born in Africa. I consider myself to be African (& Australian) - the colour of my skin has nothing to do with it.

            Anything else is identity politics.

            • Ghost47 on 08/02/2024 - 19:14

              @R4: Good for you then, you can think of yourself as whatever nationality you want. It won't change how ridiculous I think it is for a White woman to be crowned as Miss Japan.

              • R4 on 08/02/2024 - 20:28

                @Ghost47: A White woman thinking of herself as being whatever nationality that she wants. Who'd a thunk it!

                • Ghost47 on 08/02/2024 - 20:34

                  @R4: Who d'a funk eet!!!! Haw haw haw!

              • unison on 09/02/2024 - 14:30

                @Ghost47: Would you feel the same way about a Miss America winner who isn't white, although the US is predominantly white? I think those contests should be thought as picking the most beautiful women of the year from that nation, regardless of your skin complexion or facial features. And this year it happened to be a white person.

                • Ghost47 on 09/02/2024 - 17:17

                  @unison:

                  Would you feel the same way about a Miss America winner who isn't white, although the US is predominantly white?

                  No I wouldn't. White people in the US only makes up just over 60% of the population. Just like Australia, the US is quite multicultural. White people did enslave Blacks for hundreds of years after all in the US.

                  Japan on the other hand is much more monoethnic, 98.5% of the Japanese population is ethnically Japanese.

                  And this year it happened to be a white person.

                  The fact she's Ukrainian is a huge red flag actually and the more logical explanation of why she won is because of some sort of virtue signalling about the war and — to a lesser but much more valid extent — straight up White worshipping which is very common in Asian countries.

        • Lurk Hartog on 08/02/2024 - 12:11
          +1

          She was born in the Ukraine, actually.

          • R4 on 08/02/2024 - 12:21

            @Lurk Hartog: Fair enough but it shouldn't be an issue for her to represent Japan.

    • scrimshaw on 07/02/2024 - 17:06
      +1

      Takashii from Japan?
      https://www.youtube.com/@takashiifromjapan

      His shorts are pretty interesting to watch, since he interviews a lot of half-Japanese people and asks them about their experience living as Japanese person. Quite often hafus' are not always treated as a Japanese even though they are born and raised there.

  • The8guy on 07/02/2024 - 17:03

    far better than someone ignores you after hearing your accent knowing you're not Australian

  • DiscoJango on 07/02/2024 - 17:04
    +2

    Wow, people are so special nowdays a simple question causes offence.

  • transplanted on 07/02/2024 - 17:06
    -2

    Definitely racist! They're gauging you like how did you get the job over the locals, or if you're dodging ATO and bending aussie rules

  • gviddy on 07/02/2024 - 17:12

    Mate, I'm guessing you have experienced some actual racist behaviour so its on your mind. I have a surname which is Dutch so every time somebody reads my surname they ask am I Dutch. I don't find it an issue whatsoever, definitely not racist. However I guess if other times I had felt persecuted by having a Dutch surname then maybe it would annoy me.

    Chill mate, think of it as a compliment. Somebody is interested in knowing more about you. Or somebody is feeling anxious and it is an easy ice breaker to make conversation.

  • hasher22 on 07/02/2024 - 17:18
    +2

    I get this question all the time and I know they are meaning my ethnic background..

    It's more common to say: "where are you from?" Than "what is your racial background?"

    We all know they mean our race not our nationality.

    No need to take offence to it and it's not racist. they just want to make small talk. But it they can cross the line saying stuff like "oh you can speak English properly", "you're good looking for an X race"….

    I tell people my background and it's a Segway for them to try relate.

    If someone told me what's my background in an interview, obviously it's work related not race related unless the question was followed up by some sort of race statement like "I had an amazing bowl of pho, btw what's your background Joe?"… I see nothing wrong with this.

  • SuperGreen on 07/02/2024 - 17:21

    Get a helmet. Get over yourself.
    I’ve been asked where I’m from for decades and not once did I think it’s racist.

  • Empharand on 07/02/2024 - 17:26

    You wrote up that rant spiel and forgot to actually confirm Where are you from

  • JDMcarfan on 07/02/2024 - 17:29

    people to ask me out of a sudden/randomly where I am from.

    not racist. People can be curious, I'm ethnic and I ask this all the time to get a better understanding of people I meet. Plus when you can accurately guess the more regional place they're from, they instantly bond with you.

    Where does that accent is coming from?

    refer to above

    Strange name, where are you from?

    if 'strange' is used either racist or straight-up oblivious (which is borderline racist). If they just want to know where your name is from, then again refer above.

    How long you have been in Australia? Why did you come to Australia?

    an unnecessary question if its someone you don't know personally, the why is again unnecessary, and if it comes from a random I'd class it as racist.

