What It's Like To Be Middle-Eastern In America
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.

273
13 Things You Hear If You're Half Middle-Eastern Born And Raised in America
https://pixabay.com/en/persian-cat-cat-persians-2461526/

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.
Featured

You are not alone - NY Yankees charge their players for WIFI on flights

Exploring how much the org would probably have to pay for the season of wifi passes on plane

194
You are not alone - NY Yankees charge their players for WIFI on flights

It was recently in the news that the NY Yankees do not provide free wifi for their players on away game flights!!! That's earth shattering news because teams usually charter flights for their players, coaches, and support staff. These flights are typically equipped with amenities such as Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and in-flight entertainment.

Keep Reading... Show less
Featured

I Remember That Saturday

A memory that I will forever remember.

446
Google

It was a Saturday night. We had nothing else to do besides be with one another. We were normally always in your bedroom watching television and talking about random topics that popped into our little brains. The only difference was, that Saturday night was nothing like the rest.

Keep Reading... Show less
Relationships

An Open Letter To My Grandpa In Heaven

If Heaven wasn't so far away, I'd be there every day.

16303
Nikki Wright

Dear Grandpa,

Keep Reading... Show less
Featured

That Feeling of Opening Day

What it means and What Happened

2902
That Feeling of Opening Day

Baseball's Opening Day has inspired countless writers, fans, and players throughout the years. Some notable quotes we remember about this special day are:

Keep Reading... Show less
Featured

To The 'Best Friend' I Decided I Couldn't Be Friends With Anymore

Most of all, thank you for being the person who finally pushed me to choose myself.

98461
The CW / YouTube

Dear Old Friend,

Keep Reading... Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments