racial/ethnic groups and biases

One way to expand my knowledge base about other racial/ethnic groups would be to consistently watch the news and pay attention to what is going on in the world. As I learn what is going on in other countries, I definitely feel that this is one way where I can be exposed to other racial/ethnic groups. It would teach me to be more aware of other different ethnic groups and not be so narrow-minded.

Another way would be surrounding myself with friends from different cultural backgrounds. The best way I can learn more about other groups would be to ask those who are closest to me. As of now, I do not have too many friends who are not of the same ethnic background as me. I know that I also need to be more open in creating friendships with those who are outside my ethnicity.

One experience I can remember is when I was in high school. I went to a high school with students of many different ethnic groups. There were a lot of African-American students that had attended the school and I had always thought that many of them had come from Africa. As I type this out, I know that I was very ignorant, or it could be that I just didn't know. I was surprised to find out, though, that one friend of mine actually was Jamaican. This experience has definitely taught me to be more open-minded and not to always assume that just because someone is black that person is only from one country.