Quote:
Originally posted by Glitterkitty
I seriously doubt the people you work with were trying to hurt your feelings or make you uncomfortable. Many people do know where their family is from-Jamaica, Bahamas, English and African. I mean, it's not out of the question that you could know some of your family history. Some poeple change their last names after doing research of their family tree. I don't think your feelings are invalid at all, but I hope they weren't trying to make you feel bad. My really good friend is black and she is British, accent and all. She does know where her mother's family came from, but not so much her fathers. 
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I agree with you. I stated previously that I'm almost certain that the question wasn't asked maliciously. I believe I was just being included in the conversation. I harbor no ill feelings towards any of these co-workers. The question was just a bit of a reality check for me.
I also understand that a lot of people are able to trace their family trees. I know my family has attempted to do so, but we haven't been able to get much further than Mississippi, because as we're all aware, detailed records were not kept for slaves. Most paper trails consist of bills of sale
and those didn't indicate where someone came from. So, I envy all of you who can actually go back and trace your roots. I hope that someday, I will have a better picture.
And Soror lovelyivy, you are so right that ethnicity is a common topic in NY. I've been asked several times what I am (most people think I look Ethiopian, so maybe that's a start) but those are usually "black" people wondering what kind of "black" I am, lol. I guess it bothered me this time because of the circumstances. At least now, I'm better prepared for the next time it comes up.