When you meet someone different from you....?

Question

different race, gender, sexual preference, political beliefs, etc. are you curious to talk about the differnces or do you make a judgement about them or is your reaction some combination of the two?

Answer 1

I'd be lying if I said I didn't make some immediate assumptions about people based on the way they look. In his book "Blink" Malcolm Gladwell discusses the power of first impressions, and how people rely on them more than they realize.

Even so, I try not to form my opinion of a person based on first impression alone. I feel like everyone I meet ought to be given a fair chance to be listened to and respected. I do enjoy meeting people who are different from me because I feel it broadens my worldview and challenges my assumptions.

Answer 2

When I meet someone they are all different from me! Honestly I don't care what race, gender, sexual preference or polictical beliefs, etc they have - its the PERSON I am drawn to in the conversation and their personality or *spark*, if you know what I mean. Something caught my eye about someone that will make me want to talk and get to know them or at least talk to them more - it doesn't have anything to do with the above though. From conversation you might find out these things but that is what talking and learning is all about when you meet new people and extend the hand of friendship to want to learn more about them and them about you.

Answer 3

I am not only curious, but will many times start the conversation. The reason...... Have always wanted to elevate my thinking and knowledge, above ignorance and hatred. To make friends, learn from them. I don't need to agree with a belief, or opinion, but want to understand it.
Here is my Opinion on bigotry in any form,...
I either like you as a person for who you are, will call you friend until the day I die if that is what you so desire, but will not base my friendship on the fact that a person is different from me in your above examples.

Answer 4

It's kind of a delicate matter. None of us is blind, however you never know if you're going to offend people with your questions. I genuily most of the times want to know about someone's culture and lifestyle but people would call me ignorant and inappropriate. Of course, courtesy and politeness is always necessary.
I feel bad when I ask someone where they're from and they roll their eyes like I shouldn't have asked. Or if I ask about the significance of a certain attribute particular of a culture, like the Indian red dot or the facial scars in parts of Africa, people think I'm ignorant for not knowing or racist for having noticed.
Delicate, I'm telling you...

Answer 5

To start, a recognition of differences. Then, a curiosity about that individual.
After that, I find myself questioning what that person's reaction might be if I do show my curiosity.
I read body language, decide if I feel "on my game" for the day, and whether or not to approach conversation, or simply just observe.

Answer 6

I'm not so much curious to talk about the differences but curious to learn more about them.

Answer 7

I'm unique. Everyone is different from me. I'm sure that you are unique, too.

I'm interested in people the same way Mr. Spock (Star Trek:TOS) was. I find them 'fascinating'.

However, I'm quick to make a judgment as to their 'usefulness' in expanding my knowledge of people. I find people who are closed minded about most things have nothing to offer me that's worth knowing.

Answer 8

everyone a person meets is different . if your focus is on the differeances you will never get along with them. to make friends try to find common ground. and dont drink the cool aid.

Answer 9

We all get put down so much in life. That when we meet someone who is different, we resent them, because we make
OURSELVES feel like there is something wrong with us.

Answer 10

Those are generally hot topics, not something to discuss right off. Stick with weather, sports, traffic etc. etc.