One of my colleagues just returned from Special Library Association (SLA) leadership conference in Texas. During the few days in Texas, she had been asked many times, "Where do you come from?" Apparently, she felt very uncomfortable and debated whether she should answer the question. She also brought up a very good point: "I did not see any Caucasian librarians being asked the same question. “I agree with her. Why bother? Does it matter where she came from?
On the surface, this might be a very simple question when people gather together at the conference and/or meetings. But if we give this question a "deeper thought", you might not want to ask this question - the question itself implies/assumes that you know the person you are asking could not possibly be from “here” because of his/her appearance or the way he/she spoke. She or he must be from somewhere else. They are the outsiders. It automatically classified or raise a hostile situation immediately.
SO, next time when you go for a meeting and meet someone who is different from you (the appearance or the skin color), please think twice before you ask.
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