What It's Like To Be Middle-Eastern In America | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Arts Entertainment

13 Things You Hear If You're Half Middle-Eastern Born And Raised in America

People have said these things, repeatedly.

322
13 Things You Hear If You're Half Middle-Eastern Born And Raised in America
https://pixabay.com/en/persian-cat-cat-persians-2461526/

In This Article:

You know what's really annoying? Being ogled at and having the fact that you're Middle-Eastern when you're not even doing Middle-Eastern things pointed out all the time. These are some common comments and questions that are frequently said. Included are the sassy responses that go through my head every time. Do I ever say them out loud? No. Will I say them here for my own entertainment and yours? 100-percent yes. Enjoy.

"What are you?"

media.giphy.com

This is honestly one of the rudest questions. It's like "What are you? An animal? A tree?" Um, I'm a human being. This question is capital "R" Rude because it's a question that's basically saying "it should be obvious what question I'm asking because you should be used to being dehumanized by now". Ummmm NO. Proper question, "what ethnicity are you?" You're welcome.

"No, but like, where are you really from?"

media.giphy.com

When you ask me where I'm from and I tell you Michigan, and you retort with "no, where are you really from?", I am still from Michigan, because, you know, I was born there. Again, the question they're really asking is "what ethnicity are you?" and again, you're welcome.

"You don't act brown"

media.giphy.com

If you've been born and raised in the USA there's a good chance you have adhered to more American culture than Middle-Eastern and have a tendency to act accordingly, which then prompts this stupid question from other people because in their minds you're brown on the outside but act "white" on the inside so really "you don't act brown" also translates to "why are you white?". Dumbasses.

"Why do you have so much hair?"

media.giphy.com

Because, I'm fabulous. Look, I know I have a lot of hair. I got it on my arms, my toes, and all over my face. Girl, you bet I know my mustache is poppin'. You wanna pet it? Us Middle-Eastern's are just naturally thick and dark haired, get over it.

"I love your eyebrow. . .s"

media.giphy.com

Thank you. No, I don't have to do anything to them other than pluck them a lot. AND I'm fully aware that you were hinting at the fact that I currently have one eyebrow. I've been lazy, I just haven't plucked in the middle for a while. It's fine.

"Do you know any terrorists?"

media.giphy.com

Seriously? Of course I don't. That was stupid. Next question please. Or better yet, maybe don't.

"You're Muslim, right?"

media.giphy.com

When you assume you make an "ass" of "u" and "me". Not everyone that's Middle-Eastern is Muslim, stop trying to make yourself look cultured, you failed, go home.

"When did you learn English?"

media.giphy.com

Same time as you, love. Same time as you.

"You speak English really well!"

media.giphy.com

Yeah, I've only lived here my entire life.

"You remind me of Frida Khalo."

media.giphy.com

It's the eyebrow thing again isn't it? (Sigh).

"What kind of brown are you?"

media.giphy.com

What bullshit question did you just ask me? Try again. Hint: the question you're looking for is "What ethnicity are you?"

"Your mom is white? OMG you look nothing like her!"

media.giphy.com

First of all: WRONG. I am my momma's carbon copy, I am just the brown version. I guess they when they said "I don't see color" what they meant was "I'm over-compensating cause all I see is color".

"Were you adopted?"

media.giphy.com

Just because you see me hanging out with my white parent does not mean that my other parent is also white. Y'all just assuming that there are these homogeneous couples. Also, again, I look just like my mom. Lame.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Types Of Sorority Girls

Who really makes up your chapter...

2147
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

1802
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Things That Describe You and Your College Friends

The craziest, funniest, and most unforgettable college memories are impossible to create without an amazing group of friends.

1424
College Friends
Marina Lombardi

1. You'll never run out of clothes when you have at least four closets to choose from.

2. You embrace and encourage each other’s horrible, yet remarkable dance moves.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments