What are You?

Abstract

The question ‘what are you or where are you from’, often serves as a point of ingress to the conversation or introduction by most Asians especially during formal or informal meetings with Africans. Thus, this article examines the phrase ‘what are you’ in relationship to African females residing in three major Asian cities. The article attempts to establish that there is more to the question; “what are you” than meet the eye. This phrase or question (What are you?) is the key finding of this study. In so doing, this article critically examines this finding in connexion to the notion of triple gender discrimination. This is in view of a good number of African women working, studying or residing in some Asian countries. Although, this study provokes more controversy than can be explained, the understanding here, is purely academically motivated. This is based on the fact, gender played an essential role in how the conclusion is shaped and illustrated. The study devoid of any racial categorization as it raised a fundamental question, why are male Africans in many Asian cities, treated differently from their female counterparts?