    Hope you liked my decision tree

  • hsbc on 07/02/2024 - 17:36

    You should be happy that they had a conversation and checking about you. Nothing racist at all.

  • fourofjacks on 07/02/2024 - 17:37

    If you follow AFL, the most important thing is if Scrooge thinks it's racist, it's racist.

    https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/if-buddy-thinks-its-racist…

  • Qazxswec on 07/02/2024 - 17:41

    maybe these people are just interested by you and want to make a genuine connection, i ask this question to people sometimes and it is never from a racist mindset or point of view, it is me genuinely wanting to know about the background of interesting people, I'm not saying there aren't people asking the question in a racist tone with racist intentions, but the question on face value is definitely not racist by itself

    • Scrooge McDeal on 07/02/2024 - 17:43
      +5

      The question itself it's not racist, it's the context that the question it's been asked. I wouldn't think your first question to someone would be where are you from? . Also the voice tone, the body language even the way they look at you matters.

      • Qazxswec on 07/02/2024 - 17:50
        +2

        yeah i dunno, without me personally seeing these people and interactions i cant tell you whether they are being racist or not, but the question by itself, is not racist, im just here to tell you that not all these encounters you are having are with racist people to help you so you can get past it and not have this in the back of your mind every time someone asks you this question, some people are racist yes, but not everyone

      • Moventura on 07/02/2024 - 18:11

        Yeah, the tone for me would be the giveaway. The question could be either way, by in the right context that's the main thing. Especially depends on geographical location and if the location is in an area with high unemployment, which could be the age old "they took my job". Doesn't matter of the qualifications to them if they think you're taking a job that could have been theirs due to being "a cheap hire". Even if you are paid regular awards. The Murdoch media fuels this hatred with sensationalist articles that make out like all foreigners are lazy while also taking our jobs. People are too brain-dead to realise that they can't be both.

        Hopefully these people don't continue to make you feel uncomfortable.

  • gviddy on 07/02/2024 - 18:01
    +7

    I am a white guy and whenever I am in Asia I am asked where I am from. One time a whole heap of Chinese women wanted to take a photo with me, cos I was the tall white guy. Never thought of it as racist. My reaction is always oh wow they want to know a bit about me.

    So I always tell them I come from Australia, you know, kangaroos !! And we have a laugh.

  • Moventura on 07/02/2024 - 18:06
    +1

    I think it depends on the context and how it sounds. Autistic people could be curious, bogans could be "why are you taking the job of an Australian".

    Also depends on location. If you're being asked in Melbourne it could be curiosity, if in QLD, definitely racist.

  • Antikythera on 07/02/2024 - 18:08
    +2

    There's only two things I hate in this world: people who are intolerant of other people's cultures, and the Dutch.

  • puddingguy on 07/02/2024 - 18:12
    +2

    Just wanted to say respect OP for handling this discussion in a classy, curious and good natured way even in the face of a lot of people telling you to get over yourself.

    When you’re born in Australia or live here a long time and associate regularly with people outside your ethnic group, you can feel that you are Australian. Until you get a lot of people asking you where you’re from, assuming that it’s somewhere overseas. I think most people are well meaning with this question, but unaware how often non-Anglo/Celtic people get asked this, and that it can make the person asked feel like they are seen as ‘different’. (Different might be good, bad or neither, depends on the asker.)

    The irony is that Australian born ‘ethnic’ people also often don’t really fit in in their ethnic ‘homeland’ because they’ve lived so long in Australia.

  • His_Holiness on 07/02/2024 - 18:18
    +2

    I'm brown and the only people who ask me where I'm from are other brown people and Asians. White people dgaf.

  • this is us on 07/02/2024 - 18:19
    -1

    I hear that almost every day and I see no problem… I've heard racist comments a few times, but I am not offended at all when people ask where I'm from. Most are genuinely curious or just trying to start a conversation.

    I do think that people are overly sensitive/paranoid these days, unable to deal with any levels of frustration, for the most stupid reasons

    One can't "feel offended" if there is no intention to offend. It doesn't matter what people say or do… If they are not trying to offend, there is no offense to be taken. People can be ignorant or distracted or spontaneous and say things that are then misinterpreted as a direct attack when there is no attack.

    • john_conner on 08/02/2024 - 02:11
      -3

      “One can't "feel offended" if there is no intention to offend. It doesn't matter what people say or do… If they are not trying to offend, there is no offense to be taken. People can be ignorant or distracted or spontaneous and say things that are then misinterpreted as a direct attack when there is no attack.“

      Wrong here. Classic victim blaming. Is someone not dead if the person who killed them”didn’t intend to kill them”? Must be the dead guys fault who misinterpreted the attack.

      People are entitled to feel what they feel.

      • this is us on 08/02/2024 - 18:08

        Yes… Entitled… That's probably the best word…

        So a Muslim feels attacked by a Jewish in the room, for no personal reason related to this Jewish.

