No question is stupid, but on occasion, there are some questions that can make a friendly "getting to know you" situation into a complete nuisance. Being from another country and having met many people from around the world, I know what it's like to want to learn about another country and their food, culture, traditions, etc.. but then there's the questions that are asked because of your race. Despite the fact that this just shouldn't be a thing, it unfortunately is, and having been used to being the only Hispanic guy at places, I've heard pretty much anything. Also, there are always those statements that are made that should probably be thought twice about. Here's a guide so that nobody is offended; either by a question, or the dirty look that follows with your answer.
1. Are you Mexican?
2. Do you like, have your Green Card?
Really? It's just offensive. Nobody has the right to ask anyone about anyone's legal status because it's just intrusive if anything, and now I'm just under the impression that you are assuming that I'm an "illegal" because I'm Hispanic, as if to then say that all Hispanics are illegal, which just kind of shows ignorance. Nobody likes ignorant people.
3. Asking about tacos and spicy food.
Possibly the biggest advantage about being Hispanic is that the food is absolutely phenomenal. In any and every single Hispanic country, it is arguable that the best meal on earth originates from there because of the rich and flavorful varieties. There's absolutely nothing in the world like it. despite common assumption, there is more to our cuisine than tortillas and tacos, which is more of a Mexican thing, and even then, there's so much more to the Mexican palate than what you find at your Plaza Azteca, or Chipotle. Having said that, yes, the Mexican palate is a bit, explosive, however this doesn't apply to many other Hispanic Countries, like at all. Also, don't assume that I like Taco Bell. Everyone likes Taco Bell, but I shouldn't have to like it especially because it's thought that because I'm Hispanic, it reminds me of home.
P.S.A.: Real tacos are made with soft tortillas.
4. Assuming that we know about gardening, cleaning houses, or construction.
It is the unfortunate misunderstanding that as Hispanics, this is all that we are capable of. Now, the problem with these questions isn't that there is shame in this work; however, it's the assumption that this is all we're capable of. Though not a common question, it's one that has come up one time too many to ignore. Latinos, are perhaps the hardest working people in the world, and as such, there are Latino professionals in every field imaginable, whether it be from lawyers and doctors, to scientists and politicians, and the unfortunate depiction of the Latino gardener or the Latina maid in film and television has narrowed that spectrum
5. Isn't it like, really bad over there?
As immigrants, yeah, we did move here because the situation in our native countries wasn't exactly up to par, however at the same time, these are the most beautiful countries in the world. Now, just because it's the third world, it doesn't mean that it's complete anarchy. Some of the greatest cities on the globe are located in Latin America, and all of these cities have so much to offer. Most importantly, there are millions upon millions of people that thrive in these countries, so despite the the situation sometimes being less than preferable, anything is still possible.
