No offense, but are you BLACK?!

Today I'm going to discuss a concept that I have run across frequently. This notion is alive and well and has been present in society for at least the last 5-10 years. Below is a picture of me from today. I got a new phone and wanted to check the camera

Hmm what's your nationality?

I am bombarded with questions on what my ethnicity is. I don't mind the questions because I acknowledge that I am racially ambiguous. Even earlier today at work, one of my supervisors after learning I can speak Spanish approached. She said "Henry what's your nationality?"

I replied I'm a red-blooded American, but my ethnicity is Half Irish and Half Black. She told me she thought I could have been Italian. I learned a lesson on not to judge others as well because my supervisor is mixed and also speaks Spanish and upon learning she knew Spanish I immediately assumed she was Puerto Rican or Dominican. 

This encounter was completely respectful and through our conversation, we gained a newfound mutual respect and understanding for one another. 

What I cannot tolerate any longer is people guessing my race and saying "No offense but are you black?" The mindset behind the statement says that it is offensive to be black. I don't want to offend you by this ghastly association sir but are you possibly African American?

Fuck Yes I am. I'll say it loud and say it proud! I am Black, 50 percent to be exact. Being Black is nothing to be ashamed of. I've never had anyone say to me in 26 years "No offense are you Irish?" 

The perception of being Black is that it sucks and is something abnormal. The US has made being Black something strange and weird, when that couldn't be further from the truth.

I know this was somewhat of a ran but in the future if you are curious about a person's ethnicity be respectful, and if you suspect they might be Black as long as they don't have self-hatred and you are not a racist there's nothing to take offense to.