Periago Jessica – Crossing the Color Line – Chapter 36

The first part of the article focuses mainly on empathy. The author gives us a variety of definitions regarding this term. The one that I like the most is “empathy encourages individuals to respect and appreciate cultural differences instead of simply erasing or ignoring them, and encourages communication that is nonjudgmental and accepting of others.” The most important part of this quote is "encourages communication". I think people need to express what they think without having the fear of being judged by their audience. In return, the audience should not judge the person who is talking but instead try to understand the message that she is trying to convey. At this point, both sides can have a constructive conversation.

Race always has been a big issue, especially between people of different color. This is emphasized by the fact that on both sides it is taboo to talk about race and culture. I can’t imagine how frustrated this can be for the people who actually try to step out of their comfort zone and are willing to understand what is happening on the other side of the “Line”. I am glad that there is more and more people like Bill who try to do the right thing without thinking that they “deserve a medal” for what they are accomplishing. Karen brought up a good point when she said that she developed friendships where people “feel comfortable enough to ask uncomfortable questions.” I think this is the way people should approach this race and culture issue and also be more open-minded.

The message that comes out of this text is that people of both sides of “The Color Line” need to first show empathy to one another. Second, try to be implicate with one another, when people would reach that step then the relationship between people of color will be able to get better.

Questions:

1. When someone talks to you about his or her problems do you always show them your full attention, empathy and really try to help them feel better?

2. Would you admit and address your fear about people that are different from you to any of your friends?

3. Would you feel comfortable enough to ask uncomfortable question to someone from another color?

4. What are some of the barriers between races?