So, What Are You?

by Sneha Goud - Michigan State University Graduate

“So, what are you?”

Every brown girl has heard this question, from new friends, teachers, or even curious strangers.  We all have a different approach to deal with the question of our heritage, developed through adolescent experiences and influenced by family and friends. 

A lot of people are offended by the question. What business is it of anyone’s what race I am? Why do they need to know? Why does it matter? I was born and raised in this country, why should I be treated differently? There are some people who will turn the question around and answer “New Jersey” or “California.” All this does is prompt the follow-up, “No, where are you originally from?”

Yes, it’s unfair we must be the ambassadors of our race, that we must bear the burden of educating others.  But it will ultimately benefit all of us if we answer honestly and politely.  I don’t think people who are actually hostile toward immigrants who ask us these questions; they are just curious.  The hostile ones wouldn’t even ask. Even a short explanation of the many languages and culture variations in India will help elucidate our background – knowing facts makes it more difficult to stereotype all Indians as the same. 

My dad used to do the same thing, asking everyone from taxi drivers to waiters questions about heritage. When my parents moved to Kentucky in the mid 80s, there was no Hindu temple in the area and we had to travel two hours to stock up on giant bags of basmati rice and gallons of canola oil.  His questioning was a way to connect with people, to learn about the world and find kindred spirits.  I was always embarrassed as a kid, but I admit I have adopted some of his brazenness and inability to be embarrassed as an adult.

Not to say I don’t still encounter ignorance – co-workers who express surprise I don’t speak with an accent even after I explain my birth certificate looks the same as theirs or friend’s parents who are shocked to see my skin is dark all over, even on my feet (both of which have happened in the last six months).

Today can be a dangerous time for people who look like us.  Wealthy white men compare themselves to Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s, claim Indians take jobs away from more deserving “Americans,” and hurt Muslims physically and mentally.  We can help dispel stereotypes and encourage tolerance by educating others when we are asked the question, as we inevitably will be, “What are you?”