Don't get me wrong; I love being multiracial and am beyond thankful for the experiences I've had because of it.
What I'm not okay with is all the stupid questions I am asked solely based on my appearance.
And believe it or not, that's not even the worst part.
Besides the intrusive way these questions are usually thrown at me, the way people go about asking them, is what really hits a nerve.
Not only do the people asking feel entitled to know personal aspects about my life, family, my family's family, but they assume their fleeting curiosity is more important than whatever I may be doing at the moment.
Not to mention, it's extremely awkward explaining my ethnic make-up to someone I've only known for five minutes.
Then you have those select few people who use "exotic" as some type of compliment.
Trust me, it's not. It's an ignorant, uneducated assumption that implies a whole lot of negative and offensive things. All of this could've been avoided if they just didn't say it.
Ever.
End of story.
Look people, a Burmese python is exotic. Me, a human from Maryland, am not exotic. Simple as that.
Thankfully, nowadays things aren't as black and white, literally.
And with the sudden rise of body positive, and self-love movements, being biracial became less taboo as well.
As a result, we get people like the ones mentioned above (and the list coming below) who've gotten a little too comfortable asking questions meant strictly for Google search engines.
Here are 23 things you shouldn't be saying to a multiracial person:
1. What are you?
Ugh, human? Yeah, definitely human. More specifically, a girl.
2. Where are you from?
Your mom.
HAHAHA! But seriously, my mom.
3. No, I meant where are you originally from?
Ugh, like before I was born?
4. No, where are your parents originally from?
Ahhhh, I see.
Space. My parents are from space.
5. Are you sure you don't have some Italian in you?
Hold up, let me Google it right quick.
6. Why are you so tan?
Beyoncé said it best: "I woke up like this, I woke up like this, flawless."
But seriously guys, it's genetics, what can I say?
7. Is your mom or your dad white?
Can you just ask me about my hobbies, or maybe my favorite book or something. I don't know, I can't handle this right now.
8. Wow, you look nothing like your parents!
I'm multiracial, people. Just think about that for a moment.
9. Which race do you identify with most?
I'm not into this whole politics thing, but I classify this question as slightly racist.
10. But, you act more (insert race here).
Once again, slightly racist.
11. Well you're only half black, white, latina etc. So you don't count.
You're totally doing this whole compliment thing, all wrong.
12. Were you adopted?
Now that you mention it, I never asked my mom for DNA documentation proving I am in fact her offspring.
Oh well, guess I'll ask her over dinner.
13. On standardized tests, which race did you select?
"Please select one."
Honestly, I never could decide.
14. Your kids are gonna look so cute!
Um, are we just gonna state the obvious here, or...
15. Is that your natural hair?
Yes.
16. Can I...
No.
17. What's your ethnicity? Wait, let me guess...Italian, Armenian...
Okay, this is never acceptable. I repeat, never. Really, don't do this.
However, all this sounds delicious. Take-out, anyone? Anyone?!
18. You're half (insert race here). You should at least have some rhythm.
Okay, I have about as much rhythm as an emu with a broken leg.
Not really, but you get the idea.
19. Do you get "half-offended" by racial jokes?
Can I remove half your DNA? No, it's not possible.
You either are or aren't offended. There is no in-between.
20. Family get togethers must be interesting.
One's family does not just "get together" by choice.
21. Were you ever confused growing up?
You mean by these questions? Then yes, also by everything else a normal child gets confused by growing up.
Aka life.
22. That's not racist, right?
Chances are if you have to ask, then yes, yes it is.
23. What's it like being a modern-day multicultural Millennial?
This is fine if you're referring to all the different cultures, foods and traditions, I was able to experience growing up.
Also I actually appreciate the extra emphasis placed on human equality. I couldn't ask for anything more.
Except these questions. These I could definitely live without.
