Have you ever been asked a question that was so ignorant or annoying that you had to go back and tell SOMEBODY about it because it bothered you so much?
Yeah, me too.
There are plenty of questions or statements that I've heard that have had me questioning the mental stability of the person asking the question. Like, a huge question mark could literally takeover my entire face because that's exactly how I feel, in that very moment, when someone says something really dumb.
Here, I've compiled a list of what I think are some of the dumbest questions or statements that have been asked of me because I'm a black girl. Some are kind of silly and then some are kind of rude.
1. Is that your REAL hair? Contrary to popular belief, many black women have long hair. My hair sits at my shoulders and falls a little on my back. Four years ago I shaved my head because of this type of question. Black women with "long hair" are deemed unicorns and I'm not sure why that is? I know plenty of black women that like to keep their hair long and I know plenty that don't. It's a preference. Just as any other race would do their hair.
2. Your hair is REALLY long.... are you mixed with something? As if only mixed women can have long hair? What kind of question is this.
3. Can I touch your hair? Why do people always want to touch my hair? Personally, I don't want anyone touching my head simply because it's kind of weird but then people make it worse when they touch my hair and exclaim how shocked they are because my hair is "soft". What did you think my hair was going to feel like? A stack of hay?
4. You're really pretty...are you mixed? THIS IS RUDE. DO NOT ASK THIS QUESTION EVER.
5. Can you swim? Yes, can you?
6. Why do you talk "white"? White is a color not a way of sound. Speaking grammatically correct is not only an attribution to the Caucasian race. Anyone can speak intelligently and it's really hurtful when someone asks this question.
7. Why did you join a "white" sorority (as opposed to being an AKA or a Delta? Okay this question is kind of rude on all ends of the spectrum. It's 2015, why are we still labeling sororities and fraternities as white and black only when a whole lot of other races are in them as well? Secondly, there are more than just AKA's and Delta's as well. It's rude to not include the other two sororities: Sigma Gamma Rho, and Zeta Phi Beta. Lastly, why would you ask someone why they didn't join a sorority based on something like race? Being in a sorority is about service and being a part of a community. There is something positive about ALL OF THEM.
8. Can you twerk? Why is that the first question anyone asks a black woman? That's kind of strange.
9. Can you show me how to twerk, nae nae, whip, etc.? No.
10. You're so pretty...for a black girl! Now, I know a lot of people think this is a compliment. It's not. At all. Not even a little bit. It should just stop at you're so pretty.
11. How come you didn't go to an HBCU? Because I enrolled at another university? I mean why didn't you go to xyz? This is a silly question.
12. Can I say the "N" word? Now, I personally think that if anyone says it that means everyone can say it. However, a lot of people do not feel that way and I don't advise that anyone use it just because they randomly want to say it. Ask yourself why you needed to ask ME if you're allowed to say it.
13. How do you feel about.... whatever is going on in the world of black people at the current time? This has always been a little strange to me because I'm a very opinionated person but I don't talk about politics or things like that with people over dinner or anything. So it's a little strange when someone asks me ONLY how I feel about tragic events like Trayvon Martin's case or Sandra Bland etc. No one ever asks about worldly events and I find that really peculiar.
14. Who's your favorite rapper? As if black people ONLY listen to rap... no just ask us what kind of music we like. If I say rap, then you can ask me who my favorite rapper is.
15. Do you prefer to be called African American or Black? I prefer Brittany, thanks.
The list could go on for an endless number of questions that I've been asked by all races at some point. These seemed to stand out the most to me and have at some point really angered me that someone would even say something like that.
Bottom line, as a whole, we all need to practice a little more discretion when it comes to asking people questions because sometimes we can come off as hurtful even though we are not trying to.
