Are you aware that Black people tend to require a little more personal space than White people?

Question

I am basically posing this question to White people. I have a white coworker that gets all up in my face whenever we talk. I just want to tell her that I require a little more personal space than she does. If you were not aware of this, please try to pay more attention and be a little more considerate when talking with your black friends and associates. Not trying to be mean, just making you aware. If I can feel your breath when you speak to me, you are standing too close!!! Were you aware of this?

I would just like to add that I am not a racist. My observation and question is backed by research. It is true that the "bubble" for white people is just a little tighter than the one for black people. It's something that happens across all cultures. And to be more specific, it's about personal space required during conversation not in public places. And of course I know not all white people invade your space and not all black people require alot of space.

Answer 1

You think this is only a black persons requirement.. or desire..
think again, please. I feel the very same way as you do, and the color of my skin is white. I get that treatment not only from others who are white skinned, but also black.. and every color in between..
Are you aware of this.. Is anyone aware that others need their own personal space.. Sometimes, each of us just happens to get too excited, enthused about something, and forget ourselves.. life happens.
Never knew it was a color issue though..

Answer 2

Blacks can say and do anything they want today, they can get an education and have a PhD if they want and hold the top jobs--look at Condoleeza Rice.

They are now bosses and executives, and head of many corporations, and YOU are saying that a white person is in your face or space......

Hmmm. Maybe you want to excommunicate your coworker so you could get their job. Sorry we do have boundaries, but keep in mind prejudice and your nasty tone will get you no where.

Matter of fact I believe you meant the story the other way around how Blacks are invading the personal private space of the white person and the work force.

Answer 3

I'm white and do not invade peoples personal space! I keep a respectable distance of about 4-5 feet when talking to someone other than my wife. Since when do you know all white people anyways? I never recall meeting you OR invading your space. DON'T GENERALIZE OR STEREOTYPE THAT WHITES DO THIS AND MEXICANS DO THAT AND BLACKS DO THE OTHER THING, THAT'S WHAT BREEDS HATE BETWEEN THE RACES!!! Ignorant F#@$%!!!!!!

Answer 4

What does white or black have to do with anything? It's just different people's personal preference that has absolutely nothing to do with race.

Also, African cultures tend to favor closeness more than Western cultures. For example, if you visit many African countries and you get on a bus, it is considered very rude if you don't sit right next to someone already on the bus.

Answer 5

Ooooh....that is just nasty. I'm white and I agree with you. Maybe I have some African blood because I require a lot of personal space myself. Do you really think it is a white/black thing? I think it is more just an individual thing. I've known people from all cultures who have gotten way too close.

Answer 6

I don't think this has anything to do with being black or white. PEOPLE in general just require different ammounts of personal space than others.

Answer 7

What does this particular social exchange have to do with whether you are black or white? Dummy, if she is too close, move back a bit or ask her to give you some space. Close your eyes and pretend you are white and then, I guess according to your figuring, her proximity to you will cease to be offensive. Or, alternatively, close her eyes and ask her to pretend to be black and then ask her if your proximity to her is offensive. You are making a poor and insulting attempt at making a racial issue out of a simple etiquette matter. Grow up.

Answer 8

Its not white people that have a problem with personal space it is just your coworker. You really shouldn't stereotype people based on your interaction with just one person. She does sound like she gets a little to close for comfort though.

Answer 9

You sound ignorant. I know black folks that do the same thing. Why must everything be either black or white? Did it occur to you that it is just her personality, and maybe, you should find a way to show her, respectfully, that you would prefer some distance between you both. Come on! Be a little smarter and less quick to judge someone's action based on his or her race.

Answer 10

If you're having issues with your white coworker then talk to HER about it. Don't rag to everyone on Yahoo Answers just because the french fry girl is a Close Talker...