        The Jewish feels attacked by the random person wearing a Palestinian flag… For no particular reason related to the person…

        The black feels attacked by the white who is walking next to him… And vice versa…

        The non-binary feels attacked by the straight guy who says she instead of they.

        The gay guy feels attacked by the straight colleague who asks about his wife.

        The 16yo girl named Sarah feels attacked by the nurse who didn't know she does identify as a female but wants to be addressed as Neptune instead of Sarah.

        The obese lady feels attacked by the anorexic girl who managed to lose 30kg in 6 months. The anorexic girl feels attacked by the obese lady drinking a hot chocolate at the train station. Both feel attacked by the hot couple who just left the gym.

        Yes, yes… People can feel what they feel but they can't blame anyone else for how they feel.

        So, I am not victim blaming because there are no (profanity) victims, just a bunch of entitled individuals making the society a terrible place for everyone else to live.

        When there is an actual attack, then people need (sometimes a lot of) psychotherapy to address their traumas and discomfort, and hopefully move on.

        The situations above are all real. People feel attacked but no one is attacking.

  • Thaal Sinestro on 07/02/2024 - 18:23
    -1

    Move to and work in a extremely multicultural suburb like Point Cook, Lidcombe, Campsie or Blacktown. In 20 years time all of Australia will be like those suburbs due to unstoppable immigration.

  • Nirmitha on 07/02/2024 - 18:29
    +1

    How it is asked, the tone and approach is what makes the difference. could just be making convo a lot of the time. BUT, there are obvious instances where the question is asked simply to make a judgment (this happens all the time even in corporate settings). Either way, it's always best to entertain - whether it's a genuine person or an insecure mind questioning you.

    It's neither this or that.

    Both happens.

    End of the day this is still Australia - where horrific violent racism against non-whites took place even 30-40 years ago. That majority-backed sentiment doesn't just evaporate, lol. There are plenty Aussies who supported the 'white Australian society' back then who are still alive amongst us. And their kids who learned from them. Some in positions of power. They just know to hide it well.

  • Emphasise on 07/02/2024 - 18:48
    +2

    Like others have said, it's the way they frame it. I have an Asian name but I was born in Aus. When I previously worked in a customer facing role, people would ask where I was from, then they'd say that my English was really good… 😐

    • Ghost47 on 07/02/2024 - 18:57
      +3

      You should reply with "Thanks, I bet your [insert Asian language here] sucks" lol.

    • dmac on 08/02/2024 - 07:47

      It's clunky because you were born here.

      It sounds like it could be a genuine compliment, we are told constantly how difficult the English language is to learn and to be supportive of those learning it whilst living here.

  • brad1-8tsi on 07/02/2024 - 18:49
    +6

    Here is the definition of "racist".

    adjective
    characterized by or showing prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism against a person or people on the basis of their membership of a particular racial or ethnic group, typically one that is a minority or marginalized.
    "we are investigating complaints about racist abuse"
    noun
    a person who is prejudiced against or antagonistic towards people on the basis of their membership of a particular racial or ethnic group, typically one that is a minority or marginalized.
    "he has been targeted by vicious racists online"

    None of what you describe sounds remotely racist.

    I'll often ask folk I meet where they are from or what their accent is. I've travelled the world and have a diverse cultural heritage and it's interesting to find out where my fellow citizens come from or to find a point of commonality.

  • digitalbath on 07/02/2024 - 19:01
    +3

    You want it to be racist don’t you?
    So you have another thing to whine about?

  • imurgod on 07/02/2024 - 19:02
    +1

    I'd say that's just being polite.

  • ECE on 07/02/2024 - 19:15
    +3

    Where you are from, OP?✌🏿

  • Trying2SaveABuck on 07/02/2024 - 19:29
    +2

    oh ffs

  • tsunamisurfer on 07/02/2024 - 19:30
    +3

    Most of the time it is not racist and genuinely just curious and having a chat.

    Getting upset at such a question is an over the top reaction.

    Its friendly, its civil, just go with it as part of normal cordial discord.

  • BartholemewH on 07/02/2024 - 19:32
    +2

    Tactless, but just nosy imo.

    • oO0Dam0Oo on 07/02/2024 - 19:57

      Not nosy it can be a topic of conversation and interest. Nothing racist in it at all.

  • jaimex2 on 07/02/2024 - 19:33
    +2

    This is why I just don't talk to anyone foreign.

    • Ghost47 on 07/02/2024 - 20:03

      I have a feeling this is a lot harder to do these days.

  • oO0Dam0Oo on 07/02/2024 - 19:56
    +2

    Seriously it’s anything but racist. We are a multicultural society. I am born and raised Aussie… Dad was from Malta and immigrated at around 8 years of age, Mum is full Aussie.

    People often ask what’s your back ground. Really people just interested in your heritage and this should not be a cause of offence. Lighten the feck up people.

