[George G.]

Many times during my life I have passed near a black man (a stranger) on the street or in a public place, and when our eyes meet there seems to be a moment of recognition or something that suggests we know each other more deeply than is previously experienced. Has any black man had this experience with a white man?

User Detail :  

Name : George G., Gender : M, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : White/Caucasian, Religion : Christian, Age : 60, City : Boothbay, State : ME, Country : United States, Occupation : boatbuilder, Education level : 4 Years of College, Social class : Lower class, 

[Joe P.]

George: Yes. Yes I have experienced ‘a moment of recognition’ when briefly meeting the eyes of white men on numerous occasions over the years. I have sometimes, during those moments, wondered if I had previously interacted with them. On a majority of those occasions I concluded I had not met those individuals at work, socially or during a business transaction. I agree with your observation that it appears that we seem to know each other more deeply than previously experienced.

I don’t know what it means, but it has left me feeling spiritually lighter if that makes any sense. I don’t know if I feel that way because most eye contact with whites (men and women) lacks that ‘connection.’ I often find that I am caught off guard or surprised when this happens. I am sure that to some extent there is a racial element connected to this ‘experience,’ but my personal feeling is that for that brief ‘moment,’ race is transcended. I may be wrong, but that’s how I feel. I have friends of many ethnic backgrounds, so I know within myself that I am not seeking ‘approval’ nor feeling ‘inferior’ when this phenomenon happens. I have known and experienced this connection for many years. Whatever it is, it’s too deep for my simple mind to compute. I accept it, but I don’t go out of my way to seek it. It just happens! Well George, that’s my story and I’m sticking with it(smile). Take care.

User Detail :  

Name : Joe P., Gender : M, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Black/African American, Religion : Baptist, Age : 55, City : Tallahassee, State : FL, Country : United States, Occupation : state gov. consultant, Education level : 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

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