Are we hardwired to racially discriminate?

Question

If we are given social choices, ei--meeting someone new in a social situation from a group of people, why would we feel more comfortable choosing the caucasion looking person over the ethnic one?

Do you find yourself being this way--being drawn to them therefore segregating ethnic people without realizing it, because you are just naturally drawn to the blue eyed blonde friend? What do you think, and have you ever experienced this kind of frustration as "an outsider looking in?"

Answer 1

Sadly, people are hardwired to discriminate. It stems from our hunter/gatherer roots. The human is a pack animal, or more appropriately a tribal being. Due to the limited availability of food, tribes would fight one another for the spoils. Too bad we can't get over it after 10,000 years.

Answer 2

You'll have to learn how to ignore it.  The most comfortable people I've been around are called Marines.  The know no race and don't care.  Leave it for what it is, if you're really that good.  Get out and show it rather than making an issue outta of it.

Answer 3

Watch the movie Crash, it would give insight to your question.

Answer 4

It sounds as if YOU have the issues.  Most people nowadays don't make such an issue of things like this because reality has them focused on so many other issues, like...

keeping bills paid, making sure our children are safe at nite, and no predator sneaks in the window to steal them...or better yet...just making sure we've treated everyone we met that day fairly without judging them.  Knowing we ourselves are subject to be judged by someone with a small mind with ...

this kinda thinking.

Answer 5

Interesting question..

We're not genetically hardwired to discriminate.

Example: I went out with a guy who was originally from Canada once.. He tells me that he DOESN'T notice the racial segregation as much as he does in the U.S. He says that in Canada, people just blend into each other. The friends they choose aren't usually of 'one' particular race. Unlike in America, although segregation rules don't apply anymore, we still do so subjectively- i.e. Chinatown, Korea town, Little Italy, Little Tokyo, Little Saigon..

He has a good point.

In my eyes, I usually befriend a person due to their character, how they come across.. regardless of age. I befriend people of all different age groups. What matters most is WHO they are.. That's how I am in new social situations..

Answer 6

I do not believe that we are "hardwired" to discriminate.  I have watched my three young sons in their daycare, and they have just as many Mexican friends as they do white friends.  They really do not have many black friends though, as I feel this is because we live in a small town where there are not that many black families. There is only one child from a black family at their daycare, and they are friends with him too.   I do not consider myself a racist by any means, and I certianly do not raise my sons to think this way.  I believe we are taught to discriminate.  Whether it is from our parents, friends, or others that we spend time with.  Therefore I try not to teach my children to discriminate against anyone, and try to keep them away from others that do, in hopes that thier bad habits do not rub off on them.

Answer 7

Racism is a taught behavior,taught in the home.