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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Comment
Sisonke Msimang

When is it OK for white people to ask about other people’s ethnicity?

Sisonke Msimang
Sisonke Msimang composite
‘True curiosity is based on a desire to find what is familiar, rather than to scrutinise what is exotic,’ writes Sisonke Msimang. Composite: ediebloom/Guardian Design

Dear Ms Understanding,

I am curious about people’s ethnicity but am never sure whether I’m allowed to ask (being a white Australian person) or how to ask. For example, if I’m working with someone who is dark skinned and I’m curious about what race they may have in their family tree, can I (and how do I) ask them?

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