Reply #72: You know what, that to me IS relevant at times

[The Straight Story]

the "some of my best friends are X" thing that is.

If it weren't for my best friend whose is gay I would not have had nearly the exposure I have had too the plight of hay folks in this world. Sure one can read about things, but when it is someone you know it tends to stick a little better with you (like reading the obits, it hits home more when a name you see is in there).

My exposure to friends who were black, gay, football players, jewish, nerds, etc all enriched me an opened my eyes to be able to see things from their POV in the world. If I hadn't had those friends I could see where people might tell me I just don't understand X because I am not X (and have had little or no exposure to X).

I liken it to myself, a computer geek. Some folks I have met have no grasp of computers and how they work, and so look at my job as something freaky. How easy I must have it not to be working in that factory all day (which I did for years btw). Well, the stress is nuts. And the people whose spouses or best friends are in the field can better relate to issues I have (more so now that I have clawed my way to middle management....).

For some reason this also reminds me of busing back in the 70's here. The idea, part of it, was to get people exposure to other races and income levels - the town was somewhat segregated along a variety of lines.

Exposure can enlighten us and teach us empathy, mentioning one has such exposure simply alerts the person you are talking to in a friendly way that you can relate on some level.