Is there a polite way to ask which race somebody is?

Question

I have met some very charming people and yet have no idea what race they are. how can i go about asking without being rude?

Answer 1

No. It's not important and you'll offend them.

I'm offended when people ask if I'm part white  and sadly my boyfriend doesn't even get thought of as a black person. He gets so frustrated. And I feel bad for him because I'm an 1/8th white (very ashamed of it) and he doesn't have any white relatives as far as 10 generations back.

Answer 2

I don't think you should.

Why does it have to be an issue.

EDIT:

I should sort of elaborate.

I'm Chinese.

But I was born and raised in Canada.

Oftentimes in jobs, as a basis for conversation, I get asked what I am by customers..

I answer and say I'm Canadian.

But then they ask the same question, stressing on the word 'what.'

And then I have to go through the whole speel of being Chinese, etc etc..

It's like do I ask (or even care) about other non-Asians..

EDIT:

Furthermore, it's like they think I'm some mascot for Asians/Chinese, like I can educate them on my culture when I'm probably the Whitest Asian you would ever meet.

Maybe THAT'S why it's offensive to me personally because it's like I identify with being Chinese, but it's not a huge part of my life (unfortunately?).

So when people bring it up or ask me what I am, it's like they're pointing out a difference (not one that I'm ashamed of), but it's like i feel like I'm being studied for my ethnicity not who I am as a person.. like I'm expected to be a certain way because I'm Chinese.

Answer 3

why do you have to ask? they are what they are, nothing will change, we're all human.

Answer 4

Meet with them and get to know and as the conversation goes on just say something along the lines of

"I am trying to be too nosy but what ethnicity are you? I am interested to find out and my ethnicity is (insert your ethnicity here)"

Answer 5

I meet and interact with people from all over the world. I usually ask them where they are originally from. I never make it the first thing I ask, it is always during dialogue. Hope it helps.

Answer 6

Why bother asking unless it comes up?

Answer 7

Just ask casually, what nationality are you? Just make sure you're not in a steriotypical convo...like talking about a certain thing that a race is steriotyped for and then ask...lol.

Answer 8

People shouldn't get offended when you ask them what race they are.  It's not annoying.. it strikes a conversation.  Its like asking someone what color eyes they have. Just ask what their heritage is or where they are originally from.

Answer 9

The bigger question here is why does it matter?  Just continue to be friends and with time the answer will be provided to you in a casual conversation.

Answer 10

Not until you get to know them better.