“Where are you originally from?” Is it racist to ask such a question?

[princeton90]

About six years ago, I met a person in Germany and asked where they are from. They told they were from Italy, but didn’t white enough to be Italian and then I asked if she is originally from Italy. Then, people around me said it was racist. Is it racist to ask where someone is originally from?

[Tsuin]

I get this question asked a lot too, I personally don't find this racist/offensive. I think it varies on who finds it offensive or not.

[TheMaestro]

I find it highly retarted if people feel attacked if someone asks about their roots.
We've became such a snowflake society that any kind of question is automatically racist.
If you don't look as typical let's say Swedish then what's your problem if I ask where did you get your looks from...

[Lemminkäinen]

In Finlad it is perceived as a racist question. You can't ask from a tax driver where she/he is from. This was a topic in the publicity after a similar incident.

[Aila]

I ask this question of people all the time and it has never occurred to me it could in any way be racist or offensive.
Instead, it often leads to a deeper discussion.

[TheMaestro]

In Finlad it is perceived as a racist question. You can't ask from a tax driver where she/he is from. This was a topic in the publicity after a similar incident.

Really? I find Finish people deep down pretty racist, something in Slovak level. I can hear them saying N-Words on PC all the time xd

[Ion Basescul]

Not at all, though I can see how it can be triggering for people who already feel as part of that society. Some people are just curious, and there's nothing wrong with that because in most cases it doesn't carry any ill intent.

[Pro.crasti.nation]

Nope, nothing racist about it, imo. Tends to open up a conversation.

Still. ever since I was a child, I was taught that it was a "racist" or impolite question to ask, so I rarely do.

[frankhammer]

In Finlad it is perceived as a racist question. You can't ask from a tax driver where she/he is from. This was a topic in the publicity after a similar incident.

It is much the same here in NZ. Well, as far as the media, govt agencies and many ngo's tell us. Personally, I am okay with asking that question of others and do so if the situation presents itself.

[Lemminkäinen]

@Themaestro

l have never noticed racist behavior, but of course immigrants coming outside Europe can meet it, Russians too. A small online minority can be different. You, as a native English speaker know what is PC, but those on internet are not aware of it. You have a long tradition in PC. In my opinion USA is inside the western category
quite racist, but they have this PC behavior. Behavior and speak are not synchronised