Discuss & Social 🍷 Race and dating: preference, prejudice or politics?**UPDATE: Our main discussion starts a bit later tonight - ca 8pm - - if you're new to our discussions, please aim to arrive after 8pm !!!**
Many say that dating your own race, ethnicity, culture, etc is a natural preference - but then why did many countries have to try hard to *stop* mixing between groups? From racial purity laws in the US and Nazi Germany, to Saudi Arabia's ban on marrying foreigners, apartheid in South Africa, segregation and eugenics, and bans on marrying someone from a different religion. While mixing across races was common since ancient empires and trade routes, race (or other demographic categories) is now a common "filter" criteria in dating apps and popular advice. Is this really just a matter of personal taste, or could there be an element of prejudice and politics?
We'll discuss:
1\. Is preference really natural?
2\. Could modern dating ideas on race/ethnicity/culture/etc carry political goals\, e\.g\. racial purity\, cultural conformism\, etc?
3\. How to tell whether it's preference\, prejudice or politics\, in our daily lives?
*Join us for a relaxed group conversation where we explore the real life, the grey areas, and how our different cultures and backgrounds shape our views about key topics.* *Expect real talk, no judgment, and a chance to learn how others see it.*
**\*Come for the discussion, stay for the friendships. Our weekly discussion series brings together thoughtful people for honest conversations on relationships, life, and society - with warm social vibes before and after.\***
**WHAT TO EXPECT:**
* Good vibes only: we chat big topics in a chill, respectful way. No arguing - just open-minded exchange.
* We warm up with casual socializing (come solo or with friends!)
* The topic starts around 7:45/8pm, wraps around 9:30.
* 🍕 There's pizza, drinks, milkshakes and snacks available at the bar (incl plant-based options)
* And most people stay until late for drinks and mingling!
**DISCUSSION FORMAT:**
**\- Our group conversations are open and flexible\! There is a very soft guided flow to ensure we focus on the key questions\, and to ensure that everyone gets a balanced opportunity to speak\.**
\- We rotate groups intentionally during the discussion so everyone gets to meet a wider mix of people and perspectives\.
\- After the structured part\, you’re free to mix and mingle with anyone\.
**Here's a typical discussion structure, but we may adjust this depending on the turnout:**
\- Introductions and initial thoughts *(\~5 mins).*
\- Group breakouts per question *(\~20 mins x 3).*
\- Final round of opinions *(\~10 mins)*.
\- Mix and mingle\, make new friends\, get drinks etc *(\~until late)*
**Rules & etiquette:**
1\. Debate the topic\, not the participants \- no personal attacks please\.
2\. No phones\, no interrupting\, no bystanding\.
3\. Always follow the moderator/host instructions and guidelines\.
**WHAT IS WORLD CITIZENS?**
We're one of London's longest-running and largest communities. Since 2012 we run socials, cultural activities and stimulating discussions to foster meaningful exchange and learning among London's global professionals. They are inspired by MUN (Model United Nations) and salon discussions and offer a more relaxed and social evening version.
**LOCATION DETAILS**
What: Discussion session followed by social/networking
When: Tuesday, 8pm until late.
Where: Curzon Aldgate (bar area), 2 Canter Way, E1 8PS
Closest stations: Aldgate East, Aldgate, Tower Hill/Gateway
Cost: Pay for your own meals or drinks
Hosts: We have a rotating team and the actual host of each event varies. Our regular members can also help you out with basic matters.
*NOTE: like most guests, our volunteer hosts join after work and may arrive after the start time. If you are punctual or earlier than our hosts, we highly appreciate this! Please feel free to start socializing already and/or get something to eat or drink - that’s the point of our events anyway! Our regular members can also help you out with any basic matters.*
**\*Our other weekly events\***
\- Friday evening socials every week
\- Saturday afternoon cafe in Chelsea
\- Canary Wharf socials every other Wednesday
\- Outdoor fun \(hiking\, kayaking\, etc\) every weekend
\- Dining\, cultural and travel activities on\-demand
**JOIN OUR TEAM!**
We're all volunteers, so if you enjoy organizing activities or events in your spare time, while meeting great people every week, send a message to our team account "TP"!
**DISCLAIMER**
We are a 100% volunteer-run team. Though we have high standards in planning, this is a private informal activity so we cannot be liable for any damage or inconvenience. To maintain a safe atmosphere and good energy, we invite, curate or decline guests at our own discretion, based on personal connections or vibe-checks. Any disrespect or entitled behaviour toward our team may result in being removed or declined. We have a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, anti-social, or predatory behaviour. We take photos and videos to steward our community, as well as stock photos from sites like Unsplash and Pexels, in line with GDPR. While our processes aren't perfect, we ask that you respect them in the moment and discuss any concerns with us privately and respectfully afterward. By attending, you understand and agree to all our terms written or instructed in person.