Santa

Do you ever wish you were of a different ethnicity?

I don't like the type of conclusions people reach about me when they categorize me as Hispanic. Often they assume I'm Catholic, socially conservative, patriotic. Especially now that my first son is soon to arrive, I find myself wanting to disabuse people close to me of those notions. I don't want my kid showered with Christian paraphernalia, like "thanks heaven for little boys" t-shirts, etc. I wish I were Jewish! I am not a religious person at all, but I do have a stronger affinity for klezmer music than for Christmas carols, and I actually have an enormous degree of admiration for very many Jewish intellectuals. If only I were ethnically Jewish--so goes my daydream--I would avoid all sorts of uncomfortable situations, particularly with my family in law. I don't wish to convert to a religion. (I'm not religious at all.) I'm asking whether people have ever wished to be of a different *ethnicity*, for one reason or another.

Public Comments

1. Hmmm well each ethic is unique, but i do wish i was white lived under a prostant family. But God created create us for a certain reason.
2. i'm asian and i love it.. i wouldn't change my ethnicity
3. When I was younger I use to wish that I was black. I was sick of all the thoughts that come with being white. So I feel you there, I truly do. But you know what, don't waste your time going out of your way to disprove them. If they want to think that you are Chrisitan based on looks alone, they aren't worth it. But we have to admit that we all in some way or another play into stereotypes. Those who take the time to get to know you and your son, will truly know the truth. be proud of who you are.
4. If you wish to be Jewish, convert to Judaism. Look at Geraldo's hand you'll see a Star of David tatooed there. Ethnicity and religeon ARE mutually exclusive. Incidently, anybody's reaction due to their perceptions of you are their responsibility not yours. You do not have to decide to be offended or hurt.
5. I'm white but I have no idea where my ancestors came from; somewhere in the white part of the world, I guess. If I could choose where my relatives came from I would say...Russia or (Pre-European)US.
6. I don't see why you care what other people think.You should be proud that you are Hispanic and don't ever try to change that because of what other people think about you.I AM HISPANIC AND PROUD!!!!!!!!!!!
7. I'm half Japanese, half white American. I've never wished I was a different ethnicity, but I do wish that I had been brought up Buddhist. I think it's just a pure way of thinking. I was to be able to think that way naturally, like I would if I had been raised that way. I know I can convert and learned the Zen way, but that's different than actually being raised that way. Make sense?
8. I'm 100% American... part Native American, part Irish if you look at my ancestry. I've always said if I wasn't American, I would have to be Italian because they love to eat so much.
9. I was bought up as Muslim and im proud to be MUSLIM even if there are people who are feeling hatered to one of the biggest religions in the world. Im proud to be central asian and Muslim.
10. When I was younger, I wish I was. But no, I would never want to be a different ethnicity.
11. I am caucasian. I have always wanted to be either African (in africa, perhaps in one of the indiginous tribes like the !Kung) or Chinese.