<p>Ok, so just reiterate what I’ve said before? </p>
<p>Interviewer: Are you fluent in language X?
Me: Yes, I have a degree in it and have used it at work now for X years.
Interviewer: Did you know the language because your family is (insert: francophone, hispanic, Arabic-speaking etc)?
Me: Yes
Interviewer: From what country is your family?
Me: I have a degree in X language and have used it at work now for X years. </p>
<p>turbo, I live in a place people would consider enlightened and these interviewers had grad degrees and work with a very diverse community. I don’t know how widespread the negative stereotype is of my family’s nationality-- I have heard both positive and negative stereotypes from people in the U.S.-- but neither of the interviewers was born in the U.S. so the stereotypes could be more common in their native countries than here, I really don’t know. </p>
<p>And thank you so much everyone. I don’t apply for jobs often-- once every few months or once a year or so-- and find the process sooooooo discouraging. I think my lack of confidence is showing through and comments like that unnerve me.</p>
<p>Hmm, were the relations between your and their countries of national origin poor (e.g. war, terrorism, cold war, etc.) in the last few decades? Or was either your or their national origin a despised and discriminated-against ethnic minority in the other country of national origin?</p>
<p>When they start “dissing” your ancestors’ country, a good comeback, IMO, would be, “See, there are good reasons why they left that country X and settled in the US where I was born.” Or something like that. And then try to switch the topic to something more related to the job description. Good luck to you!</p>
<p>Ucb, no. BunsenBurner, the response really wouldn’t apply because they aren’t dissing the country but the people but, anyway, I wouldn’t insult my parents’ or grandparents’ country or the people. I wouldn’t insult anyone else’s country, why would I insult that of my parents?</p>
<p>2college, I see. Of course, a country (political regime) and its people (culture, language, etc.) are not one and the same. I know a few immigrants who are not fond of their countries of origin while being extremely proud of their nationality and cultural background. After reading your first post, I thought the interviewers indicated their dislike of the country.</p>
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<p>If these interviewers revealed their true face by showing their complete disrespect towards your people and nationality in general, would you want to work with these supremacists knowing that every day they will treat you like dirt and will look down on you and your achievements because they think you are “inferior”? I second everyone who said that you should run as fast as you can from these a-hole pits. I hope another, a much better opportunity comes up for you soon. Good luck.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that a lot of this really depends on whether you got the job at the end and whether the comments or questions ultimately lead to actions. </p>
<p>For better or worse, as a hyphenated American I have heard it all, even after decades at the same company with the same people. Someone with thinner skin might probably freak out, but I usually respond in kind with a wry smile (“us ethnics have permission from HR to make fun of other ethnics, look at the HR web site :)”). Usually that gives them the hint that such comments may not be very bright in the first place…</p>