27 Racial Microaggressions People Of Color Are Tired Of Hearing

Because words mean things. And also, you don't want to offend anyone.

1. "Sorry. I don't date outside of my race."

Bravo / Via gifmambo.com

What people of color hear: Wow. Major loss for you, sucker.

What you could say: I've never had the privilege of dating someone outside of my race.

2. "What do you mean you're not good at math?"

Via sosickwithit.com

What people of color hear: Wow. You're all so smart, why are you the exception?!

What you could say: How long did you study to prepare for the quiz today?

3. "You're not like other [insert race here] people."

Via redalertpolitics.com

What people of color hear: You're cool, unlike the rest of those crazy brown people that look similar to you.

What you could say: You're a really unique person.

4. "So...what are you mixed with?"

Via fiercegifs.tumblr.com

What people of color hear: Wait, am I a recipe? I'm not "mixed" with anything.

What you could say: Are you biracial?

5. "I'm blacker than you."

MTV

What people of color hear: Or nah...

What you could say: I apologize for being absolutely insufferable.

6. "So...is it true what they say about [insert race here] guys?"

Via forum.canardpc.com

What people of color hear: Cool. Thanks for reducing me to my reproductive organs.

What you could say: I'm going to remove myself from your presence until I learn how to properly speak to people.

7. "Why are Asians always so quiet?"

ABC / Via clonebanana.tumblr.com

What people of color hear: I'm using a tired generalization of the Asian population, but please, answer my question anyway.

What you could say: You seem like a shy person.

8. "Why does your religion condone terrible things?"

HBO / Via amusementforme.tumblr.com

What people of color hear: Why is this person ignoring the fact that there's a very popular western religion that's responsible for millions of deaths?

What you could say: I'm gonna take the initiative to learn more about your religion so that I don't sound like an ass.

9. "It's crazy you don't have an accent!"

ABC

ABC

What people of color hear: It's blowing my mind that you're saying words that I, a normal human, can comprehend. Good job!

What you could say: Your voice is soothing to my ears.

10. "I don't see color."

CityTV / Via imgarcade.com

What people of color hear: What do you see then? I'm right here and you don't see me?

What you could say: I don't judge people based on their skin color.

11. "I can't believe you listen to NPR."

NBC / Via angryasiangirlsunited.tumblr.com

What people of color hear: People of color don't care about the news, right?

What you could say: What's your favorite show on NPR?

12. "So, are you allowed to marry whoever you want?"

Via iloveiisuperwonii.tumblr.com

What people of color hear: Your culture is so weird. It's so crazy how they just force you to do things you don't wanna do.

What you could say: Are you dating anyone?

13. "You're really pretty for a [insert race here] girl."

Nickelodeon / Via weheartit.com

What people of color hear: For a brown person, you really stand out. Bravo!

What you could say: You're gorgeous.

14. "Don't even think about pulling the race card."

Via weheartit.com

What people of color hear: This person thinks talking about race is a just a fun thing to get people riled up.

What you should say: I will be quiet and listen, especially since I am in no way able to tell you about the plight of your people.

15. "Why do your people speak so ghetto?"

Universal Pictures / Via giphy.com

What POC hear: Y'all sound like a bunch of bumbling idiots.

What you could say: I appreciate your culture. It's interesting.

16. "Why is blackface bad, but white face isn't?"

Revolution Studios / Via wh0givesafuq.tumblr.com

What POC hear: I'm oblivious to the the last 200 years of American History.

What you could say: I'm not sure why blackface is offensive, but I'll research it.

17. "Why are black girls always so angry?"

MTV / Via insidejamarifox.com

What people of color hear: Damn, IDK. Should I phone the rest of the black women on Earth and hold a summit about why we're all so "angry?"

What you could say: Is something bothering you today?

18. "Can Asian people see just as well as white people?"

CBS / Via katgrahamrph.tumblr.com

What people of color hear: White people are the norm. Don't you wish you were more like them?

What you should say: You have stunning eyes.

19. "You're really cute for a [insert race here] person."

Via quizzicalllama.wordpress.com

What people of color hear: For a brown woman you're really doing well to not look like a frog.

What you should say: You look great today.

20. "God, it must be so easy for minorities to get into college."

Fox / Via popsugar.com

What people of color hear: You guys can just check your race on college applications and you're in!

What you could say: What's your safety school?

21. "Why do you always do your hair so weird?"

CBS

What people of color hear: Your hair looks terrible. You should maybe conform and wear it straight, like normal people.

What you could say: That's a beautiful hairstyle.

22. "Why do you talk like a white person?"

Oxygen / Via thegaysguide.com

What POC hear: Thank you for not speaking ebonics around me. I feel so much more comfortable.

What you could say: I would love to hear you give a speech.

23. "Why are Latinos always so loud?"

Via atrl.net

What people of color hear: Those darn hispanics are always so rambunctious, please speak for an entire population of people. You all do think alike, right?

What you could say: Wow. You really know how to bring a room to life, don't ya?

24. "So...what are you exactly?"

NBC / Via sincerelydesirae.com

What people of color hear: Are you of this planet?

What you could say: Where are you from? Where did you grow up?

25. "I don't see you as black."

CBS

What people of color hear: So...you see me as Ebony? Are we playing a synonym game?

What you could say: Race doesn't hinder me from wanting to get to know you.

26. "You're really articulate."

Via thecompanionsdoctor.tumblr.com

What people of color hear: You speak real good for a darkie. Where'd you learn to talk like'at?!

What you could say: You have an enchanting voice.

27. "No, but where are you really from?"

Via daninseries.altervista.org

What people of color hear: You're SO much different from me. You couldn't possibly have been born in the same place I was.

What you could say: Did your family move around a lot when you were growing up?

Via knowyourmeme.com