Over the years, I’ve observed that people tend to segregate themselves by age, gender, race, and sexual preference—often without it being explicitly forced upon us. I’m starting to wonder: Is this behavior learned? Are we taught to gravitate toward people who are like us, or is it that we’re naturally drawn to those with shared experiences or qualities?
As a single, white, bisexual man who prefers the company of other men, my circle of friends is diverse. It includes straight and gay individuals, people of different races, men and women, singles and couples, and even those who are uncertain about their own identity. Admittedly, my current surroundings have led me to spend more time with straight white people, simply due to the lack of diversity in this area. However, I’ve never felt the need to limit myself to a specific group or “click” and have always enjoyed meeting new people and forming connections.
So why is it that some people stick only to specific groups? Why do gay people predominantly surround themselves with other gay individuals, African Americans with other African Americans, and so on? I’m not talking about couples or people seeking relationships, as we all know that when it comes to attraction, a person’s race or background often becomes irrelevant once the connection is there.
Is this tendency to segregate rooted in fear, ignorance, or simply what we’ve been taught is "acceptable" from a young age? Or is it a reflection of our natural inclination to bond with those we feel most comfortable with or understand us best?
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