This is part of the problem. What we're up against.

[JPPaverage]

My 9 year old daughter and me were talking earlier today and she said a lot of kids at her school ask her if she's "Mexican or American?" She's neither, she's Filipina. She (of course) has darker skin than us pale whiteys and she still has a Spanish surname as I haven't legally adopted her yet.
Anyway, I told her to look those kids in the eye and state , "I'm Filipina and I'm proud of it." Whether she will or not remains to be seen. But anyway, a question like those kids are asking her shows profound ignorance in my opinion. I don't blame the kids, they are only doing what they are taught at home. And that's sad. I also explained to her that there are some fine Americans who have Mexican heritage as well as other Latino heritage.

[rainin]

1. I suppose she could say that

but how she says it will make all the difference. If she says it like it sounds to me when I read it, it could be off-putting to the other kids. Depends. We want to teach our kids how to win friends and influence people.

Perhaps she could say "I'm Filipina" and then say something specific that is really cool about being Filipina. Something specific that makes her proud of her heritage. My experience is kids love hearing about different cultures and places.

[AJT]

2. If she is an American citizen then she's an American.

Her ancestry may be Filipina but she is American.

[JPPaverage]

8. She's not officially a citizen

Otherwise I'd tell her to say that she's an American. But...she likely knows more about American history and Government than a lot of Americans, adults included.

[BigmanPigman]

3. That's interesting. I taught elementary school for over 15 years

in areas of San Diego that had a population of a lot of newer Asian and Hispanic families as well as the older white and black military families. I do not recall hearing that question ever. When everyone is different that issue doesn't come up I guess.

[quartz007]

4. She can also say...

God has given her ample amount of melanin in her skin, which protects her from melanoma. Her lighter complexioned friends have little such protection. Ask any dermatologist. The brain on the other hand has the same color for all human beings, and how use that brain is what really matters.

[hamsterjill]

5. I suppose none of your damn business might get her in trouble.

But it’s what they deserve.

You’re absolutely correct in that these children are only parroting what they’re being taught. It’s very sad in my opinion.

[Nictuku]

6. A friendly suggestion

If I were in that situation, I'd instruct her to say "I'm an American" and leave it at that. Or, "I'm an American of Filipina descent, and proud of it" because I get what you are trying to say about being proud of your culture.

[JPPaverage]

9. Except she's not an American citizen

Otherwise I would have told her to say exactly that.

[blueinredohio]

7. Funny story; while riding in the car with my 6 year old grandson (who is white)

and my 6year old niece (who is mixed black and white) were discussing where they were born. My grandson said I was born in Ohio. My niece said oh that's why I'm darker than you because I was born in Kentucky.

[Stellar]

11. LOL...too cute...the innocence of children.

I guess if everybody was the same color with the same color hair and eyes, they would probably pick on a persons weight, height or age?

[Kirk Lover]

10. Actually she is American...she is your daughter after all and she lives in America.

Her ethnic background is Filipina (and proud) but American nonetheless.