Guidelines - "So What Are You?" part 2

How Can Mixed Folks Respond to the Question: "So What Are You?"

Hi mixed race and mixed ethnicity friends!  Let's continue our discussion on how mixed folks can respond to the somtimes hurtful question "So what are you?"  Below are a few methods you could use when dealing with this issue.

• Use the Direct Approach, Mixed Folks!

• You could tell them how this question can be hurtful to you as someone with mixed heritage.

• As multiracial, multiethnic, interracial, blended folks and/or people of color, micro-aggressions and feeling slighted by questions like "So what are you?" are nothing new and needs change.
• In the "not!attractive" post (found here), we talked about ways people with mixed heritage can confront others on topics of mixed race and/or mixed ethnicity.

• Just Don’t Answer, Mixed Folks!

• Play it coy, storm off, either way, withhold your mixed heritage!

• You don't owe anyone your identities.  If "So what are you?" or other questions make you feel uncomfortable, angry, etc., you are in no way obligated to respond

• Give ‘Em What They Want, Mixed Folks!

• Lay it on them, tell your mixed heritage tale!

• The benefit of this option is that you can increase:  1) the understanding of mixed heritage 2) the awareness of multiracil and multiethnic folks- in your surrounding community.
• The above is definitely not guaranteed!

Have you ever had to confront someone about asking for personal info on race or ethnicity?  How did you respond as a multiracial, multiethnic, interracial, blended, mixed person?  Let's get a conversation going, my mixed race and/or ethnicity friends!

Leave a comment, question or suggestion in the box below!  As always, "Growing Up Mixed" is a safe space

Whichever option you go with, good luck mixed folks!

<3 Elise "The Mixed Blogging Chick"