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"Humans, on the other hand, have nice, contradictory, natural instincts on this. On the one hand, we do have a "flocking" instinct to stay with those similar to us. On the other, we have a love and curiosity (sometimes the stronger emotion) about the exotic or merely different. Which instinct triumphs, or the balance struck between them, is a decision - influenced greatly by the local society and upbringing. These teens chose badly. Drew Garrett"

I agree. I have some black friends I like, some black people I can not stand. Same with white people I know. I tend to believe most folks are like me and with each passing generation the “flocking” instinct slowly becomes less of a factor. People, white and black, who simply hate each other because of the color of their skin...mmmmm, a very strong "flocking instinct" brought on by their society and upbringing I suppose? I also suppose if the "flocking instinct" was that great of an instinct in humans then this country would have failed early on (Italian, Irish, German, Polish etc. immigrants would not have been "flocking" together rather then ultimately assimilating for the most part). Yes, there are still distinct flavors of the various cultures within towns and areas in this country but I ask how many of us Americans are born of Italian, German, Irish ancestry??? How many of Irish ancestry live comfortably next to someone of German ancestry.....But of course some will argue that the "flocking instinct" only pertains to the color of skin rather then cultures and languages. Hey, if it helps you get to sleep at night, anyone can call it what ever they want. Anyone can analyze it to satisfy ones own reason to feel good about ones own prejudices but I call it what it is....BIGOTRY. I catch myself with these prejudices on occasion but I also remind myself that the black guy on the train looking around that I am feeling "tense" about has red blood in his veins, worries about his job, his wife, kids (except for the low lifes who come in every color and culture) and I remind myself God made us all.

Anyone can analyze it to satisfy ones own reason to feel good about ones own prejudices but I call it what it is....BIGOTRY. I catch myself with these prejudices on occasion but I also remind myself that the black guy on the train looking around that I am feeling "tense" about has red blood in his veins, worries about his job, his wife, kids (except for the low lifes who come in every color and culture) and I remind myself God made us all.

Yep..."birds of a feather do flock together." That's why we as humans still flock together with others of our "flock"...humans...regardless of skin color, etc.

never4get...you are right on with your point. "The Book" says, "Out of one blood, God made all men!"