Quote:
Originally Posted by Azure
Personally, I think people feel comfortable around the people they know, understand and are friends with.
I also think it is human nature to become uncomfortable around a different culture, or a different race. I'm sure if any one of us went to Nigeria for a month, we would have a hard time adapting, and getting used to the lifestyles of different people.
It is not racism when, as a white person, you are not able to strike up a conversation with a black person. I went to school with a guy that was very much a part of an ethnic minority. I took me a few years before I was able to become enough 'friend' that I would go to his house, play video games or go to movies with him.
And not because I was racist to wards him(I was one of the few who wasn't) but because the barrier in different lifestyles, and a different culture existed.
|
What a load of crap! If a person made ANY effort to get to know or understand a person of a different skin color, culture or religion, any discomfort would disappear in hours, or at most, days. All it takes is a minimum amount of effort.
I live and work amongst Azeri's. I realize they are people, just like me, but their skin color and religion happen to be different. They have the same values as I do, caring for family and loved ones - in fact they put N. Americans to shame when it comes to caring for elderly or impoverished family members.
I've lived and worked amongst Yemeni's as well, and those that I met were the same - just people.
If you start with the viewpoint that we are all the same beneath the skin, it shouldn't take YEARS to become friends with an ethnic minority.
I don't know your background Azure, but if it takes years for you to feel comfortable enough to form a friendship with a 'ethnic minority' I suggest you examine YOUR values and perconceptions.