There are a number of ways to respond. “It’s none of your business” risks incurring their wrath. Saying you are from Rathmines or Rathkeale is not the desired answer either. Why? Because it doesn’t explain why you look the way you do, which is generally the motivation behind the question. This also runs the risk of the follow-up question “Where are you really from?” which bears an accusatory tone and leaves an unpleasant aftertaste.
When you ask a person where they are from, you are effectively requesting a potted history of their roots. For some, this can be deeply painful. They may have suffered trauma and loss. Yielding such information also means revealing their status to you. Such information is essentially nobody’s business.
So, what is the correct terminology to use? The American term of Black, Indigenous & People of Colour is clunky and not relevant here. Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic once favoured in the UK has now fallen out of use. Some people use People of Colour or Ethnic Minority. Others opt for the simple term “non-white” as it covers everyone. That is what we tend to use.
Three minutes on the topic of “It’s nice to be nice” at a school assembly amounts to a box-ticking exercise. It also fails to grasp the fact that hatred based on ethnicity is being used by certain groups to generate division in our society. And, actions always speak louder than words. I am still waiting for an Asian or black Mary or Joseph in the school nativity play, rather than the usual blond and blue eyed child. Representation matters.
I'd also echo the 'ah would ye go on outa that' brigade here but jaysus Christy, what's with all the 'don't let the door hit ye on the way out'? are we all racist now father? There's a middle ground that's 'would ye ever have a wee bit of cop on'.
What truth is she missing here, Her daughter describes her as a Pink lady, then wants everyone to change society,
Yeah, but... Where is she REALLY from?
Hopefully she’s enjoyed her holiday and get home soon
The glories of a multi-cultural society where walking on egg-shells is a constant.
What is wrong with asking where someone is from?
Yep. 'That accent isn't from around here' I'm Australian - Irish.
The difference is we are proud to be Irish. And will say it wherever we are.
'default position of most white folk is to describe everyone apart from themselves as black' Huge lie. Chinese in Dublin never called 'black'. Nor discriminated against, because they respect Éire, work, educated, no street gangs, drugs, no social burden. Gettit?
And? It’s one of the first questions Irish people ask of each other, ‘where are ye from’ and only the perpetually offended brigade could possibly seek out ever new ways to take affront.
I'm a South African living in Ireland. I get asked 'where are you from?' literally every single time I meet someone knew. Every single time. Plot twist: I'm a white South African. The Irish people are warm, friendly, and curious. That's all there is to it.
Glad I halted my subscription, fucking rag that paper. The editor, O Toole and and Mullaney need to be shown the door. Paper of record my arse.
She doesn’t look like a member of an indigenous Irish tribe
Better scrap your new to the parish section so!
‘Go to the opera ‘ says it all !!!
Confusing photo
'I yearn for a time when I turn on the TV, go to the opera, the library or a parent-teacher meeting and see and meet people who reflect our multicultural society.' She's obviously never watched Irish TV!
Yes, Irish people are white, what do you expect Africa is hundreds of times the size of Ireland, if you don't like the question please don't leave the door hit you on the way out.
I get asked at least twice a week as a white blow in 😁
I got the same. I tell people she's from the usual place. my vagina urerus etc.
I hate what has happened to Ireland in the past 20 years.
When you view people as either “white” or “non-white”, then YOU are a racist, YOU are the problem, and YOU need to change. The Irish people have nothing to learn from yet another ignorant, posturing, self-absorbed Irish Times columnist.
I’m confused about the photo?
“I live in what can feel like an unique world” No, you’re just completely self-absorbed. Loads of people marry & have kids with people of other ethnicities. Get over yourself. Also “an unique”? Where is the editor from? Can we get someone who speaks English as a first language?
So your kid is adopted? If so, why not just say that? Or are you embarrassed for some reason? Also, maybe if you referred to people by their nationality, and NOT by the colour of their skin (which is the definition of racism) this would be an easier conversation.
When I’m abroad people ask me where I’m from. Sometimes they start guessuing, and it becomes like a game. It’s normal. The fact that you have a problem with it suggests that maybe it’s YOU who is struggle accepting yourself, not us.
I’ve travelled the world and get asked “ where are you from?” in every country I’ve been too. I never felt offended as it’s a simple friendly question. Only the perpetually offended could have an issue with this. Pathetic article.
Far left bullshite
Can I have a guess where she is from?
As someone from a working class area, I can say with certainty that yes, my kids have been followed around suspiciously in supermarkets and shops by security guards, who have changed their tune when they see me. They have also been stopped for “random” checks in airports.
'Irish Times' with its latest instalment of: 'Hey Irish people, when you just gonna delete yourselves?' 🙄
Ask the same question in Nigeria white person l'm always asked where are you from 🙄🤣
“Where are you from” is the first question Irish people ask when getting to know someone new. If that’s offensive just leave 👋
Asking where you are from is far right now
It’s conversation, give it a rest.
People with no real problems discover’racism’
Where is The Irish Times from?
No need for any of us to ask where the owners of those tents are from.
Irish people have no right to ask any foreigner planted here any question. We just have to pay for them all, economically, culturally and socially. Sounds fair.
In a few months time that age-old, innocent and quintessentially Irish question 'Where are you from?' will be a hate crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
In other news, where someone is from is a big deal at the moment....
So either adopted or you did the dirty then.
Not from round here evidently.