Alaska's Demographics (Anchorage, Metlakatla: crime, school, live)

[lentzr]

Like what I did for the national census in another forum, I broke down the 2009 population estimates that were recently released from the Census Bureau. After looking at the national estimates, I began to look at the state estimates. I looked into Alaska because I hear almost nothing about changing demographics in Alaska and other relevant issues. Anyway, here is what the Census Bureau estimates is a ballpark figure for the state.

2000 2009
Non-Hispanic White 68% 65.2%
Hispanic 4.1% 6.4%
Black 3.4% 3.9%
Native Alaskan 15.5% 14.7%
Asian 4% 4.8%
>2 Races 4.5% 4.4%

Note: All ethnic groups selected except for Hispanics belong to only "one Race" and "Non hispanic"

That leaves me several questions for Alaskans...

1. What are your reactions to the Census estimates? Seem accurate enough?

2. What racial issues dominate race relations in Alaska? ex. In Arizona it is between Anglos and Latinos over the issue of immigration. ex. in Alabama it still is between blacks and whites over beaten to death topics. ex. In Hawaii it is between Natives and whites over who really belongs in Hawaii. What about Alaska? (please just state the basic issues so we do not have a big fight)

3. Most importantly, do these demographics vary by region of Alaska and municipality or are they more evenly distruted?

I am not trying to start a big debate, I just want to hear the basic facts. (((Note, I am just trying to further understand ethnic relations in your part of the country that recieves so little attention.))) As someone with a deep personal interest in demographics and ethnic relations, I know little about Alaska's issues. It is the only part of the country where I am not familiar with the basic issues. Thanks.

[roadfamily6now]

Why don't you wait until December when the Current Census Data is released??

[Marty Van Diest]

Why are you so interested in ethnic relations. That fact is interesting to me. I grew up in an Indian village in Alaska but I'm 1/2 dutch and 1/2 mutt. I never really thought much about it. I got along great with all my friends and learned something about their culture. Never really thought about mine or anyone elses.

What is ethnicity to you? You mention Hispanics. Isn't there a difference between Guatemalans, Columbians, Mexicans? I have nephews in Spain, they are 1/2 spanish and have lived there all their lives. They are spanish, but moved to Barcelona where people aren't necessarily spanish but catalan, they speak a different language in school.

In America, I like to think that except for the original Americans, we are all Americans first and our own ethnicity should come second. Original Americans are a little MORE American. I kind of think of the US as different, we should welcome people from anywhere, but expect those people to come here because they want to become Americans.

The Balkans, are the epitome of where people are their ethnicity first, and they nurse their hurts and grudges through the years.

[wynch]

basics:
AK Natives don't trust whites and trully believe the government owes them something, most are hard working but alcoholism and drug abuse run high
Hispanics usually only seen during fishing seasons working at canneries
Phillopinos live and work here in large numbers, maintain thier own cultures and groupes
African Americans largest crime group, largest pop in Anchorage
Arab maintain own cultures and communities
White hold most of the highest paying jobs and own most of the property

[RDawg]

Originally Posted by wynch

AK Natives don't trust whites and trully believe the government owes them something...

Does everyone concur? Is this generally true?

[Metlakatla]

Originally Posted by RDawg

Does everyone concur? Is this generally true?

No, everyone does not concur....but some us get tired of this kind of white trash ignorance and consider the people who spout it to not be worth our time.

I would imagine though, that if this person actually lives in Alaska, the Natives in that particular community don't trust him/her, can't blame them there.

[City Data Guy]

Originally Posted by wynch

basics:
AK Natives don't trust whites and truly believe the government owes them something, most are hard working but alcoholism and drug abuse run high
Hispanics usually only seen during fishing seasons working at canneries
Filipinos live and work here in large numbers, maintain their own cultures and groups
African Americans largest crime group, largest pop in Anchorage
Arab maintain own cultures and communities
White hold most of the highest paying jobs and own most of the property

There are high rates of intermarriage between whites and Alaska Natives. Are you sure that whites are not trusted by Alaska Natives?

Also, where is your source backing up your claim that blacks are the "largest crime group"?

[City Data Guy]

Originally Posted by Marty Van Diest

Why are you so interested in ethnic relations. That fact is interesting to me. I grew up in an Indian village in Alaska but I'm 1/2 dutch and 1/2 mutt. I never really thought much about it. I got along great with all my friends and learned something about their culture. Never really thought about mine or anyone else.

What is ethnicity to you? You mention Hispanics. Isn't there a difference between Guatemalans, Colombians, Mexicans? I have nephews in Spain, they are 1/2 Spanish and have lived there all their lives. They are Spanish, but moved to Barcelona where people aren't necessarily Spanish but Catalan, they speak a different language in school.

In America, I like to think that except for the original Americans, we are all Americans first and our own ethnicity should come second. Original Americans are a little MORE American. I kind of think of the US as different, we should welcome people from anywhere, but expect those people to come here because they want to become Americans.

The Balkans, are the epitome of where people are their ethnicity first, and they nurse their hurts and grudges through the years.

1/2 "Mutt"? Huh?

And yes, there are differences between Guatemalans, Colombians, and Mexicans. I don't know why you're so annoyed by the topic creator.

[RDawg]

Originally Posted by Metlakatla

No, everyone does not concur....but some us get tired of this kind of white trash ignorance and consider the people who spout it to not be worth our time.

I would imagine though, that if this person actually lives in Alaska, the Natives in that particular community don't trust him/her, can't blame them there.

I figured not. I don't get that sense at all. I was just looking for an expert opinion there.

Good to see you again, Met.

[funkykatt]

My cousins are one half Tlingit and they don't seem to be racist at all. But beyond all the racial questions, I beg to ask.....

aren't there lots more men in Alaksa than women? My cousin near Anchorage wants me to visit the last part of August and I would love to do some sight seeing, the traditional tourist stuff and some for my never ending hormonal high.