Problematic Pick-Up Lines Directed at People of Color

If I could rearrange the alphabet, I'd put “F" and “U" together.

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Complex Original

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Pick-up lines come in all flavors: There’s the innocuous (“Don’t I know you from somewhere?”), the direct (“I saw you from across the bar, and just had to talk to you—what’s your name?), and the trite (“Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?”).

Most of the time, they’re harmless ways to make a romantic connection, but sometimes, pick-up lines veer into creepy, offensive, and—in worst-case scenarios—racist territory. It’s not uncommon for lines directed at people of color, in particular, to be tinged with stereotypical references about their ethnicity or race.


In this NTRSCTN video, watch folks get candid about their appalling and ridiculous experiences with racist pick-up lines (then scroll down to read more stories).

Anita C., 28

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Kristen K., 25

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Stephanie S., 33

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Michelle O., 22

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Caroline L., 26

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Joanne W., 28

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Jacques, P., 35

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Anonymous woman, 25

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