I'm not racist or anything, but does anyone else feel kind of awkward around black people?

Answer 1

In no way, shape, or form. There is nothing wrong with black people, several of my friends are black, and members of my family are of another race - it doesn't bother me at all.
As ead824 previously stated, this question makes you come across as a bigot. I know you started it off with "I'm not racist, but...", however that tends to come before a comment that could be taken as offensive to a man or woman of the ethnicity you're talking about. And by looking at many of the answers you've gotten... well, I think you get my point.
You're probably insecure, haven't been around many people of different races, were sheltered, or believe that the stereotypical black man/woman on TV is how they all are (and they aren't). Get out a little more and you'll (hopefully) change for the better.

Answer 2

All harshness of your question aside, let me ask you: is it all black people or more a certain type of "inner city" person regardless of race?

Either way it's a loaded question, but don't let anyone get you down. You're not a racist, you're more sheltered and only know what you know. If you've only had bad experiences with a certain type of person, then being uncomfortable around them would make sense, but it's still something you should work on. If you've never had bad experiences with them and grew up in a predominantly white community then you just don't really know what to expect.

But just remember, being black doesn't make you dangerous and being white doesn't make you a safe person. Where I live, the white kids are far more trouble than the other races and it's a predominantly white community. Everyone deserves their respect, but if you just relax and get to know each person as their own individual self you'll learn that color is only skin deep and shouldn't effect the way you see someone at all.

Answer 3

You may feel awkard because you are not familiar with their culture, have little to no exposure to them, and you do not know how to socialize with them.

It could be possible that some (read, "some") black people may, intentionally or not, make you feel ackwards. It happens in all ethnic groups, in all of them.

Since you didn't give enough information I can't tell anything for certain.

However, if by feeling ackward you mean:

- you don't want to be around them at all, and you don't feel or want to even make a modicum of effort to socialize with them, OR
- you are afraid of them in general

then you would be racist. Being racist is not just about burning crosses or hating, you know.

But then again, since you didn't specifically say what's going on, it's all conjecture and wild, uneducated guesses.

Answer 4

Don't listen to anyone who tells you that you are racist even for asking the question. It's a valid question. Truth is the black people that you feel uncomfortable around, most likely, WANT you to feel that way. I've been around blacks in the DMV or a shopping mall and they talk loud, talk offensively, show complete disregard for others....guess what, you're going to feel awkward. But there are other blacks who will show you friendship, compassion and other valued traits, that will not make you feel this way. try changing your surroundings.

Answer 5

You are racist, if you weren't you wouldn't feel awkward. That says it all. I am not black, and I've been to black affairs, where a white person can even think of standing in their shoes. Maybe you're just dealing with the wrong blacks. There are good and bad and pretty and ugly in all races.

Answer 6

Familiarity.

You probably have not hung out with them too much. Certainly when you are in a situation out of your unfamiliar zone, you need to adjust ... and this adjustment is the awkwardness you feel.

Now the person you've meet could be in the same unfamiliar situation, or slightly familiar with hanging out with people like you ... or they could think it's absolutely normal, and that you're just acting freaky forcing them to freak too. However, since some black people have also experience "Racism", they may forego the freaky feeling and then lable you "Racist" because it's what they are familiar with.

Answer 7

I love it when people start of their questions with "I'm not racist or anything...." Your right you aren't racist. You are prejudice!

No I don't feel awkward around the black community. I'm the only white girl in my house. My son is bi-racial my roommate is black and my boyfriend is black.

Answer 8

If there were a whole bunch of black people and I was the only white person, it might feel a little awkward.

Otherwise, no. I've lived and worked with black people all my life - why should I feel awkward?

Answer 9

If you are confident in yourself as a person, then you shouldn't feel awkward around anybody. Maybe you have some confidence issues within yourself that you need to deal with. I'm a black educated, and very conservative female and I feel fine around any race because I'm very confident with who I am and what I stand for and no other race or culture can make me feel different.

Answer 10

IT depends, i'm black and i'm not going to even lie, when i'm around a wide range of black people i get a little nervous. It's stero typical, black people are known to be ghetto and crazy. So it' s probably not you just being a racist, it has a lot to do on how you were raised is all.