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Asking someone what nationality they are or where they came from is not necessary triggered by the apparent race of the person as Mrs. Rodriguez-Salazar suggested. It is sometimes based on "we v. them" attitude. It may well be prejudicial but not necessary racist. I am white and liver in the US for 27 years of my 50 years. I went to college and law school in the United States. However very often I am asked the same question once I open my mouth and someone hears my accent. I know that other people with accent experience the same treatment. It is quite uncomfortable to answer question "what is your nationality" after living here for 27 years and being American citizen for 22 years. Yet, people tend to associate with people of the same culture, language, education, and ethnic background. Less educated and insecure people are more likely to distrust people different than themselves. Therefore, anytime someone hears or notices something different about other person, it may trigger attitude of distrust or feeling superior, and such a attitude manifest itself by inquiring into other person's personal life. Unfortunately, it happens more often in Oregon than such "melting pots" as LA or Chicago.

posted 5 years, 2 months ago
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