  • UltimateAI on 07/02/2024 - 20:12
    +1

    Ahh.. for perspective I am white Caucasian and it’s a question we also pose to other people including white Caucasian. Have to remember except aboriginals most that you see as (white aussies) have various backgrounds, Irish, Scottish, Greek, Russian, first immigrants were not just British but their prisoners/convicts. Immigration isn’t a new concept we are always curious as to background. Three generations in Australia and look Aussie as the next bloke, but have Irish heritage. My Wife is the same but traced back it’s actually German / British. It’s just a talking point.

  • mountaineer on 07/02/2024 - 20:27
    +1

    Without much context, it is hard to say. You should be able to tell yourself if there is any element of racist in that question. The qustion itself is not racist but the reason behind asking the question could be. If you feel offended just tell them that's not their business.

  • liongalahad on 07/02/2024 - 20:28
    +4

    OMG I can't stand this attitude. Playing the victim at all costs. Everything is racist. Give me a break
    I come from another country too and have a non-English accent - I am absolutely OK with anyone asking where I come from as I am clearly not Aussie born. Happens all the time and would ask the same question. It's ZERO racist. If you think this is racist, the problem is you, not the people asking where you come from. Are you in some way ashamed or have inferiority complex for the country you come from? That would be the only explanation and again, the issue sits in you not in them

    • liongalahad on 07/02/2024 - 20:39

      P.S. unless of course the person asking is being confrontational or complaining of something you have done - if then they ask out of nowhere where you come from then fair enough, you may feel they are being racist or whatever. Won't argue on that
      But in the context of small talk and cordiality, asking where someone comes from is actually nice and shows some kind of genuine interest in your story

  • lonewolf on 07/02/2024 - 20:30
    +7

    In my experience, i generally found that the people who ask were the people who were actually nicer and more curious and wanting to know more about me and take time to learn about me etc. I always found it complimentary. I am sure it can be done in a derogative manner as well but its all about context.

    • liongalahad on 07/02/2024 - 20:32
      +1

      exactly, same for me. I actually like it when people asks and I find it nice and more polite, if anything

  • Sunnyoz on 07/02/2024 - 20:31

    You gotta start saying “ gday mate hey you goin? Howdy cobba aka champ how can I help ya ..start using the slang ..

  • NeverBuyRegPrice on 07/02/2024 - 20:35
    +1

    That's not racism mate. People that asked was just wondering and curious. It's also a form of small talk. I find it when people ask me where I'm originally from have a genuine interest in me. I'm Chinese but I have a Kiwi accent because I learnt English in NZ and now live in Australia. I get asked where I'm from all the time. I never once thought it was racism.

  • AircraftFreight on 07/02/2024 - 20:39

    OzPolitics thread starting up again

  • scooba on 07/02/2024 - 20:43

    After working with a league of nations, no it's not racist to ask where a person is from, or their accent and where their name originates from or how long they have been here.

    As far as the question of "why did you come here?", I don't think that's anyone else' business.

    One other thing, I'm guessing you could work on your literacy skills a bit more after reading your post. This may help with the questions that you are getting from people.

    Just so we're clear, I'm not being a smart alec in any way in regards to that last comment, just giving you some critical feedback that I hope helps you.

    • Eeples on 07/02/2024 - 20:48

      You worked for the League of Nations until it was dissolved in 1947?

      • scooba on 07/02/2024 - 20:58

        Ha ha ha man, ha ha ha.

  • Bob Svargis on 07/02/2024 - 20:48

    I find people's origin stories fascinating and I'll never stop asking people where they came from. If someone takes offence at that and construes it as racism, well they can shove it up their clacker. The mix of cultures in today's globalised world is what makes things interesting and it's a great conversation starter.

    I've never met anyone who gets offended when I talk to them about themselves and where they came from/where their accent comes from. The OP should consider leaving retail if s/he takes offence at being asked where his/her accent is from. Why not turn it into a positive instead of getting all mopey and whingy about it.

    • Eeples on 07/02/2024 - 20:51

      I don’t ask complete strangers about their origins… but anyone else is fair game…. Mainly for travel tips concerning countries.

      • Bob Svargis on 14/02/2024 - 09:15

        Same. Don't get me wrong, I don't ask complete strangers - just those I'm already having a conversation with, if it's going well. Obviously if they don't want to talk about it, I don't talk about it - simple really. I don't walk up to people in the street and ask where they came from - that's just weird and rude!

        The only time this got awkward with someone was when I was talking to a bar tender one time, an elderly lady with a strong accent. I casually asked where the accent was from while chatting and she said very quietly "Russia". This was in August 2022 so she was rather quiet about it. Common sense says, you don't push the point and you change topic… However there's no accounting for common sense nowadays so people just get scared to even have the conversation.

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