“Friends, How Many of Us Have Them” —> Outside of our Race?
There’s nothing like having a best friend that shares your viewpoints, your perspective, and possibly knows you better than you know yourself. You know the saying “birds of a feather, flock together”….if this is always the case, then chances are there aren’t contrasting views and varied opinions in your “flock.”
We’re living in a climate of increased racial sensitivity. The racial divide and overt racism that has reared its head in our political process, justice system, and sadly in our everyday interactions with one another must be challenged and reconciled. It’s in times like these that everyone needs to extend their reach to someone of another race.
We’ve witnessed the race-baiting being thrown around in this Election, the racial tensions after the Trayvon Martin tragedy, and the constant misconceptions of racial identity across the board. We cannot afford to sit on the sideline and watch as America deteriorates along racial lines.
Racism is America’s original sin and it serves as a detriment to all Americans — the ones that came over on the Mayflower and the ones that came over on the Clotilde, and everyone in between. I won’t pretend we’re living in a “post racial” society…but it is within reach. Naturally when racial tension arises, people tend to align themselves with people who look and act like them. It’s a comfort zone. A comfort zone that must be broken in order for America to truly reach a post racial society.
As a proud product of a HBCU, an upbringing in predominantly black environments, and as a community loyalist…. I’ve enjoyed a cushy comfort zone. That is until I challenged myself to step out of my comfort zone.I can testify that breaking out of my comfort zone has increased my knowledge, broadened my perspective and soothed my spiritual well-being. Consciously or unconsciously holding onto negative stereotypes and resentment toward racism, sexism or any “ism” manifests a spirit of inferiority. I’ve found that cultivating diverse relationships, having the difficult conversations about racial differences and being willing to challenge your own viewpoints will change your outlook and life experiences for the better. Comfort zones tend to keep your viewpoint one-sided, your outlook tainted, and your life experiences hampered. Breaking out of your comfort zone is not to be confused with “fitting in.”
Simply put, breaking out of your comfort zone presents you with 2 options: stay within your comfort zone (seek out people that you most identify with and surround yourself with them) OR carve out a new path toward diversifying your friends, your surroundings, and most importantly your perspective. We share a world with people of all stripes and all walks of life…Now more than ever, we must challenge ourselves and each other to branch out and explore friendship outside of our race.
Have you broken out of your racial comfort zone Cluthchettes?
Krystal Glass is the Host and Moderator of a series of thought-provoking dialogues he
I’m friends with at least every group walking the planet and the only reason I can pull it off is I’m myself. There is no sugar coating my feelings on things like race,religion,gender,etc, I’m say what I feel they may not like it but I dont front. I grew up in the 80′s/90′s and everything was intergrated so I’m cool with whose cool with me but, that dont mean because I have some white,asian,latino,indian friends that all the racism just poof disappeared. Luckily I dont live in the tent of blissful unawareness. One of my best friends is Greek and hasnt been in this country that long maybe 11 years,so some of the current issues with race I sometimes have to explain what the deal is here as opposed to the race issues in Europe. I see this question alot but the way some folks spazz out over interracial dating not having friends or many interracial friends doesnt seem like a stretch.
Looking from other comments it seems easier to make friends with foreigners because they are discriminated against as well. But with a white person… its soo hard they seem to be in their pwn world where we dont exist.. and honestly a lot of them are rude and politically incorrect when it comes to race… i don’t really blame them its lack of exposure we living in their world …unfortunately they never had to learn about our culture. I also feel like I got the whole race on my shoulder when I’m around them.. Never would I have a ratchet moment with a white friend.. I just wouldnt… Honestly, it takes a lot of patience… and I dont know if im up for the challenge .. but I know if we all had more white friends it could get rid of some of the stereotypes we have of one another… But Honestly I never felt a white person trying to befriend me.. Why does it start with us? Im convinced they dont want us around…#postracismmyass
People should make friends with whom they want. If they want to have all black friends, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. If you want to have no black friends, there might be something wrong with you, but do you. Most people have friends of their own race. Studies have shown white women to be the most insular and no one is imploring their lives would be “richer” for knowing black, Asian, white Hispanic people.
We cannot keep reinforcing the racial hierarchy this society was built on. It does nothing for us, but someone we have bought into it we work hard at keeping the foundation strong. White people are not magical and most, as the same for all people, will not add much to your life.
Totally agree with you!
I have trust issues all around, I down care if you’re Black, White, male, female, or other. It takes a lot for me to let in into my circle, which is small, lol. I am glad to say race, culture, creed, or color aren’t looked at. I just have to feel you’re good people ;)
I enjoy a very diverse group of friends. Whilst I’m very proud of my culture and who I am as a black woman, I also enjoy being a citizen of the world and mixing with fellow citizens regardless of race, gender, class or sexuality.
In fact I enjoy finding similarities and differences in the variety of cultures that myself and my frieends belong to.