Do you ever go talk to someone of a different ethnic group because you want to?

Question

I have encounter many situations whereby I go into a dinner party of strangers because it is a social gathering of strangers for a benefit. I notice that, it is often me (asian guy) going to make the first contact with other ethnic groups to small talk. When I am by myself standing with a glass of wine, just waiting and observing the room, only other asians will initiate to come talk to me, even if we never met. But never has been the occasion whereby a white man or woman would approace me for small talk. The only time when a white person will come to talk with me is when they need something from me. I think this show many things about white people, they show themselves as being phobic outside of their white racist ways. Or they may be afraid that by talking outside of their white group, they may be seen as polluting their image, so they will never talk to us colored people. FYI, I think white people are the insecure types, needing to protect their "image" over substance.

Answer 1

Sure I do. And yes, I'm white. *shrug* Maybe everybody is a little insecure. I know I am but not about race.

Answer 2

It sounds like you've had the displeasure of being around a bunch of white snobs! I'm so sorry because if I were in the room with you, I'd meet everybody there, whether they wanted to meet me or not. I don't have a snobby bone in my friendly body and often meet other people of all colors because I'm so secure with myself it just doesn't bother me to talk to everybody. I have tons of great friends and often I teach people to be more secure in social situations. There's no reason to be standoffish and snobbish; however, some people aren't going to be nice no matter what. They are too self centered and all about "them." I would like to tell you that the next time you unfortunately encounter people like this to not feel bad; it has NOTHING to do with you. They are the idiots!!!!!! And you are so right when you mentioned people become friendly when it's financially advantageous for them to be so. That's when you just need to smile and "walk away."

Answer 3

I understand where you are coming from. Some people give the impression that they are not approachable by their facial expressions, fashion sense, body language, etc. I don't think that they all have racial issues, but I'm sure there are some.

When I was in college (Psych Major) I used to irritate the hell out of my friends for being overly analytical. I was always accused of Psychoanalyzing everyone. Its a good way to create a distance from friends or destroy the possibilities of future friendships.

Ask your friends if you were an "approachable" person... you may be surprised by their answer. Of course we see ourselves very differently.

Answer 4

Well...I'm a white guy who travels all over the world. I'm not afraid to make small talk with anyone of any race, and am always interested in people's backgrounds. So, all of us white people are not the racists some of us seem to be...
Dr. King put it best: we should be judged by the content of our character, not the color of our skin.

Answer 5

Do what I'd do.. just talk.. make a joke, that's a great opening line.. and if u are feeling "risque" make a joke re: something about them...but be nice about it, I have been in situations where jokes where thrown my way cuz of my nationality, i'd laugh and then toss one back, it can be an ice breaker,,, but just to be on the safe side, carry a .357 .. just in case my idea doesn't work! LOL! I like meeting other nationalities cuz I always learn something from them, or FIND to have something in common with them...esp. something from the "grandparents era", I love stuff like that... I wish you luck. You sound like a nice person and perhaps you just met the wrong people.. We can meet for some noodles and expresso, if you're ever in Boston!, pls. forgive my personality but I try to make people laugh. Bona Fortuna 'e Bona Serra! (good luck and goodnight, in Italian) See, now you know something about me.

Answer 6

Sounds like your being a bit racist of white people. Why does it matter who starts the conversation? Maybe white people are too self conscious, too afraid of what other people would think. Not racist trash.

Answer 7

It matters not to me what color or ethnic group people are. When I am at a gathering, I talk to people of any race. And I also am "white". Maybe you need to find a different group....

Answer 8

I think you need to socialize around people who are actually social. Granted, most people are too shy, but you go to a party with good people and others will approach you.

You should also take some initiative and approach them too.

Answer 9

i do it all the times cos i live in malaysia, we're a multi-cultural society with many many ethnic groups all mixed in a country. its quite fun actually bcos i'd get to know people from all cultures and actually get to ask them in person any aspects of their culture that i do not understand or is curious of. most white people who comes to malaysia to stay or work are very friendly and mingles with the crowd.

Answer 10

i think i know what you say and i think it must be because of the picture of asians (i emphasize asians not black ppl) in the world and a little bit of our stupid selfishness, you know, cause most ppl are alittle bit difficult with new ppl and specially asians. we all say that we aren't racist and so on, but actually we all, are,that's just it maybe we should think ourselves why is it so and how to stop by thinking that the important thing about someone is't the face but the soul and maybe the personality ,it is takenfor granted that your natinality affects your personality but we all must remember that 1st of all we are all humen,ofcourse ppl are different and differences make life happier and funnier.i think to solve that problem of yours you should think of your talents and abilities that MAKES white ppl to respect you and make them want to communicate with and accept you as you are(cause you know anyway we have relationship with others because we need them and want sth from them , we need ppl to approve us and we try to be better and have more abilities ,just work on knowing yourself perfectly and make others know that too,you'll see how mauch they will respect you!