Everyone eventually forms a relationship or at least interacts with someone outside of their racial group. Interracial communication is the interaction of people with different race (commonly white and non-white). Many scholars consider race to be nothing more than a social construct; but what does that mean? Race was conceptualized in order to categorize the variation in human skin color and physical features, establish a hierarchy based on skin tone, and justify the positions of racial groups such as the enslavement of black people. Although it is essentially a social construct, the effects are nevertheless real; and the experiences and struggles of a particular racial group can define one’s racial identity. The first chapter of Interracial
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When engaging in interracial communications, a lot of people inherently struggle to transcend racial differences or ignore them. I have found that most people consciously/subconsciously make generalized assumptions or perpetuate stereotype(s). In Interracial Communication: Theory into Practice, stereotypes are defined as, “overgeneralizations of group characteristics or behaviors that are applied universally to individuals of those groups. (10)” Those stereotypes often limit people from interacting with others outside of their racial group. For an example, an Asian individual may not interact with a Black individual because they believe that Black people are “immoral and deceitful” or something along those lines. In regards to stereotypes, perpetuating them on both sides can also ruin potential relationships. Nobody wants to befriend someone that holds negative, preconceived notions about them. Adhering to stereotypes actually further marginalize minorities by reinforcing these …show more content…
In promoting positive race relations on campus or outside of campus, it is essential to recognize that your experiences or struggles cannot be compared. Every racial group, and even the individuals in the group, may not share the same experiences as previously stated. For an example, I may not share the same racial experiences as an Asian American or a Latinx, but I can relate and recognize their struggle. Although you may not share the same experiences, it is important to be empathetic and understand that multiple racial group can be oppressed. Race is also crucial in the intersectionality of other social identities (gender, class, sexuality, etc.) The intersectional experiences may not be comparable to another person’s experiences, but the differences should be recognized. Doing otherwise can be perceived as an attempt to silence and deny the legitimacy of their struggles.
In Chapter 1 of Interracial Communication: Theory into Practice, the book discussed the significance of interracial communication, particularly in the US. It also described what to look forward to as I read into the book. In my opinion, the book is informative and beneficial to anybody interested in race
When engaging in interracial communications, a lot of people inherently struggle to transcend racial differences or ignore them. I have found that most people consciously/subconsciously make generalized assumptions or perpetuate stereotype(s). In Interracial Communication: Theory into Practice, stereotypes are defined as, “overgeneralizations of group characteristics or behaviors that are applied universally to individuals of those groups. (10)” Those stereotypes often limit people from interacting with others outside of their racial group. For an example, an Asian individual may not interact with a Black individual because they believe that Black people are “immoral and deceitful” or something along those lines. In regards to stereotypes, perpetuating them on both sides can also ruin potential relationships. Nobody wants to befriend someone that holds negative, preconceived notions about them. Adhering to stereotypes actually further marginalize minorities by reinforcing these …show more content…
In promoting positive race relations on campus or outside of campus, it is essential to recognize that your experiences or struggles cannot be compared. Every racial group, and even the individuals in the group, may not share the same experiences as previously stated. For an example, I may not share the same racial experiences as an Asian American or a Latinx, but I can relate and recognize their struggle. Although you may not share the same experiences, it is important to be empathetic and understand that multiple racial group can be oppressed. Race is also crucial in the intersectionality of other social identities (gender, class, sexuality, etc.) The intersectional experiences may not be comparable to another person’s experiences, but the differences should be recognized. Doing otherwise can be perceived as an attempt to silence and deny the legitimacy of their struggles.
In Chapter 1 of Interracial Communication: Theory into Practice, the book discussed the significance of interracial communication, particularly in the US. It also described what to look forward to as I read into the book. In my opinion, the book is informative and beneficial to anybody interested in race