Because I’m Asian and I can remember like at least 10 instances where people in the US (Including Both White and Black people) would assume I don’t speak English before I had a chance to talk. I’ve lived in this country since 8, I speak on a native level. I wonder if there is just a subconcious “perpetual foreigner” stereotype engrained into people.
Because I sometimes feel uncomfortable. Like it just feels very awkward after I get asked that, then I speak English perfectly lol.
Lol, no. I grew up in pretty diverse US communities though. I’ve had Asian friends who’ve traveled to the southern states of the US though and have had people talk slow to them and act shocked when they can speak perfect English.
It’s just racism, whether overt or unintentional, it is.
It’s good and safe to assume everyone around you, regardless of skin color or appearance, speaks the local language. And if they don’t, don’t be a dick about it. Pretty simple shit that apparently makes certain asshats in this country uncomfortable.