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Clara Freeman is a  nurse/freelance writer/columnist living in Illinois. An advocate for women, children and the elderly, her works reflect women...
 
 
 
 

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Exploring Race & Friendships In America

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Before deciding to pen this story, I did a bit of investigative "snooping" with several sources close to the two women involved. Normally, this stuff I wouldn't take seriously, but due to the nature of the situation, I decided to question and perhaps gain insights from both races on the ongoing subject of Race & Friendships,or what we perceive as friendship,opposed to just being "friendly."

In the field where I work, there's often a mixture of folks from all religions, races cultures of life -- African-Americans, Whites, Hispanics, Asians, Indians, and Mexicans -- a gathering of a small United Nations, and it's all good. But, then, there's always someone,or, some bothersome something that occurs,often leading  to disbelief, suspicion, distrust and this post! Situation:

Two friends; 1 black, 1 white , stick together like 2 peas in a pod on the job: eating, working, smoking, breaking & gossiping- as women oftentimes tend to do. The white friend invites the black friend out where she introduces her black friend to a group of white friends in this manner "This is (person) my 'n#gg# ' friend!"  

When I heard this story from reliable sources, I became angry at the situation. Angry at both women and angry that in 2012, people are still so insensitive - referring to the "N" word in such a jovial manner... not to mention at the expense of another person's feelings.

Reportedly, the woman was so "hurt" by this introduction, she came to work and told all what transpired on their friend's night out!

On my job, I'm friendly to everyone. I'm a professional woman who doesn't feel the need to resort to racially demeaning tactics in order to impress and circumvent a sense of entitlement or show people what a true "ass" I really am! What you see in me, is what you get. I think after hearing about this situation, more diversity is called for in the workplace. More enlightened conversation between those we think of as friends of different races, and more self respect for all!

What's your take on yet another conversation about Race in America?

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foxyc 5 pts

As a product of the South during Jim Crow era, I've had to learn tolerance and it wasn't easy. but, I wasn't raised a "racist" and I don't condone ignorance, insensitivity and bigotry. And I will speak up and speak out against it:)

edavis 94 pts

My jaw dropped when I read what she said. I think we need more conversations and dialogue on EVERYTHING. We grow up and learn very simplistic ways for communicating and interacting with others and rarely have really good in-depth discussions that allow us to reflect, question and actively work on how we can improve our dialogue as beautifully diverse humans living in a fairly complex world. Without those conversations, we just don't know how to be bi-cultural, no less multi-cultural and to move within different groups (cultural, work, family, peer based, religious, etc) honoring our own values and respecting and honoring those of others.

foxyc 5 pts

Quite true Marcie! And, the women involved need to do self examination. Find out why they play the game of friendship in view of this recent development. I've never fed into that sense of entitlement crap & never will . I'd never befriend a person who knowingly thinks the way this woman does.

msmarcie 5 pts

First of all, the introduction was ignorant - plain and simple. And the white friend is a hypocrit. However, she's a true reflection of people - black and white - these days. We do what we need to do to get by in this racist America. Face it, as long as there are media images based on historical actions and data telling one group they are superior to others, the perceptions of racial superiority will always be an issue and won't change unless individuals within that group decide to make that change.

Also, as long as we are in America, race will always be an issue.

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C50something
C50something

Marcie_Hill blogher C50something mind boggling! That situation still blows