Why Do People Tend To Segregate Themselves When Making Friends?

Question

I live in the north east of the united states and I live in an area that is culturally diversed. I often take my son to storytime and crafts at library and other places, where they have these events, so he can have social skills. I noticed that when I take him places, other parents of the same kind of culture/race/ethnicity or what have you, tend to migrate together, even when I try to befriend them. This is for all cultures/ethnicity not a specific kind of culture/ethnicity. I don't mind befriending my own kind but it seems harder to befriend other ethnicities, while I try to make an effort. I am not prejudice nor racist or dress weird and nor have B.O.
People subconsciously do this and do not realize. I am in an interracial marriage and our kid is mixed. So I don't see the problem here.
This happens alot and it is very annoying. I don't need responses where I'm befriending the wrong kinds of people and it's a numbers game, I already know that.
How would you handle this?

Answer 1

I always deal with people on an individual basis and never as part of a group. Some people are more afraid to expand their horizons than I am, so even if they form race- or ethnicity-based groups of friends, I don't see it as my problem. If someone seems unfriendly, no matter what race/ethnicity, I don't usually attempt to pursue a friendship. Also, I've actually had to train myself that when I see someone of my own race I shouldn't automatically assume that that person will be any nicer or friendlier than anyone else. It helps to have some understanding of the cultures you see on a regular basis, even if you have to do your own research. Remember that even if they look like a group, it's really just all individuals.

Answer 2

That is a good question since people who have the same interest and back grounds tend migrate together because they will have mostly the same likes and dislikes. In Sioc. it is called the same folkways and morays (Moral ways). And is part of the ancient herding together instinct. for protection and mutual self interest.

Integrating into a new group is a long slow process. First you have be perceived as no threat to the group stems from the out clanning to together to protect each other from different tribes Then slowly inter grate into them one step at a time.

It least that is what we studied in Sociology when I had to take those silly classes.

Personally I preferred the Marine Corps and oil field way better: If they didn't like it kick @ss and take names.

Answer 3

Some people just tend to talk to people they feel more comfortable with. I guess it is very similar to girls grouping with girls and guys grouping with guys in a big group. It is not necessary but I don't think many people realise they are doing it.