• 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • Join the riot newsletter
  • Wishlist
RunwayRiot
fashion for all women


  • Shop
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • Editor’s Closet
    • Our Obsessions!
    • Gift Ideas
  • About Runway Riot
  • Fitness
  • News
  • Beauty/Fashion
  • Designers
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
Wish
list
  • Shop
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • Editor’s Closet
    • Designers
    • Gift Ideas
    • Our Obsessions!
    • Guilty Pleasures
  • Beauty/Fashion
  • Fitness
  • Self-care
  • Current Obsessions
  • The Latest
  • Why This Woman Waited 18 Years to Wear a Bikini
  • Ask Iskra: Iskra Lawrence on Why She Doesn't Restrict Herself to a Diet
  • Can Someone Explain Why Ashley Graham Still Has to Defend Her Size?
  • Director Explains Why Wonder Woman Is Still Wearing Hot High Heels While Fighting
Things You Shouldn’t Say to Someone If You Don’t Know Their Ethnicity
by Stephanie Jade Wong | July 8, 2016 at 12:00 PM
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 

I’m Chinese, but I’ve got naturally blond hair and blue eyes and fair skin, so I guess I don’t look like the typical Asian woman.

But whether you know my ethnicity or not, here are some things you shouldn’t say, and alternative ways to ask someone more about their background.

 

Are your eyes real?
Well, they’re not glass eyes. Yes, my eyes are real. What you mean to ask is, “Are your eyes naturally blue with yellow flecks in them? Or are you wearing colored contacts?” Even then, is it really your business? Just tell someone their eyes are pretty.

 

Are you adopted?
I’m not, but why would it matter? I may not have brown hair, brown eyes and tan skin like both my parents, but that doesn’t just mean I’m adopted.

 

Are you from Beijing?
Are you asking me this just because you can tell I’m Chinese? Not all Chinese people are from Beijing. Just ask me where I’m from instead of assuming I’m from a specific place.

 

Where are you really from?
I’m really from where I say I’m from. Mind-blowing concept. Why don’t you just believe me? Do you want to know where my parents are from? Maybe you should just ask me what ethnicity I am instead of asking where I’m from. I could be from anywhere in the world, and so could my parents.

 

You must look like your mom.
You’ve never seen my mom. Do you just assume I’d look like her because you assume she’s Asian and my dad’s Caucasian? Please stop assuming.

 

Human beings are beautiful because we look different. If you want to know more about someone and why they look unique, just ask them.

Tags: Asian, Chinese, Culture
About the Author

Stephanie Jade Wong

I Want That!
Estee Lauder
Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick
Gimme! + Wishlist
$32.00
Rodial
Instaglam Compact Deluxe Illuminating Powder
You Know You Want Me! + Wishlist
$57.00
Dune
Dune Order Glitter and Suede Chelsea Boots, Women
Shop now + Wishlist
$88.89
MARKUS LUPFER
Markus Lupfer - Flamingo Sequin-embellished Merino Wool Sweater - Charcoal
Shop now + Wishlist
$370.00
Etsy – CoralStreetDesigns
I Am Freaking Cold Sweatshirt
Buy Me + Wishlist
$25.00
Topshop
Belted Glen Plaid Miniskirt
You Know You Want Me! + Wishlist
$68.00
Topshop
Rose Denim Miniskirt
Buy Me + Wishlist
$68.00
Trish Mcevoy
Line Eraser Neck & Chest Essence
Buy Me + Wishlist
$98.50
La Blanca
La Blanca - Calypso Island Cut-Out Bandeau One-Piece (Multi) Women
Shop now + Wishlist
$62.99
Jolt
Women
Gimme! + Wishlist
$38.98
Marysia Swim
Marysia Swim Palisades Ruffle Maillot
Shop now + Wishlist
$350.00
ELVI
Pleat Print Maxi Skirt (Plus Size)
Gimme! + Wishlist
$79.00
19 Female Professional Athletes Who Are Changing The Way We Look At Fashion
November 7, 2017 at 3:12 PM
11 Body Confident Trends for Transitional Wear
November 7, 2017 at 3:05 PM
The Power of 11: How to Align With Your True Self
February 14, 2017 at 12:50 PM
The Best Single Statement Shirts to Wear this Valentine’s Day
February 14, 2017 at 8:33 AM
Couples That Workout Together Stay Together
February 14, 2017 at 2:39 AM
RunwayRiot
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
Sitemap
  • Shop
  • About
  • Contact Us
  • All Stories
Join the riot
© 2021 RunwayRiot, LLC - All Rights Reserved.
  • FAQ
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy
  • Site Design
  1. Mediaite
  2. The Mary Sue
  3. RunwayRiot
  4. LawNewz
  5. Gossip Cop