So often we long to begin a conversation with someone who is different from ourselves, but hold back because we are fearful we might be rejected or say something inappropriate. Lee Mun Wah has collected over four hundred questions that people of color and EuroAmericans have always wanted to ask each other. A truly wonderful and educational opportunity for classrooms and groups who want to start a conversation on diversity, but don’t know where to begin or what to ask.

Here are a few examples of each group of cards, so that you can get a better idea of the variety of questions asked:

Questions by People of Color for EuroAmericans:

Why do you think that being “colorblind” is a good thing?
Do you think you are a racist?
Why does a person of color talking about a racial incident that happened to them make you uncomfortable?
Do you ever acknowledge that North America is not your country, that it is still colonized and that you have no intention of giving it back?

Questions EuroAmericans would like to be asked:

What have you done lately to cross the racial divide?
What is it like to be a white woman? What is it like to be a white man?
What is it like dealing with the pain that your ancestors caused other ethnicities?
What does your nationality mean to you?

Questions by EuroAmericans for People of Color:

How can you tell a white person isn’t getting it and that the conversation is pointless?
How are you interested in helping EuroAmericans to better understand racism and increase the understanding between our people?
Are you offended by casual uninvited physical contact from whites (a hand on the shoulder for example)?
How am I supposed to break barriers when what often happens is that I get shut out or I am told, “It’s not my job to teach you.”

Questions People of Color would like to be asked:

What parts of you do you value the most?
Do you feel you are an American?
What would you teach your children about racism?
When did you first experience racism?