[nmnita]

Originally Posted by J Arp

Don't worry about racism. HSU gets quite a few international students in addition to random kids from all over the nation. Everyone is about as nice as they can get.

However, once you arrive in Arkadelphia and really take a look around you might wonder why you ever wanted to move there. If you are wanting the small town (10,000+/-) feel you will definitely have it.

I am sure the OP has reasons for moving to the area. It may not be for everyone but I believe the concern, which apparently is unfounded has more to do with racism than whether or not someone will be happy there.

Nita

[J Arp]

Originally Posted by nmnita

I am sure the OP has reasons for moving to the area. It may not be for everyone but I believe the concern, which apparently is unfounded has more to do with racism than whether or not someone will be happy there.

Nita

I was just re-enforcing the fact that racism should be the least of OP's worries when moving to that place. Might as well cover all the bases in one thread rather than a new one for every minute social aspect of a town.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by J Arp

I was just re-enforcing the fact that racism should be the least of OP's worries when moving to that place. Might as well cover all the bases in one thread rather than a new one for every minute social aspect of a town.

ok, I pretty much knew what you were getting at, but we know nothing about the OP and whether AR will work or not, plus he/she is already set to come so forewarning him/her about not liking it is a moot point. Telling the OP the life sytle will be different is one thing, however there is no reason to think he/she will not like the area. I do understand, coming from Ca is going to be a cultural shock I am sure. Assuming college is the reason there probably won't be nearly the problems we may think.

Nita

[photobuff42]

We are all assuming that the OP is moving to Arkadelphia to attend college, presumably Henderson State University. Okay, if that's the case, I want to add my two cents.

Henderson lives up to its motto, "School with a Heart." It's a small college and students are like family. It has lots of great student organizations, including the International Student Association, which means diversity is welcomed there. Not just ethnic diversity but diversity of thought.

I have two degrees from HSU and am grateful for the education I received there. I took away a lot of good memories, too, like going to the movies during summer term (the movie theater is now closed but they have movies on campus), floating down the Caddo River, going to Hot Springs to the horse races, house parties, class debates, etc.

Be a polite, forthright person, be a little outgoing and you'll enjoy Arkadelphia. Good Luck!

And on your first visit home, set those folks who gave you the misinformation straight!

[AllenKarber]

I can almost assure you that the OP will have no more problems living here than anywhere else. Like J Arp,I just wish they would reconsider their decision.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by AllenKarber

I can almost assure you that the OP will have no more problems living here than anywhere else. Like J Arp,I just wish they would reconsider their decision.

why should OP reconsider living in AR and why are you saying they will have no more problems in AR than anywhere else and yet should re-consider? That is a litte contradictive isn't it?

Nita

[PurpleLove08]

I've had many family members live and work in Arkadelphia while they attended Henderson State University.
While they aren't Asian (we're African-American), they didn't experience any racism.
I think you'll be just fine.

What made you decide on Henderson State University, if I am right in assuming you're going to attend there.
There is that Quachita Baptist school as well but I know more people who attend HSU.

[J Arp]

Originally Posted by nmnita

why should OP reconsider living in AR and why are you saying they will have no more problems in AR than anywhere else and yet should re-consider? That is a litte contradictive isn't it?

Nita

AllenKarber and myself have only made remarks on Arkadelphia specifically. Nowhere have we made general statements about Arkansas as a whole.
The social and economical aspects of Northwest Arkansas do not stretch out over the entire great state of Arkansas for better or for worse; there is a world of difference between NWA and south Arkansas.

In spite of that, and to reiterate, HSU is a great little university where faculty, staff, and student body are very accepting. Because many are just like you tanie09, they come from all over the United States and from all over the world to teach, work, and obtain an education.

[DC at the Ridge]

Originally Posted by J Arp

AllenKarber and myself have only made remarks on Arkadelphia specifically. Nowhere have we made general statements about Arkansas as a whole.
The social and economical aspects of Northwest Arkansas do not stretch out over the entire great state of Arkansas for better or for worse; there is a world of difference between NWA and south Arkansas.

In spite of that, and to reiterate, HSU is a great little university where faculty, staff, and student body are very accepting. Because many are just like you tanie09, they come from all over the United States and from all over the world to teach, work, and obtain an education.

But when you and AllenKarber encourage people not to come to Arkadelphia, you are also discouraging Arkadelphia.

There is a world of difference between North Arkansas and South Arkansas, but one reason for the difference is because North Arkansas has had so many people move there, contributing to the culture and economy. People who move to South Arkansas also contribute to the culture and economy. Discouraging people from moving there isn't going to make South Arkansas a better place to live, it will make it a worse place to live. A stagnated culture.

Arkadelphia has a lot to offer people who choose to move there. Describing Arkadelphia rather than damning the city with faint praise would, I suspect, be more useful to people considering a move there.

[J Arp]

Originally Posted by DC at the Ridge

But when you and AllenKarber encourage people not to come to Arkadelphia, you are also discouraging Arkadelphia.

I'm guessing you meant to say HSU in there somewhere which I suppose I have to agree with. But the culture is stagnated because the old guard doesn't want change.
You know how people on the board will politely ask incoming Californians to enjoy Arkansas, but don't try to make it the place they left? Arkadelphia doesn't want to even be Northern Arkansas in terms of success. People aren't flocking to south Arkansas because it offers very little for people under retirement age. Hot Springs is doing well because it is a wonderful tourist spot filled with activities and a good retirement area.

Some people want change, bustling shopping centers, a town filled with entertainment...but those people don't have the "pull" in town to make it happen. Some try...and mostly fail. Arkadelphia has been without a simple movie theater for years. Last I heard they are *finally* planning on having a whopping 1 screen open sometime next year with a grand total of 200+/- seats. Wonderful. I wonder if they are going to allow R rated movies? There are smaller towns in Arkansas with no college(s) that have had theaters for years. Arkadelphia attempts to support the youthful energy of two college student bodies with a Wal-Mart and Western Sizzlin. Lake DeGray is great during the summer however...when most kids aren't there.

Arkadelphia has a lot to offer people who choose to move there.

Could you elaborate for Arkadelphia's sake? If I am so discouraging you could try to prove me wrong.