I grew up in a small town that was predominately white. And unfortunately, because of the lack of diversity, I faced various problems regarding my race. I would also be asked racially-charged questions that made my jaw drop. At times, I asked myself, "How can somebody be so uncultured?"

Other minorities in my area encountered the same issues, too. People who were Hispanic, Black, Asian, and Native American experienced racial situations that left them uncomfortable in their own town. So to help prevent that unnecessary awkwardness, I'll share a list of racist questions you should avoid at all times.

1. "So where are you from? Like, really from."

Please don't do this. Asking a question like that reduces the other person's identity to just their ethnicity. In the United States, there are many Americans from different ethnic backgrounds. So when you ask "Where are you from?" and they give you a place from the United States, don't proceed with "No, like, where are you really from?" It's rude, and they don't need to elaborate unless they want too.

2. "Can you speak your native language for me?"

What makes you think that their native language isn't English? And why would you want to listen to an answer you won't understand? Just because someone comes from a different background than you, that doesn't mean they're obligated to answer all your questions about that culture. As I said, they don't need to elaborate on it unless they want to.

3. "Do you have a different name? Your name is too hard to pronounce." 

Don't even think about it. The name that somebody calls themselves is their preferred name. Bottom line. You don't have the right to change their name unless they give you permission to use a nickname.

4. "Do you even speak English?"

I don't need to explain why that's racist.

5. "Why don't you look more (insert ethnic group)?"

Asking a question like that reinforces the idea that there are stereotypes embedded in society. Just because someone doesn't look like their ethnicity, that doesn't make their identity any less valid. So forgive me that my appearance doesn't fit the cookie-cutter mold of your stereotype of me.

6. "Is it true that your people (insert stereotype)?"

There are a couple of things wrong with this question. First off, don't say "your people." Never ever say that phrase. Those "people" have a name. Second, it's unreasonable to expect someone to speak on behalf of an entire community. And finally, you're bringing up stereotypes. Stop it with the stereotypes. When you ask stuff like that, you're only promoting the description that society wants them to fit into.

Hopefully, this list helps you recognize what type of questions are considered racist. My favorite trick to test whether a question is racist or not is to ask myself the same question and see how I would respond. Usually, when people do that, they'll realize that they would be offended if somebody asked them what they were about to ask. Put yourself in the other person's shoes.

And to clarify, this list isn't exclusively for white people. Minorities should also avoid asking these questions to another group of minorities. At the end of the day, everybody—regardless of their background—should treat others with respect.