do white people understand how minorities feel about living in white cities and neighborhoods?

Question

I got offered a job position in some cities that are almost all white, and I'm black. In my head I'm not comfortable in those settings, although I'm sure I'd be greated fairly more often than not. Its just I hate being the only black person (in the store, class, neighborhood), and I'm wondering if whites are conscientious.

Answer 1

It is you that has the problem.

You see, we accept you if you work hard, are a good neighbor, are friendly, take interest in the things around you.

We are repulsed by "black" this and "black" that.

Are you even considerate that we have to endure your "black america"?

You can take this racist, play your race card like so many do, but the truth is,
I am not.
You see, I don't care one iota what color you think you are.

If you treat me well, I love you.
You treat me or mine wrong, we got problems.

You work hard and get chosen for a promotion before me? I commend you (wish it was me, but I understand 'the best man won')

You get that promotion because of some Quota System, and did not work hard? We got problems.

You want more of "your kind" to move in and make "you" feel comfortable?
I got no problems with how you continue to want to segregate yourself, but if you feel you are not accepting me because I am white, then WHO is the Racist?

Live. Work. Enjoy the people around you.
Get over the race issue friend.

Answer 2

They don't understand exactly since they are not black. However, most white people I know will accept you without issue unless your behavior suggests that you fall into certain negative stereotypical patterns associated rightly or wrongly with blacks.

For instance in a job setting, if you are quick to suggest racism in order get an advantage or cover up your own deficiencies, then you will be viewed negatively by your white peers. If you don't work as hard as your coworkers, same deal. There is the perception that many blacks get jobs just because they are black and that protects the hiring company from lawsuits. Regular white workers will talk behind your back about this if you are an especially poor worker, call in sick a lot, etc. You will lose respect.

Same thing in the neighborhood. Keep your yard clean, don't make too much noise, don't let you home be Grand Central Station for all manner of unknowns. Basically, respect the current standards of the neighborhood and you will be fine.

As white people, we believe we are often unfairly accused of racism, when we have no such bias. We believe that black leaders too often accuse all whites of being racist. Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Louis Farakahn are all considered opportunists who have gotten rich preaching to their people how whites are racist while ultimately hurting their own people by dividing the races. We think they are basically scum.

On a positive note, if you don't ask for special favors and respect your white peers, we will shower you with respect and friendship. That is because we normally feel a little guilty about not liking a black person if they exhibit bad behavior because we question whether we are having a racist reaction. When we find a black person who treats us like our white friends do, we feel like we don't have to be on guard.

Answer 3

Whites are mostly tolerant of blacks. Unless you are going WAY out in the country. I live in a neighborhood that used to be ALL white for a long time. Now, new construction is bringing more of a mixed crowd into the area. There have not been any problems. Although, crime has increased. Probably just because of the population growth.

I admit that as a white, I would feel uncomfortable in an all black neighborhood. But I think that you are in the better position of the two, by far.

Answer 4

Some of us do. I would feel the same as you, if I was living in a black neighborhood. At least until I met the people and found out I was accepted as a neighbor. It is hard to at least not nod to your neighbors. I live in northern New Hampshire and we have few blacks. I do try to make them at home and feel comfortable, but know inside, they are nervous. The human race has to wake up before we become extinct. I was brought up to be prejudice, but some where along the line, I found out there are more important problems going on than a person's color. I think if you follow the golden rule you will do just fine.

Answer 5

I am because my boyfriend is black. He has opened my eyes to a way of thinking that I didn't have before. I say take the job, but don't conform to their standards. When I go some places with my boyfriend, I am usually the only white person there. I used to be nervous and weird about it, but I just learned to accept it and learn to love it. I am 100% comfortable being in the presence of many black people. I never had that before. It's just a change in mindset. If you want to be uncomfortable, then you will be. It is almost guaranteed that those white people aren't thinking that way. Good luck.

Answer 6

If I was black I would look at all the INtjS like me and think it represented the whole, but it really doesnt (because it's the most uncomfortable type of person to be around and so it stands out). .. most people in general I think are not judgemental, and are all about harmony. I cant help it though, I do it to everybody. I'm uncomfortable for reasons of being overwhelmed with my nervous system and clairsentience. If I was black I wouldnt yet be able to handle it comfortably; I would still want to be left alone. But I used to be a black slave named Jita in a past life so maybe I'm not over it . .it's kind of like being mixed black and white except society doesnt really acknowledge it

Answer 7

I am white and was working at a place where the employees were primarily black. I felt a little strange at first, but everything was cool. I can understand how you feel because of that situation. But then again I am not a minority all of the time. I am sure things will be okay. Good Luck in your endeavors!!!

Answer 8

I guess I've not really given it much thought. I grew up in a military family and I wasn't really aware of a rift between the races until I was in college. I guess I was naive but I grew up around black people and it was never an issue. In the military we're just all...military. In college I moved back to my hometown. It is made up of mostly whites. There were a handful of black guys in our college and they were all there on basketball scholarships. Seriously. The first time, in my life, that I was aware of racism was when my grandparents made comments about the basketball players. I was close friends with one of them and my grandma made it clear I was never to bring him to the house!!!! This was shocking to me. I do remember the guys sitting around talking about how they felt like people stared at them and that they never fit in.

A couple of years later a wealthy black doctor moved to the town. He built this huge house. It looked like a castle. But he was not in town long before he left. The rumor was he felt the people were very small minded. But the people felt he was a jerk and never gave anyone a chance. He just assumed he was being judged so he was rude. So...who knows.

I guess the closest I've come to that feeling is when I was the only female journalist on a newspaper staff. The guys would sit around being guys. They'd tell dirty jokes or blonde jokes and then they'd all look at me while they laughed. They were waiting to see my reaction. I was always so uncomfortable. I couldn't blend in and I'd never be accepted. It was a terrible feeling. I suppose that is similar to what you're describing, only on a smaller scale.

Answer 9

Take a chance it could be an education for you.....give you a look at the "other side". You may find out we have more in common then you imagine. If you don't like it you can always move back.

Black people don't know the "white experience".

Think of it like men and women....we're around each other, we live together, but it's sometimes Venus & Mars.

Answer 10

I understand how you feel. I used to live in a predominately black city, and never really felt at ease. I was the victim of much racial bigotry and unfairly treated every day. It wasn't fair. Different cultures will never be completely comfortable together, although there is no reason we can't treat each other with courtesy and respect.