"What is your ethnic background?" - Page 4

Raiderhater · 03-20-2007, 03:36 PM

Anybody else hate this fucking question? I just fielded a phone survey (for GreatClips of all places) and when we got to the second to last question I think I completely mystified the poor gal (who was a minority as evidenced by her speech) when I kept answering "American". "But what ethnicity: caucasion, African American, Asian American, Native American, other?" "American." "African American?" "No, just American." "But what is your ethnic background?" "Just American." "Uh, ookay (checks the 'other' box undoubtedly)."

There is nothing wrong with recognizing and even being proud of one's heritage, but why must we continually segregate ourselves from ourselves? Why is skin color so damned important? I thought we were all equall regardless of ethnicity? So why does everyone want to make such a big deal about it? If you live in America and are a citizen of our lovely country, you are an American first and foremost. I refuse to participate in this nonsensical division, I answer American.

Slick32 · 03-20-2007, 05:02 PM

Sorry guys, there might be many ethnic groups but if you are an American, born and raised you are an American.

I don't tend to work well with people not of my race.

The good part about that statement is that there is only one race here, the human race. Other differences are petty and beneath us all.

Fairplay · 03-20-2007, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slick32

Sorry guys, there might be many ethnic groups but if you are an American, born and raised you are an American.

I don't tend to work well with people not of my race.

The good part about that statement is that there is only one race here, the human race. Other differences are petty and beneath us all.

No big deal. I read what you stated, had an intial laugh, then thought, well, that is a legitimate question actually. I mean, if you don't claim american first. Well, you should know quite a bit about the country you claim is your blood. Right?

Raiderhater · 03-20-2007, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zebedee DuBois

Well done, then, my man.

I am curious why this sparks such a strong emotion.. you did say you hated they question, which is much stronger than merely being annoyed.

I assume you had no problem with identifying your age, gender, and income range.

Do you think your answers don't count as much if you are identified as white?

Heh, no, not exactly. It comes down to what I have been discussing with Mic: all of the talk, all of the protests, marches, legislation, ect. that has transpired in this country about race and equality and we are still segregating not just each other, but ourselves.

I am not a white-American, I am not a Jewish-ScotsIrish-German-Native American-American. I am an American, and while I am no where close to being ashamed of my ancestry, that is all I want to be and be known as. I am able to find contentment with in that. It boggles my mind why others cannot.

03-20-2007, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slick32

What part of Africa are you from?

You should see his arm, dude. I'll bet he could chuck a spear through an elephant.

wutamess · 03-20-2007, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slick32

What part of Africa are you from?

The black part.

Raiderhater · 03-20-2007, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donger

Other than flying The Jack on Saint Patrick's Day to irritate the Irish, I really don't put much stock in my being born and raised in England. After all, I had nothing to do with it. It's important to know one's history, but some take it a bit too far. There are those in the world who would kill to be "American."

That should be enough.

As usual, someone says in two sentences what I fumble around with and attempt to say in paragraphs. I really need to work on that.

Great post, Donger.

03-20-2007, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wutamess

The black part.

03-20-2007, 05:13 PM

I have a feeling you people do not take me seriously at all. This is an outrage.

wutamess · 03-20-2007, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phobia

I have a feeling you people do not take me seriously at all. This is an outrage.

I do.
You're starting to piss me off.

Fairplay · 03-20-2007, 05:17 PM

I have the sudden urge to play basketball.

Adept Havelock · 03-20-2007, 05:18 PM

When they ask me about my "race" or "ethnic background" on a form or in a survey...the answer is always the same. Homo Sapien.

(Yes, I know technically that's species...but it makes my point just fine).

Eleazar · 03-20-2007, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phobia

I need some landscaping done. Can you swing by and give me a fair estimate?

This board tolerates racism. Please delete my account.

Raiderhater · 03-20-2007, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adept Havelock

When they ask me about my "race" or "ethnic background" on a form or in a survey...the answer is always the same. Homo Sapien.

(Yes, I know technically that's species...but it makes my point just fine).

You're queer?

Raiderhater · 03-20-2007, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cochise

This board tolerates racism. Please delete my account.

JBucc · 03-20-2007, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cochise

This board tolerates racism. Please delete my account.

That's not true. I got banned for being racist one time.

03-20-2007, 03:36 PM
Raiderhater Tried it on and it fit Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: A Webb of chaos Casino cash: $-1557979	"What is your ethnic background?" Anybody else hate this fucking question? I just fielded a phone survey (for GreatClips of all places) and when we got to the second to last question I think I completely mystified the poor gal (who was a minority as evidenced by her speech) when I kept answering "American". "But what ethnicity: caucasion, African American, Asian American, Native American, other?" "American." "African American?" "No, just American." "But what is your ethnic background?" "Just American." "Uh, ookay (checks the 'other' box undoubtedly)." There is nothing wrong with recognizing and even being proud of one's heritage, but why must we continually segregate ourselves from ourselves? Why is skin color so damned important? I thought we were all equall regardless of ethnicity? So why does everyone want to make such a big deal about it? If you live in America and are a citizen of our lovely country, you are an American first and foremost. I refuse to participate in this nonsensical division, I answer American.
Posts: 29,547

03-20-2007, 05:02 PM	#46
Slick32 Banned Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: KC Casino cash: $10004900	Sorry guys, there might be many ethnic groups but if you are an American, born and raised you are an American. I don't tend to work well with people not of my race. The good part about that statement is that there is only one race here, the human race. Other differences are petty and beneath us all.
Posts: 643

03-20-2007, 05:13 PM	#53
Phobia Guest Casino cash: $	I have a feeling you people do not take me seriously at all. This is an outrage.
Posts: n/a

03-20-2007, 05:17 PM	#55
Fairplay A certain set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: texas Casino cash: $10026683 VARSITY	I have the sudden urge to play basketball.
Posts: 25,265

03-20-2007, 05:18 PM	#56
Adept Havelock Obligatory Thoughtcriminal Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Flux,awaiting an observer Casino cash: $10004900	When they ask me about my "race" or "ethnic background" on a form or in a survey...the answer is always the same. Homo Sapien. (Yes, I know technically that's species...but it makes my point just fine). __________________ No matter how cynical you are, it is impossible to keep up. -Lily Tomlin I'd rather be a climbing monkey than a falling angel. -Terry Pratchett
Posts: 14,305