Race and Friendship Survey

What does your circle of friends look like?

When the Death, Sex & Money podcast asked their listeners to share stories about when race became a flashpoint in a friendship, it prompted a lot of listeners to also reflect on who is⁠—and isn’t⁠—in their circle of friends.

This survey about race and friendship is a way for you to review your own current friendship patterns. It’s based on surveys conducted by Dr. Deborah Plummer, author of the books “Racing Across the Lines” and “Some of My Friends Are…” and Vice Chancellor of Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

After you complete this survey, click the link to see how other people around the country answered these questions, by using our interactive tool. Plus, we’ll send you a list of recommended reading about race and friendship, suggested by experts and listeners.

1.The number of friendships that I have that cross racial lines.

None

1-4

5-8

More than 8

2.For you, how important is it to have friends of different races?

Very important

Somewhat important

Not important

For questions 4-8: If you do not have a friendship that crosses racial lines, please go to question 9. If you have friendships that cross racial lines, think about the friend you believe to be your closest of those friendships and answer the following:

4.The friendship was formed from a

Routine, repeated, predictable interaction (such as work, school or a neighbor)

Chance meeting (such as in an exercise class, a restaurant, social gathering)

5.My friend of another race shares the same (Please check all that apply)

6.On average, how often do you see/visit with your friend of a different race?

7.How long have you been friends?

0-3 years

4-5 years

6-10 years

Over 10 years

8.I have done the following activities with my friend of a different race (Please check all that apply):

Socialized at my home (dinner, parties, birthday celebrations)

Vacationed together

Called in times of emotional distress at late night/early morning hour

Borrowed money

Witnessed or been present for a family argument

10.Societal messages about race relations influence my choice to have friends that cross racial lines.

True

False

11.America's history of race relations prevents people from crossing racial lines in friendship.

True

False

12.I am uncomfortable in social settings where I am the only one present of my racial group.

True

False

17.Your race/ethnic origin

18.Your geographic region of residence:

U.S. Southern (Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina)

U.S. East Coast (Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Washington DC)

U.S. Northeast (Maine, New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire)

U.S. Midwest (Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, Iowa, and Minnesota)

U.S. Northwest (Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming)

S. Southwest (California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas

U.S. Central (North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma)

Outside of the United States (Name)

Responses to the next three questions are optional, and might be used publicly in an anonymous way.

19.Describe an experience with a cross-racial friend that was stressful or upsetting to you:

20.Describe an experience with a cross-racial friend that was inspiring or motivational:

21.Describe an experience with a cross-racial friend that was humorous or funny:

Enter your email address. We'll send you a followup email with our recommended reading list of books, articles and essays about race and friendship. (We will not spam you! However, we hope you'll sign up for our weekly newsletters below.)

22.Email Address(Required.)

23.Would you like to sign up for the Death, Sex & Money newsletter? (By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from NYPR in accordance with its Terms of Use.)

Yes

No

24.Would you like to sign up for the Code Switch newsletter? (By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive information and communications from NPR in accordance with its Privacy Policy.)

Yes

No

Thank you for taking this survey. Want to see how other people have answered these questions? Check out our interactive tool, which lets you break down the responses demographically.