I think for most social demographics in the USA, "Tell me about yourself?" is a perfectly acceptable question.
It can be seen as intrusive, however, for Europeans. In fact even a question like "tell me about <x>" is not taken well by Europeans. They see it as a demand to be entertained and is considered lazy and thoughtless.
On the other hand, Terry Gross is a spectacular interviewer. SHE could get away with asking almost anything to anyone and even it is a disastrous question is able to recover from it. I think someone who is able to read cues and think on their feet has much more latitude in what they can get away with as far as questions go.
even a question like "tell me about <x>" is not taken well by Europeans
It phrases in the form of “what’s your story” in most European languages. Same thing, though. The question does seem to be one which separates high-status and low-status people in many societies.
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I think for most social demographics in the USA, "Tell me about yourself?" is a perfectly acceptable question.
It can be seen as intrusive, however, for Europeans. In fact even a question like "tell me about <x>" is not taken well by Europeans. They see it as a demand to be entertained and is considered lazy and thoughtless.
On the other hand, Terry Gross is a spectacular interviewer. SHE could get away with asking almost anything to anyone and even it is a disastrous question is able to recover from it. I think someone who is able to read cues and think on their feet has much more latitude in what they can get away with as far as questions go.
It phrases in the form of “what’s your story” in most European languages. Same thing, though. The question does seem to be one which separates high-status and low-status people in many societies.