BT, thanks for highlighting just how mad this world has become ----again!
I will often ask people "Where is that wonderful accent from?" and have never had any problem because I am either quite fluent in their language, know enough words to express a few niceties, or don't know anything, in which case I ask them how to say various things which increases my language knowledge.

In view of what is being said, this must be classed as being racist, however, I shall not stop because I do not get many chances to practice my Arabic and Swahili in Ashington.
Strangely enough, I was at football last night at Heaton Stannignton and was asked where I came from because of my accent ----I was not offended at all.