This is my lifelong experience wherever I go in Europe (I'm just mixed white European ethnicities, with mixed names and accent, and background - I cannot categorize myself as from one place, and this triggers me a lot, because it's obviously a way for people to both stereotype you and categorize as "other", and it's not useful to anyone but xenophobes as a tool of dehumanization. I am very sorry you had to live through that. :( ) I assume your life in Guatemala is better and I'm happy you had the option.
Seconding JuryNullifications point. Never give this answer in person in the US. Give a different answer each time with more elaborate details. Its an american tradition.
If all else fails, fall back on this sure method; Your family immigrated from Kerry 200 years ago and you're proud of your Irish American heritage! We're all Irish here in America, especially when it annoys the Irish. ; )
This is my lifelong experience wherever I go in Europe (I'm just mixed white European ethnicities, with mixed names and accent, and background - I cannot categorize myself as from one place, and this triggers me a lot, because it's obviously a way for people to both stereotype you and categorize as "other", and it's not useful to anyone but xenophobes as a tool of dehumanization. I am very sorry you had to live through that. :( ) I assume your life in Guatemala is better and I'm happy you had the option.
In the US you could just lie to the randos that ask you and no one would know
Seconding JuryNullifications point. Never give this answer in person in the US. Give a different answer each time with more elaborate details. Its an american tradition.
If all else fails, fall back on this sure method; Your family immigrated from Kerry 200 years ago and you're proud of your Irish American heritage! We're all Irish here in America, especially when it annoys the Irish. ; )