Former Obama staffer contrasts Trump, Obama WH

It all comes down to context. I've said that to folks also, but not in a means to justify a career path, but you see someone who's looks are "exotic" NOT erotic, or speaking a language you're not familiar with, I see nothing wrong with asking as long as it's respectful. My ex was born in the UK, raised here. Her family was from India. It was NOT uncommon to be around others from India and they ask what is her maiden name, and where is her family from. It's all about context, not the question itself. I see the same being Black. I'm northern as all get out, but some of my habits and likes are from someone who's southern as hell. So the question of where is your family from comes in and then you begin to get the picture, and I say usually "that's why we won the war" cuz my southern side of the house can't speak English or eat anything that's not fried or have gumbo mixed in it.

I'm never offended by either question. Though the "Did you play Basketball" question, just because I am tall is very, very irritating. As if I didn't play basketball........something has to be wrong with me.

It actually annoys me sometimes when I ask where a person is from and they assume I mean ethnicity. I have always assumed it is from people being so used to that question meaning ethnicity that they tend to expect it, but I usually ask when someone says something that implies they are not from Texas (or they have an accent).

I don't generally ask about ethnicity, unless I hear someone speaking another uncommon language. It just isn't interesting or necessary information. I do like to talk to first generation immigrants about their native countries and why they chose to move to Houston, though (because Houston is a "shithole" lol).