Ethical Controversies

Interracial Friendship

Position One: Keep the Friend

You are in the first year of attending an integrated high school and have made friends with several people who have a different racial background than you. Melissa, who has been your friend since fourth grade, refuses to be friends with them and continually makes comments about how dumb and lazy they are even though you have asked her several times to stop. Should you continue to be Melissa's friend?

You decide that instead of rejecting Melissa you will have a better chance of changing her mind if you keep her as a friend.

Defend your position.

Position Two: Refuse to Be Friends

You are in the first year of attending an integrated high school and have made friends with several people who have a different racial background than you. Melissa, who has been your friend since fourth grade, refuses to be friends with them and continually makes comments about how dumb and lazy they are even though you have asked her several times to stop. Should you continue to be Melissa's friend?

You decide that in fairness to your new friends and to be consistent with your principles you must refuse to be friends with Melissa until she changes her attitude.

Defend your position