Discrimination in Atlanta? (Smyrna, Decatur, Chamblee: real estate, city hall, living)

[melhr1206]

Hi
My husband and I are considering moving to Atlanta. We are Hispanic with Canadian Citizenship. Both of us have MBAs, over 10yr exp, and currently work in highly paid jobs (Real Estate and Management Consulting, respectively). We are moving to be closer to our parents.
Since Atlanta is perhaps one of the fastest growing cities in North America, there’s a lot of potential. However, following on previous posts we are wondering if there is discrimination / racism at professional levels.
Thanks for your feedback.

[irvm]

Originally Posted by melhr1206

Hi
Since Atlanta is perhaps one of the fastest growing cities in North America, there’s a lot of potential. However, following on previous posts we are wondering if there is discrimination / racism at professional levels.
Thanks for your feedback.

If you plan to spend most of your time looking for racial slights, you'll find some.
Hey, I'm white, scotch-irish, and sometimes people (other white, scotch-irish) are rude. It isn't always racial - we figure they're from New Jersey and don't know no better.

[darkone]

Originally Posted by irvm

If you plan to spend most of your time looking for racial slights, you'll find some.
Hey, I'm white, scotch-irish, and sometimes people (other white, scotch-irish) are rude. It isn't always racial - we figure they're from New Jersey and don't know no better.

I don't think the O.P. is talking about racial slights or mere rudeness. The question really is about equality in the workplace, glass ceilings for advancement, etc. Its a valid question and should not be trivialized by a non-minority.

[atlantagreg30127]

Originally Posted by darkone

I don't think the O.P. is talking about racial slights or mere rudeness. The question really is about equality in the workplace, glass ceilings for advancement, etc. Its a valid question and should not be trivialized by a non-minority.

Uh...."chill" oh darkone.

To ANSWER it then... oh, and dare I do this as a "non-minority"... there CAN be discrimination in the workplace on any level, at any job, and in any city. What is the boss? A human. What are humans? Flawed. Each company is run by completely different humans, each with a completely different work ethic, sense or morality, and yes, prejudices. Non-minority, and minority owned businesses are guilty of prejudice, as well as showing unfair preference, all the time.

If you are qualified for a job, you should get it. What MIGHT hold you back here? If you do not speak English fluently, or, have a very heavy accent that's hard to understand. Corporate environments don't like heavy accents - and that includes deep south drawls, "New Yawker" type of accents, or heavy foreign accents (unless it's British in which case they seem to LOVE you immediately). Also, if you have that habit of doing the, "here's how we did it in XXX (list another city/region/country or business), that's going to knock you lower on the pole for a promotion as well. But then, that would have little to do with nationality and more to do with what irritates them from just about anyone.

Your least bet on a job? Any major Atlanta city position. We have a black Mayor, black police chief, black fire chief... you get the idea. I'm sure hidden away somewhere in City hall there are a couple of token Asian, Hispanic, and Whites here and there, but for the time being it's more of a "good old boy system" - minority style. Go to the suburbs however, and sometimes the reverse may hold true (lack of minorities). Places like Smyrna, Chamblee, or Decatur seem to be seeking out more varity in placing people however.

Do keep in mind however, that regardless of your color, race, whatever - payscales here are usually less than they are in the North and West Coast areas for similar positions. The cost of living is a bit less too though - but I can't say if it equals out or not overall. Housing is cheaper, but catching up.

Personally unless there is a language barrier, I don't see your Canadian/Hispanic origin to be a problem for you here in most places. So long as you feel Atlanta is the right place for you, then it should work out. It's not 1950s hicksville.

[irishvanguard]

With good credentials, you both sound very employable. You fit the criteria for most people who are moving into the professions here. If you haven't heard, Atlanta is the "Mecca" for black professionals, and I cannot imagine discrimination being extended in your direction.

Only New York and Houston have more Fortune 500 companies than Atlanta. Of course, Fortune 500 companies are in search of talent, no matter your race or background. They are in business to make money, and diversity makes money. Also, Atlanta has traditionally been the city "too busy to hate". Do not confuse it with the Old South.

[Britishintown]

So does the black community in Atlanta see itself as a minority even though they are the majority population?

[irvm]

Originally Posted by darkone

I don't think the O.P. is talking about racial slights or mere rudeness. The question really is about equality in the workplace, glass ceilings for advancement, etc. Its a valid question and should not be trivialized by a non-minority.

Oh, sorry. I didn't realize one had to be 'a minority' to have an opinion here.

But, since you brought it up, the company I worked for had more than 50% black workers and management*. So I WAS in the minority. Am I qualified now, or do only 'black minorities' or 'brown minorities' count?

*including the CEO. If there is a 'glass ceiling', it must be way up there.

[Britishintown]

Originally Posted by irvm

Oh, sorry. I didn't realize one had to be 'a minority' to have an opinion here.

But, since you brought it up, the company I worked for had more than 50% black workers and management*. So I WAS in the minority. Am I qualified now, or do only 'black minorities' or 'brown minorities' count?

*including the CEO. If there is a 'glass ceiling', it must be way up there.

I am the only white person in our company, so, as a minority should I feel down trodden?

[NorthmeetsSouth]

I have known many people who had problems advancing in their careers inside fulton county because they were minorities ( they were white). There is a tremendous hispanic population in the outlying counties and if you speak fluent spanish as well as english I think that you will find that your ethnicity is an asset in finding a job. Cobb might be a good place to start looking.

[OhioNative]

Originally Posted by darkone

I don't think the O.P. is talking about racial slights or mere rudeness. The question really is about equality in the workplace, glass ceilings for advancement, etc. Its a valid question and should not be trivialized by a non-minority.

It's still a free country, and anybody can trivialize anything they want, minority or not.