With growing awareness about the racial disparities in our society, many people are wanting to have genuine conversations with their friends about racial differences. Here are 10 things to consider:
- Regardless of whether this is your first conversation or your 1,000th conversation, there is a lot you might not know about the person you are talking to.
- People will become more vulnerable with their experiences as you build your relationship with them.
- Practice accepting and respecting the person for who they are.
- You may hear some things that make you uncomfortable. Seek to understand them.
- Asking genuine questions shows your interest and value in the person and their story.
- Having a genuine relationship means acknowledging your friend’s realities.
- Be willing to acknowledge how others may perceive media messages differently from you.
- People of any given race may have many shared experiences. However, they are still individuals with their own stories, beliefs, and personality.
- Be open to educating yourself about various cultures and having diverse interactions.
- Friendships work when both people feel valued, seen, and heard.
For further reading, visit this link: First Things First: 10 things you should know before talking with a friend about your racial differences
