A few potential issues could arise when asking someone, “Where are you from?” that could lead to experiences of exclusion or discrimination. First, the person being asked could feel like they are pigeonholed into one identity or place of origin. This could be especially true for someone who is multiracial or who has multiple places of origin. The person being asked may feel like they are being asked to choose one identity over another or simplify their background into one place or thing. This can be exclusionary and discriminatory, as it erases the complexity of the person’s identity (Utah, 2019).
Additionally, the question could trigger memories of discrimination or exclusion based on the person’s place of origin. For example, if someone is from a country that has been demonized in the media, they may feel unsafe or unwelcome when asked about their origins. This question can also be exclusionary for people who are not from a particular place or do not have a specific place of origin. This could be the case for refugees or for people who have been displaced from their homes. Asking someone, “Where are you from?” can be a way of Othering them, of making them feel like they don’t belong. It can be a way of excluding them from the group or the conversation.
Second, the person being asked could feel like they have to choose between multiple identities or places of origin, which can be complex or emotionally charged. The individual may feel like they are not entirely accepted in any community. Additionally, others may see the answer to this question as ambiguous or unsatisfactory, leading to further exclusion. In some cases, the question “Where are you from?” may be used to discriminate against multiracial individuals. This can happen when the question determines whether someone is “truly” from a particular place or community (Utah, 2019). For example, if the multiracial individual is perceived as not “truly” from the community they identify with, they may be excluded from specific opportunities or experiences. Ultimately, the question “Where are you from?” can be difficult for multiracial individuals to answer. It can lead to experiences of exclusion or discrimination and can be used to determine whether someone is “truly” from a particular place or community.
Third, the person being asked could feel like their answer is not good enough or that they are not from “enough” places. For example, let’s say you ask someone, “Where are you from?” and they respond with, “I’m from New York.” You might ask, “Where are you really from?” because you don’t believe New York is their “real” home. You might think they are from a different country or their family is from a different country (Utah, 2019). This line of questioning can lead to experiences of exclusion or discrimination. The person being asked could feel like their answer is not good enough or that they are not from “enough” places. They might feel like they have to justify their answer or prove that they are “really” from the place they say they are from. Asking someone where they are from, can be a way to learn more about them and their background. But it can also be a way to exclude or discriminate against someone.
Finally, the person asked could feel uncomfortable or self-conscious about their answer. All these possible experiences can lead to feelings of exclusion or discrimination for the person being asked. This is especially likely if the person has a mixed or complex racial identity. Second, the person being asked may feel that the question is intrusive or that it implies that they are not really “from” anywhere (Pearce et al., 2019). This can be especially true for people who are immigrants or who have recently moved to a new city or country. The person being asked may feel that the question is a way of trying to pigeonhole them into a specific category or group. This can lead to feelings of frustration or even anger.
References
Utah. (2019). “I am multiracial” Experiences of exclusion or discrimination may strengthen multiracial identities. Newswise.com. Retrieved 12 October 2019, from https://www.newswise.com/articles/i-am-multiracial.
Pearce, J., Rafiq, S., Simpson, J., & Varese, F. (2019). Perceived discrimination and psychosis: a systematic review of the literature. Social psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology, 54(9), 1023-1044.
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