I immigrated to the US at the age of 8. I’m Asian. I think I mastered the language at like probably 12 or 13.
I recall often in my life, people always assumed I didn’t speak English for some reason. Like before I had a chance to open my mouth, that question gets asked…
Not sure if it was because I was perhaps being quiet and unaware I was being quiet, so they made an assumption based on that, or if it had to do with how I look.
I kinda always felt a bit uncomfortable.
“Perpetual Foreigner” kind of.
I’m gonna give them the benefit of the doubt and assume it was just maybe I was quiet. But still. A white kid could stay quiet and I doubt the first thing a person assumes is oh he must not speak english.
Um… sorry if this is a weird ask, but those of you who live in immigration countries, have you ever been asked “Do you speak [Language of the country]?” Have you ever made an assumption about someone?
I’m torn. I’m also a 6’+ white guy, and those assholes frequently think I’m one of them. I’m not sure if I would prefer your situation, or the fact that when they try to be subtly racist I ask them point blank which of our cousins they have issues with. The look on their faces is priceless when they realize I consider all of humanity to be one family.
I’d rather they assume my politics and get slapped down with, “No. I am NOT on your side.”