How to Deal with Racist Friends

Racism has covered our societies like a dark cloud. Racism is a socially constructed phenomenon. Mostly everyone is a racist to some extent even if he or she will not admit it. Some people are more out-spoken about their attitudes towards people of different ethnicities. Sometimes they're actually right down rude. If the racist is a friend, it's even more upsetting. Here are some ways to deal with a rude racist friend.

Instructions

1. Don't lose your cool with your racist friend. It doesn't matter whether or not you are the same or different ethnicity as your friend. Make sure to think before you say anything. I usually stare at the person for a moment to let them know I'm uncomfortable with what they are saying.

2. Don't be afraid to speak your peace. Just don't launch out into a diatribe about racism. Simply say something like, "Of course we're all entitled to our own opinion. I don't agree with you, and It makes me uncomfortable when you talk like that." Then let it go. If your racist friend continues to rant, you should say, "You may be right." This statement usually quiets the most out-spoken racist.

3. Re-evaluate your friendship with your racist friend. I have a friend who is a racist. I like many of her qualities except her racist comments. Now, she doesn't bring up the subject anymore because I have used the statements in step number two whenever she would start on some bombast about the nature of a certain type of ethnical group. Since she knows that I refuse to engage with her about her racist attitudes, she doesn't bring the subject up anymore.

4. If your racist friend continues to be rude, come right out and set a boundary. You can nicely say, "Please don't talk like that around me." Asking them straight out to stop should quiet even the most abusive racist. If this doesn't work, then it's time to accept the behavior and decide if you want to continue the friendship.