I am a black woman and I get offended when...?

Question

people say, "You're very pretty...you must be mixed with some other race"

Is this just ignorance or am I being sensitive? Why can't I just be a pretty black woman that is not mixed with anything else?

Answer 1

People have said similar things to me, and I'm white.

I guess it depends on the person making the comment, or what exactly they are trying to say. Sometimes, it is slightly offensive. Like you have to be mixed to be interesting/beautiful.  

With that being said....I don't think you are overreacting. People say all kinds of racist c**p to my husband without even realizing that what they are saying is racist. Like I said, it depends on the person's intentions and context of what they are saying. Not all comments that sound racist are meant that way, but some definitely are!!

Answer 2

People are extremely ignorant!

Answer 3

Sounds offensive to me, especially if they're putting those two sentences together like that.

Answer 4

Its ok sometimes people are just shallow or don't realize what they're saying. If you think about it, just remember that they aren't very smart. I know what it feels like b.c there was a question on yahoo answers asking "Do I look Middle Eastern?" (I'm middle eastern) and this girl i know answered "Yes BUT you're very pretty" and i was like "omg whats that supposed to mean, middle eastern women can't be pretty?" and then I just realized I was taking it too far and realized she's just not very smart anyways. =) Dont take it personally when they say that!

Answer 5

oh my goodness....WOW!!!!! yes, this would bother me, too...however, there's tons of stuff that bothers me, and we've got to let some of it just roll off our backs or we'll always be angry.  wow...people can be crazy!

Answer 6

probably cause mixed people  are hot. probably not ment to be an insult but....  

Answer 7

Yes, it's offensive.

Some people are ignorant and think black facial features are not attractive, so when they see a black person who really looks attractive they automatically assume this person should be black mixed with other race.

I'm white and have problems because some people assume just because I'm white I should be mean an rich. They make wrong assumptions.

(I'm not in the USA).

Answer 8

Just take the compliment and say thank you and feel good about it while you thank them...be proud that you are beautiful black woman. Kick another persons out loud ignorance to the curb. I'm asian and with compliments I get a range of aren't you.....whatever. I tell them what model of asian I am and move on or stick around and socialize. Be proud and state simply and matter of factly you're 100 percent African American....remember people are curious but their mouths can get the best of them sometimes.

Answer 9

The real Q is ' Why can't people just ignore race & color & all that BS and get along?'

Sorry, I get sooo sick of racism and stupid people. Makes me want to hurl.

It's nice that you're being complimented for sure. Yet, the added comments are superfluous and simply STUPID!

Answer 10

People are very ignorant and they assume that black women must be mixed in order to be considered at all to be attractive.  You know this is not true it's just a sign of ignorance.  Don't be offended because there is nothing you can do about what others say or think.

Answer 11

they keep saying no one is a pure race, so it wouldn't be wrong to say you are mixed.  h**l i know i am mixed  i don't get offended.  

Answer 12

Just try to forgive their ignorance. It doesn't matter what race you are; if you are pretty -- you are pretty!  :))))♥

Answer 13

That is pretty ignorant thing to say. I would ask them what they mean by that. It may make them think about the statement they just made. I've seen some ugly mixed people. I know plenty of beautiful black people who are not mixed. I don't understand why someone would say that.  

Answer 14

I really do not know if people mean this as an insult but it does turn out that way.

Answer 15

Wow, I'd be offended too. How rude.

By that are they trying to imply that someone who is black with no mixed race must be ugly ?? That's ridiculous. Some of the best looking women I've seen have been black. If that sort of comment is sanctioned in your society then there is something wrong.

I'm Australian and we would never hear or say such a thing (well no-one that I know anyway). That's just dumb, and very ill-mannered. What is implies is racist as well as being very wrong.