While riding the train the other day, I overheard some grumbling that "there's too many whites on this train." I understand that there is a history of racism in our city (St. Louis), although I can't say I understand what you have gone through because I'm not black. Regardless, I don't want you to feel uncomfortable around me, and I don't want to feel uncomfortable around you.
We all have to ride the train together. What can we do?
2006-09-06 03:06:37 · 11 answers · asked by Veritatum17 6 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ St. Louis
There is nothing you can do but you can gain understanding of what it feels to be a "minority" by frequenting areas and locals where the demographic is majority black. Go to a black club, black event of some sort and intraspectively gauge your level of comfort. Ask yourself if you feel comfortable being 1 or 2 whites among 1000 blacks or more comfortable where you are surrounded by your own kind. It has little to do with racism and more to do with being in your "comfort zone". Try it out and let me know what you think.
2006-09-07 06:06:21 · answer #1 · answered by the man 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Sadly a few people -- black, white, or whatever -- will always be racist and use racism to cover up their own insecurities. Sometimes part of the problem is that you're dealing with youths, and young people aren't always the most sensible.
Not everyone is a racist. I don't believe certain cities have a "history of racism"... all cities have some racist people and some who are not.
I've found the more we look for racism, the more we use it to explain everything around us. The less I look for it, the more I'm able to see the individual person's motivations.
You should keep riding the train and don't let this one incident bother you.
2006-09-06 10:15:54 · answer #2 · answered by Funchy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If that person is uncomfortable being on a train with "too many whites" then that is his issue to deal with and not yours. If a white man got on a train and uttered "there's too many blacks on this train" how many of those black train-riders would go home and think "How can I make that white man more comfortable around me?"
My advice is to just continue to be yourself, don't let someone elses discomfort worry you if you're not doing anything to make them feel that way. Just do your best to represent your race proudly... the human race.
2006-09-06 10:22:58 · answer #3 · answered by Adam W 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
stop seeing in colour - black people can be every bit as dumb as white people when it comes to colour issues so that goes for all colours,religions etc. the guys on the train don't deserve your time or consideration as they themselves unreasonably raised the race issue. Ignorance and hate don't discriminate by colour. as for you making anyone around you feel more comfortable - why should you?, if you cause no problem to anyone because of their colour you do nothing wrong.
2006-09-06 10:16:21 · answer #4 · answered by simon r 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
good question: you can't do anything except treat everyone the same, regardless of color.
i know a mexican woman who works as a vice president for the ymca, which is a non-profit to treat everyone w/ christian principles. she told me that she hates black people. i asked her why. she said, "i don't know. because my father hates black people."
stupid. just teach the young people and eventually it will get better. for the train, though, just treat everybody the same.
2006-09-06 16:37:45 · answer #5 · answered by Becky 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is an excellent question. I'd also like to know what black men feel would help build a bridge between us.
2006-09-06 10:13:05 · answer #6 · answered by derandnet 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Who gives ashit. Get over it. If we quit walking on egg shells around each other and being politically correct we can better understand some of the cultural differenses between races.
2006-09-06 10:13:02 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm sorry to say, but "It's a black thing and you wouldn't understand!" Please don't take offense to that, but it's difficult for others to understand your experience if they don't have to live it on a day to day basis. (and vice versa) I would say that a big part of it has to do with SLAVERY. (it's to much to explain). If you are sincere about this, just continue to treat all people the same and not pre-judge people. People know when you are truly sincere.
2006-09-06 10:13:12 · answer #8 · answered by chocolat.chaud 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Excellent answer Adam W. I coundnt have said it better myself. So, I'll just say I agree.
2006-09-07 12:14:27 · answer #9 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm Native American and can recommend you one thing, white: go back to Europe.
2006-09-06 22:11:06 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