Miss Conduct

A question of race

How to respond to “What are you?” Plus dealing with an explosive mother.

By Robin Abrahams

September 27, 2009

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I am of mixed race. Ever since I can remember, people have asked me questions like “What are you?” or “Are you this/that?” It started to irk me in high school. I don’t mind telling people about my mix when we’re on the subject of nationalities, but I find the random “What are you?” rude, especially since it tends to ... (Full article: 698 words)