I work part time at a chain bookstore

[mestiza]

and of course we have to wear name tags. There is a certain scenario that keeps playing out that totally bugs me.

Customer: "Do you have X cd by Bette Midler?"
Me: "Let me look it up and see"
Customer: (Stares at me)
Me: (checking computer)
Customer: (reads name tag) "Are you Hispanic?"
Me: (wondering what this has to do with finding Bette Midler cd) "...yes?"

Everytime this has happened the customer has been white and male.

I guess this happens because my features don't look stereotypically Hispanic to White men so when they read my name tag it kind of blows their mind. But I still can't understand how asking a complete stranger what race they are isn't percieved as rude (or at least totally impolite). And given that the whole Customer-Service always make the Customer happy layer to it, I feel like I can't call them out on it for fear of getting written up or some bullshit. So yes, Random White Dudes, I'm Hispanic. Is there anything else personal you want to know, like my cup size? or my legalization status?

[Faith]

I hate how people you may never see again make it a point to ask your race. I'm half black and white, and they always comment on my black features, which is mainly my hair. But nonetheless, its stupid. We don't wear name tags where I work, but I have had many black customers who have asked if I am mixed then ask my name and say 'you's really white'. It drives me crazy. What does it matter that im black with predominately white features? You should be worried about if im giving you correct change.