I immigrated to the US at the age of 8. I’m Asian. I think I mastered the language at like probably 12 or 13.
I recall often in my life, people always assumed I didn’t speak English for some reason. Like before I had a chance to open my mouth, that question gets asked…
Not sure if it was because I was perhaps being quiet and unaware I was being quiet, so they made an assumption based on that, or if it had to do with how I look.
I kinda always felt a bit uncomfortable.
“Perpetual Foreigner” kind of.
I’m gonna give them the benefit of the doubt and assume it was just maybe I was quiet. But still. A white kid could stay quiet and I doubt the first thing a person assumes is oh he must not speak english.
Um… sorry if this is a weird ask, but those of you who live in immigration countries, have you ever been asked “Do you speak [Language of the country]?” Have you ever made an assumption about someone?
I’m a middle-aged white guy in the American South, salt and pepper beard, all that. I can see dudes giving me a quick eye before they say anything political.
“He might be one of us, can’t tell, better not risk talking shit.” They don’t even do the verbal testing dance, just keep it straight and level. Sometimes they look me over and it’s like they’re trying to be extra friendly, like some whites do to blacks, “I’m OK with you, really, I’m not one of them!”
I feel like they sense I don’t have my MAGA card. 😂 Best part is, I’m clueless as to what they’re seeing. I’ve had guys, talking low, shut up when I approach in public, and at 5’8" and 140lbs., I’m hardly intimidating. Just not in the club I guess. 🫤
(Might be the pin I have on all my bags, but those are fairly new. Waiting for an ass kicking over that.)
I’m torn. I’m also a 6’+ white guy, and those assholes frequently think I’m one of them. I’m not sure if I would prefer your situation, or the fact that when they try to be subtly racist I ask them point blank which of our cousins they have issues with. The look on their faces is priceless when they realize I consider all of humanity to be one family.
I’d rather they assume my politics and get slapped down with, “No. I am NOT on your side.”