I am obsessed with race relations right now, particularly between black and white people. Many times I have nothing to say because I'm afraid I'll offend someone. And I feel racist sort of doing this because I'm not all antsy around my Asian friends, we can openly make fun of eachother and know we're just kidding, but am really uptight around black people in the fear that I'll say something wrong. So do I need to lighten up and not worry about it so much? Sorry about all the race questions, it's just something I can't help thinking about a lot these days.
2006-12-14 02:57:09 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
Senorita, I'm talking about black people and not other races because i'm being honest. i don't really feel afraid of saying things around other races. Also because I have not had a lot of black friends in the past, the few friends I had were white or Asian, and now I have a black boyfriend and about half of my friends that I hang out with regularly and work with are black. I could explain more but it would be really long and drawn out but if you're really that interested you can email me.
2006-12-14 05:24:44 · update #1
I think you are just sensitive to history and current issues in society. History has dealt a few groups of people some rough blows. This (combined with continuing racism) has led to very high sensitivity levels.
Lets say you took a child from an african american family and a while from an anglo saxon family and swapped them with each family. The family then raised them from birth with no interference from society. The boy raised in the anglo saxon family 'would' be anglo saxon, and vice versa. Bottom line, we are no different from eachother. We are only different to the extent that we let society tell us we are different.
My advice, don't feel so uptight. Just be yourself. When you get to know people of other cultures better, be yourself. But, without walking on egg shells, be sensitive to historical and societal factors. Be open and talk to people just like you are doing now.
2006-12-14 04:33:48 · answer #1 · answered by Jeffrey Hay 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I guess i don't understand? What are you afraid to say? You say they are your friends, but how close are they? If they know your heart than you should have nothing to worry about, but i guess you should check yourself since you are lumping people into groups by skin color and because your obsessed with race relations. My best friend is white, and we generalize and joke all the time with each other about other cultures and our own. But we also know that some things aren't funny or respectful so we don't go there. If there is a joke that you wouldnt say around your grandparents or a 6 yr old, than maybe you shouldnt be saying it. that goes for Everything, not just this particular topic. If you ever want to say something, say it, but be able to back up your beliefs with something.
2006-12-14 11:23:32 · answer #2 · answered by Gyasi M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no reason for you to feel that way towards anyone of a different race. I say lighten up and always be respectful towards people..if you are afraid of joking around too much then don't do it and live a normal life. I still don't get the whole deal of intimidation from a certain race..but yes lighten up a bit. It seems your a good person if you are trying not to offend anyone. Just be yourself.
2006-12-14 11:06:22 · answer #3 · answered by Princesa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't blame yourself. Some of the people on this board, and in the world, make it difficult to not fear them...with rants and accusations of racism that just aren't justified.
The best advice I can give you is to be yourself, and be honest and frank with everyone you know. I have found that I have earned the respect of blacks, whites, and hispanics alike this way. Ask questions, politely. Show interest in trying to understand their culture. And then, it's not seen as racist, but educational.
2006-12-14 11:00:12 · answer #4 · answered by nottashygirl 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
back off and give yourself time to reason out your feelings. try to avoid offending anybody in the mean time. you are allowed to have your preference for certain type of people. just like some of us like the more outspoken and others the quieter types, for the time being just keep clear of those whom you are not comfortable with. I'm sure you will be able to resolve the situation to your liking soon.
2006-12-14 11:09:19 · answer #5 · answered by sumaravindran1958 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
so black people and white people exist, we all come from the same race so i really don't see the problem if the person standing next to you is black or white unless you are in a bronze contest:))
2006-12-14 11:03:25 · answer #6 · answered by ella 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Black people get offended very easily, they are very defensive and can't control anger. Be careful and don't worry about it. All this PC stuff is going to bite em' in the butt one day.
2006-12-14 12:23:55 · answer #7 · answered by boobhead 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i think maybe lightening up a bit would be good, and if someone is offended, just let them know you arent serious and have no reason to want to offend them. if they are still pissed, i say maybe they need to open their own eyes and their mind a bit.
2006-12-14 11:06:35 · answer #8 · answered by i rock 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
HI Red, look racism is a dead end street and you will find that if you do lighten up a pretty hefty weight will be lifted from you.
Cheers.
2006-12-14 11:03:24 · answer #9 · answered by Sentinel 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
its all in your head, unless your around sh*ty black people. I have black friends and we make fun of each other, not to the extreme or anything, but it gets brote up
2006-12-14 11:01:49 · answer #10 · answered by TEXAS 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