This attempt at comedy highlights an experience that can be wounding for some. I share this video because it reminded me of a conversation I had with a friend who would frequently experience similar lines of questioning while interacting with others.

For this person, who was born and raised in the United States, it was as if responding by mentioning the state, hometown, or both just wasn’t enough when recalling one of those experiences.

“Ok, but where are you really from?”

In this next video, Diversity trainer Dr. Leeno Karumanchery shares some of his experiences with being encountered with the question, as well as the development of how his responses to being asked this question have changed over time.

Have you ever experienced this situation? What happens to you when you are asked, and how do you respond?

Are you someone who doesn’t have to encounter this situation in your lived experience? What was it like for you to watch these videos? Have you ever asked someone where they were from in this way?

Ubuntu,

From Aspiring Humanitarian, Relando Thompkins, MSW

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