I know absolutely, completely, for sure that I would have no problem living in a neighborhood surrounded by a different Race. For most of my childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, and pretty much up until now, that’s all I’ve known. Mostly, I have been the alien, surrounded by affluent, White people. I grew up with them. I shared school days and Summers, parties, picnics, dates and dinners. I went to their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, they came to my Sweet Sixteen.

Sure, there were many times that I didn’t exactly fit in. But I didn’t always want to. I liked being different, being the Ambassador of Black for my Friends. Yes, sometimes it was hard, trying to explain to someone why my hair was different, or why my Family lived among theirs in the Hills—and no my Daddy wasn’t an entertainer… But mostly I feel lucky to be in a position to explain, educate, and set people straight.

“NO”, I don’t think it’s my job to represent the whole Black Race. But “YES”, I’d say it is my duty to give them a chance to learn, since I believe Racism and Prejudice spring from unfettered ignorance. And there’s more – since I can learn about others, too. I got to attend those Bat Mitzvahs, and learn all about things like the Menorah and Passover, their own legacy of suffered Racism, and how ultimately there are more similarities than differences between us.

Learning about me, I got rid of stereotypes they held, and they changed any I had. I realized that the Jewish Girl was really my Best Friend, that we liked the same movies and Mall, music and clothes, and that the things we didn’t share were interesting, not bad.

I know that I would not be who I am today – with my open-minded and accepting sensibilities – if it was not for where and how I grew up.  I believe it is the best way to learn about others. You go to school and work together, live next door.

Yes, statistics on total acceptance and integration can be low. Rates show that interracial marriage in the U.S. is still rare –mostly below three percent – but these pairings are on the rise.  Sharing Community and common experience can only help out. As understandings between people grow, we become closer and differences become enhancements instead of frightening oddities. When that happens, everyone wins.

One of the easiest ways to get comfortable with people is to live with and around them. Their normal becomes your normal, too. With this attitude, almost anyone can be a good neighbor.