As I look around my lunch table, I notice that my friends, like me, are predominantly Asian. This is an effect of the “Asian bubble,” which refers to the racially homogenous social circle I share with most of my friends and acquaintances.

However, this social homogeneity is not limited to Asians or to Carmel. Instead, this racial homogeneity extends throughout our nation. According to a 2013 study by Reuters, 40 percent of white and 25 percent of non-white Americans claim to have no friends not of their own race.

This is self-segregation, and when I limit myself to my “Asian bubble,” I am continuing self-segregation. If you notice this homogeneity in your friend group, you probably are too.

I understand the benefits of friendships within ethnic groups. There’s a shared understanding of each other’s lives and cultures that brings a sense of belonging. However, interracial friendships are vital. Often it’s the friendships I have made outside my “Asian bubble” that have most developed my cultural understanding of other races and even of my own.

At the ethnically-diverse CHS, we have an opportunity to develop cultural understanding through friendship, which can even help with other pressing social issues. After all, if members of one race don’t interact with those of another, they can never understand their struggles and help tackle their issues.

Don’t reject friends of the same race, but try to be open to new friendships outside of the seemingly set-in-stone social circles at CHS even if it may be easier to fall into homogenous groups. This new school year brings many new opportunities for friendship, so look beyond your bubble.

The views in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of the HiLite staff. Reach Christine Fernando at [email protected].