ethnic question

TazziRN, RN · Apr 1, 2006

It's sad that one would consider the question too private to answer, and another would take offense. There is rarely offense intended in such a question, and I have a hard time understanding why it would be considered discriminatory. I am of mixed ethnicity, and I am proud of it. I sometimes see pts whose ethnicity I can't determine, and I have never felt too uncomfortable to ask: "That's an interesting name, where's it from?" or "I hear an accent but I can't figure out where it's from....where did you grow up?" I have never had anyone take offense at that.

weetziebat · Apr 1, 2006

It's sad that one would consider the question too private to answer, and another would take offense. There is rarely offense intended in such a question, and I have a hard time understanding why it would be considered discriminatory. I am of mixed ethnicity, and I am proud of it. I sometimes see pts whose ethnicity I can't determine, and I have never felt too uncomfortable to ask: "That's an interesting name, where's it from?" or "I hear an accent but I can't figure out where it's from....where did you grow up?" I have never had anyone take offense at that.

LOL - Tazzi, I'll send ya a picture of my dh, so you don't ever make the mistake of asking him where he is from. Or mentioning his 'ethnic' name.

:chair:

I have never been able to figure out why it bothers him either. Except for Native Americans, we (or our ancestors) came from somewhere else, and I certainly never meant to offend someone when asking the question. His response is that how can anyone dare to ask such a personal question - he is in the U.S. legally, thus he is American. And don't ask! :uhoh21:

TazziRN, RN · Apr 1, 2006

Ahhh, yes, he's American, but his ethnicity is not! I'm sorry he doesn't understand that, although his patriotism is admirable!

NoMoreStudying · Apr 1, 2006

I've become pretty good at knowing whether people are simply curious or prying. And yes, plenty of nosy, prying people are still out there. If I can tell it will lead the conversation in a bad direction, I'll answer the state where I went to high school, which usually ends it.

I can understand not wanting to answer. PLenty of us have received negative attention for this in the past or are simply tired of being the spokesperson for ethnicity. For the most part, I find people don't mean any harm, though.

I would like an educational seminar on wording, though. My favorite question is "Do you have some [pther country] in ya?" To which I must always bite my tongue, rather than answer "well, not at this moment." :idea:

purplemania, BSN, RN · Apr 1, 2006

Be proud of who you are. Say as much or as little as you want but remember Americans are open minded and open mouth. We come right out and say what we are thinking. It is not intended to hurt your feelings, but to personalize the relationship. Otherwise, you will be considered a snob or worse, someone who is not interested in being friendly with patients. I hope you find a comfortable response that works for you. Why don't you talk about it with an American friend?

Drysolong · Apr 1, 2006

what is the best way to respond to patients who ask about your ethnicity. i am a very private person. i have an accent but am trying my best to assimilate. what is the best way to not answer the question and also not appear rude?

Isn't everybody ethnic? My definition of assimilation in the United States is to add your culture and ethnicity to the "pot" of American culture. Being very proud of my African-American heritage added to my love of and interest in all people, I would also hope that you realize the contribution that you make to our overall culture.

Gabie Baby · Apr 1, 2006

Tazzi - never that you know of.

I think people shouldn't ask and they certaily shouldn't tell if they don't want to. There are lots of wonderful people in the world but, unfortunately, just as many and maybe more scumbags who don't like anyone different from themselves.

Some people have suffered a lot due to their heritage and it is totally understandable that they are reluctant to reveal it.

letina · Apr 1, 2006

I've lost count of the number of times I've been asked about my accent :uhoh3:

But you know what?.....whenever I'm asked, the person doing the asking always asks with a smile on their face.......kinda makes me feel "interesting" :lol2:

Trauma Columnist · Apr 1, 2006

To the original poster - is it your culture not to ask personal questions? I too have lived in several countries and some cultures don't ask personal questions ever, its just not considered polite. I see that you are from IL (I am too). We in the midwest are sometimes a nosy bunch of people - its not that we are being rude, just curious. Please don't take offense. In my little cornfield, we have very little ethnic variety so when we find someone who might be a little different than us, we ask questions. Good luck...

MultipurposeRN · Apr 1, 2006

I'm not offended when people ask me if I'm from 'x' state or whatever. I don't really have an accent, or so I think. According to a friend from Michigan, I sound like a hick, though. LOL

firstclass · Apr 2, 2006

To the original poster - is it your culture not to ask personal questions? I too have lived in several countries and some cultures don't ask personal questions ever, its just not considered polite. I see that you are from IL (I am too). We in the midwest are sometimes a nosy bunch of people - its not that we are being rude, just curious. Please don't take offense. In my little cornfield, we have very little ethnic variety so when we find someone who might be a little different than us, we ask questions. Good luck...

thank you very much for putting it so nicely. i will keep your advice in mind.

firstclass · Apr 2, 2006

Tazzi - never that you know of.
I think people shouldn't ask and they certaily shouldn't tell if they don't want to. There are lots of wonderful people in the world but, unfortunately, just as many and maybe more scumbags who don't like anyone different from themselves.
Some people have suffered a lot due to their heritage and it is totally understandable that they are reluctant to reveal it.

you are right when you say that people have suffered due to their heritage. specially now-a-days due to the media sterotyping, many people are prejudiced.