This calls for an old SoSuave classic response: "Play the cards you have been dealt." That's all you can do.
BigJimbo said:
Short and ethnic means what? Italian? Italians from the South tend to be short and dark. Ever been to Calabria? Most dumb Americans woukd thonk they were Mexicans! Now, if you tell them they are not white I hope you can run really fast.
Why would Americans be "dumb"? No smarter or dumber than other people. Just a whole lot more selfdegrading, so they'll accept someone telling them they're dumb over and over.
And why would they mistake south Italians for Mexicans, that assumption is really dumb - I have visited southern Italy, I would never mistake them for being Mexican. Some approach Arabs in looks, but Mexican, never.