What this is, racial discrimination or something wrong with me?

Question

I recently moved to NYC to work on the wall street. I am Chinese, immigrated to America 15 years ago. I am americanized in many ways. Recently I ate outside with a couple of friends at a restaurant on the stone street. While was there, some people started to give me weird looks. The next time I got coffee with a friend, the friend ( a caucacian) simply told me that I should not sit there. I don' understand what he means?! I lived in DC for a longtime, I went to any restaurant but never had to feel I should not be there. Please get me understand what is the problem? Is the NYC thing that pretty asian woman cannot eat outside on wall street?

Answer 1

Pretty = stares

Answer 2

The "problem"  isn't you, it's those staring >> though, I wonder if you're a beautiful Asian women, who wouldn't stare?  It's not meant to be rude > I know in some cultures, it's impolite to look someone in the eye,  But that's not so here in the States.  Americans really love pretty women.

I think if I were you, I'd be giving those who stare, my thousand watt smile & say "Hi", or wave.

Answer 3

I am surprised, because a lot of chinese live in NYC.  Maybe people look at you in good ways.  As long as it was not a crime area, I don't think its a problem to eat in there.  The only thing I can think of, maybe because you are attractive.

Answer 4

I have never been to NYC, but I think that is totally ridiculous that you can't eat any where you want to. What did your friend say when you asked him why he said you should not sit there? If he was a real friend he would have defended you. No matter what anyone says you have just as much right as the next person to eat wherever you want, without being made feel uncomfortable. Good luck and stick up for yourself, there are all kinds of prejudice idiots out there and I know from experience, being a black woman.

Answer 5

I can't really say if that was racist or not. It could've been something else. Was your chair in the way of the sidewalk. New Yorkers are usually open-minded people.  

Answer 6

Sweetie... I don't know if you are aware of this but a lot of American men find the Asian women to be very sensuous and beautiful. Maybe that is why they were looking at you, now I admit I don't understand your friends remark but as an American that lives in America you have the choice to set and eat where ever you want to you have your own choice about everything for that matter! I would just out right ask your friend why he/she made that remark and get the answer from them... that is the best way to handle that issue. And the best of luck to you. My husband finds the asian women to be one of the most beauftiful races of women there is. Don't let it bother you to much! Give them a big beautiful smile and bid them a nice day. best of luck to you!

Answer 7

Hi, did you feel bad when those people were looking at you? Because people may stare at you because you're attractive. Anyway if you felt bad than we all should be sorry for those people. They lack self confidence and self esteem.

As for your friend, (is he a friend????), I guess he lacks self esteem too. Find confident friends. :)