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I,speaking solely for myself, have had the following experiences on multiple occasions...
1. Childhood until 17 years old...
Non-ADOS: Where are you from?
Me: Um... I mean I’m not really sure.
Non-ADOS: *Crickets* Ooohhhh
1. Childhood until 17 years old...
Non-ADOS: Where are you from?
Me: Um... I mean I’m not really sure.
Non-ADOS: *Crickets* Ooohhhh
2. 18 until more recent...
Non-ADOS: Where are you from?
Me: Here.
Non-ADOS: No, where are you originally from?
Me: Nowhere else that I know of. I’m a Black American or you know, African-American, even tho Africa is a continent so... idk
Non-ADOS: *Crickets* Ooohhhh
Non-ADOS: Where are you from?
Me: Here.
Non-ADOS: No, where are you originally from?
Me: Nowhere else that I know of. I’m a Black American or you know, African-American, even tho Africa is a continent so... idk
Non-ADOS: *Crickets* Ooohhhh
3. Going forward...
Non-ADOS: Where are you from?
Me: I’m ADOS.
Non-ADOS: You’re what?
Me: American Descendant of Slavery. Black American. My greats were in slavery here on this land. We been here.
Non-ADOS: No you’re from Africa
Me: How is this difficult for you??
Non-ADOS: Where are you from?
Me: I’m ADOS.
Non-ADOS: You’re what?
Me: American Descendant of Slavery. Black American. My greats were in slavery here on this land. We been here.
Non-ADOS: No you’re from Africa
Me: How is this difficult for you??
In the first two stages I felt somewhat lost, ashamed, and less than because I didn’t have some exotic place to claim as “home.” These feelings were also brought on by others who seemingly dismissed me from the excitement in the room once I said I was from America.
The confidence and pride that I have today can’t be bothered. People had something to say when I said I didn’t know where I was from and people have something to say now that I proudly claim America. So I say fine. Leave me alone and worry about yours. Cause this here is mine. 
