how do you ask someone their ethnic background/race without offending them?

But I want to know his roots.

I've been emailing back and forth with a nice gentlemen... he looks chinese to me. He told me he was asian-american (which is quite apparent by the photo captain obvious lol)

But I want to know his roots.

Do I ask him where he's from? Do I ask him his race? ethnicity?

Knowing me I'm going to make some ignorant white person comment and offend him

But i feel like I have to act extra intelligent when talking to an asian. I might not be smart enough for him. I don't want him to think I'm some dumb white girl.






:wasis:

Lol just ask him.

I've been emailing back and forth with a nice gentlemen... he looks chinese to me. He told me he was asian-american (which is quite apparent by the photo captain obvious lol)

But I want to know his roots.

Do I ask him where he's from? Do I ask him his race? ethnicity?

Knowing me I'm going to make some ignorant white person comment and offend him

But i feel like I have to act extra intelligent when talking to an asian. I might not be smart enough for him. I don't want him to think I'm some dumb white girl.






:wasis:

The reality is that they won't be offended. You will just look like a dumbass.

ya but what do I SAY?

how do i word it without sounding like a fool!

People can get bent outta shape over this kinda shit.

So does it just remain a mystery?

Tell him you love the origins of names and ask what his is.

ya but what do I SAY?

how do i word it without sounding like a fool!

People can get bent outta shape over this kinda shit.

know one gets to damn offended answering the question on ever application from mortgage to banking accounts to schools to jobs, so just ask. It's ignorant that you think you have to walk on egg shells to ask a stupid question.

Whats wrong with your voice?

That's not a bad idea actually... keep it about his name and not about his appearance

I meeean…


I thought you meant like, real life conversation but. I got nothin'. If the dude's online then who cares about his feelings.

You ask, "what is your heritage." Like a fucking normal, decent human being. It isn't taboo to ask someone about their cultural and familial history. If they are offended by that, you probably don't want them as friends to begin with.

If you think he's chinese, throw a chinese sentence at him. He might laugh and reply.

I know it's not taboo... but it can be incredibly ignorant and offensive to some if presented in a certain way.

My ex was chinese and he called me racist all the time. I never thought I was... I'm just trying to take some precautions

The old me wouldn't give a fuck if I offended him...

but i'm trying to turn over a new leaf