Racial relations in Atlanta (Marietta, Dunwoody: apartment complex, condo, trip)

[Galounger]

I garantee you any major american city that boast not having any significant race relation problems is lying to itself (North, East, South or West). You don't have to have Klan rallies or race riots to have major issues. There's not a major city in America where you don't have atleast some problems with discrimination (including reverse), white flight (and sometimes black middle class flight), segregation, hate crimes, institutional racism, disinfranchisement, the list goes on. And hispanics and Asians have there own specific issues too I'm sure.

Addressing these problems doesn't mean we have to have racial friction. Sweeping the problems under the rug does not help. Remember many people were not happy about Martin Luther Kings efforts. Many felt race relations at that time had come a long way and that the Civil Rights movement was rushing things too fast causing racial friction and worsening relations. But the opposite was the case.

Much is made about black self segregation in Atlanta. But it's not so much blacks running away from whites as mostly wealthy proffesional blacks running to each other. Sticking together reserving your heritage, pooling your resources and networking with each other has advantages that other minorities have been capitalizing on since their arrival to America (white people everywhere do this too but it's not considered anything special when they do it.) but blacks have gotten away from this. Im not talking about black neighborhoods where other races are not welcome. The black neighborhoods that fit this discription are mostly low income areas that most well off black families would'nt want to live in.

Most upscale black neighborhood, restaraunts, etc. etc. welcome other races although some may feel uncomfortable trying to fit in there. Fitting in places where you're outnumbered is something that all upwardly mobile blacks have to deal with at some point though. Also many blacks from other parts of America are thrilled to see so many successful black people in one place as in most of America (ashamedly) this is very rare.

Blacks in America still face many economic, social, and business challenges that others don't and by coming together we often find we can deal with those problems better. Especially today when there seems to be a backlash among many whites who get upset at black people even mentioning these problems. In their minds there's already racial equality in America and any race saying otherwise is just whinning or 'playing the race card', looking for handouts, etc.

[backfist]

Well said, Galounger. Although I'm not much of a fan of self-segregation--by anybody--I like what you say, and think it makes a lot of sense.

[Britishintown]

As a white person I would say I have as many if not more black friends as white friends in Atlanta, however what I have noticed is that my black friends are always trying to hook me up with black girls and cannot understand why I like white girls as well and, my white friends are always trying to get me hooked up with white girls and cannot understand why I like black girls as well.

I expect it is all part of life's rich tapestry, thus far I have not encountered any racial tension except on forums like this one.

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by Britishintown

As a white person I would say I have as many if not more black friends as white friends in Atlanta, however what I have noticed is that my black friends are always trying to hook me up with black girls and cannot understand why I like white girls as well and, my white friends are always trying to get me hooked up with white girls and cannot understand why I like black girls as well.

I expect it is all part of life's rich tapestry, thus far I have not encountered any racial tension except on forums like this one.

British, keep being you. Atlanta needs more people like you.

Also, the black/white dating issue is less of an issue in other U.S. cities...NYC, LA, Phoenix, Miami, etc.--and definitely less of an issue internationally!

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by Britishintown

I expect it is all part of life's rich tapestry, thus far I have not encountered any racial tension except on forums like this one.

Neither have I, but some folks tend to be more confrontational online then they are in real life.

People think we can't find out who they are. :-) (And they're usually right)

[kurls]

I wonder what Atlanta would be like for a young multi-racial family?

I am German and my wife is African American. We have a young son. Currently we live in Minneapolis, we both grew up in Denver and a few other states individually. We hold college degrees, working towards MS level.

I really like it up here, there are many multi racial families and we are rather liberal. However, winter sucks. The Spring, Summer, and Fall are great but I hate Winter!

We have some family in College Park and are curious would it be a good place to raise our multi-cultural children?

Crime is not much of a concern, as the figures I have seen reported are not much different than here as far as murder rates, etc are concerned.

[Angelheart1023]

Wow, I'm very surprised reading this thread. I truly appreciate all the openess and honestly from everyone.
My family is looking to move to the Atlanta area and I have been looking at the West Cobb/East Paulding counties. Being in the middle of racial tension make me very uncomfortable.
While my hubby will be working downtown Atlanta area, I am a simple girl who enjoys a country lifestyle rather then being a "City Girl". I like the low crime areas where I don't have to worry about being home alone during the day.
I have had neighbors of races different other then mine who I enjoyed friendships with, but I realized reading here that tend to segregate (sp?) myself unconsciencly. I think it has just been a comfort zone. I don't dislike anyone due to race, but I must admit I am very uneasy and even fear violence when I am faced with a group of black teenagers. However, I have the same feeling faced with a group of white teenagers too. To me it is how they dress and carry themselves. If they are dressed with the baggy pants and "wife beaters" my anxiety raises, but not as much if their not loitering or dressed neatly.

I am asking myself if that is racist. Is it? I mean no disrespect to anyone, I am just trying to evaluate my own innerself. Any thoughts...

[B.H81]

I don't think its racist, but I do have a problem with people who's views are shaped by the media and others around them instead of them making there own opnion. Also when you see a group of teenagers and you act afraid you will be putting yourself in more danger. I had a high school journalism teacher who stood about 5'1 and maybe pounds and she used public transportation lived in a all black neighboorhood. She had a look in her eye that pretty much told you to keep on moving. It may have been a big fake, but it worked at a deterence all her life. The key is dont be scared people can smell it a mile away. Also use common sence. Black people can be aroudn other blacks and know they are looking for trouble too and tend to avoid them, some people are just crazy

[PMOSS]

I could go on and on regarding this subject but, I will try to keep it succinct. I can't tell you everything that pisses Black people off but, I can tell you a thing or two that puts White people over the top.

If I had to pin one thing down that sours racial relations in this city is the fact that most folks of color don't really want equal rights but rather, special rights. It's the part that the silent majority won't or can't say publically. Agree or not with this statement but it is coming straght from the heart.

And before you go off yelling racist (THE most convenient reply those of color use for ANYTHING that goes wrong in their lives) LISTEN to what I am saying, not what you THINK you read/heard?

This "special rights" clause extends to gays as well in this town. If you wanted equal rights you wouldn't push your agenda as loud and proud as you can and at every opportunity that presents itself. To be sure, I am very much of that silent majority in America. I go to work, pay my taxes and live a rather dull existence by most measures. I am the completely transparent white guy you see everywhere you go. I don't bother YOU, I don't blame YOU for anything that goes wrong in my life but, alas, that was never enough in this country, was it?

Some tips for those that differ:

Want to be accepted? Drop the Michael Vick Jersey and other lost causes. Convict people like O.J. who really are guilty. Don't feel so compelled to defend anyone of color for any reason. You only galvanize the rest of us. There is never an excuse for bad behavior. We think as little of Scott Peterson as you do. Perhaps you should extend the same courtesy for Vick, O.J., ad nauseum. A bad person is a bad person. Quit defending them. It only hurts your latest "cause".

Quit following the likes and rants of Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and any other person of color that lives off of YOUR misery. These folks have made a living of telling you how bad you have it, who is to blame for it, and why you should carry the torch....ever seem them live in YOUR neighborhood? These people only perpetuate YOUR misery. It's how they make a living....get it? They have as much interest in your well being as Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, etc...etc....it's just votes folks. Get over it. Start believing in yourselves, live YOUR life the way YOU want to. Quit jumping on the bandwagon everytime some ass-clown of minor note within your race "Tells you to".....be your own person, make up your own damn mind. You will get more credibility than you could ever imagine.

Drop the hood look. While this is a country of multi-diversity, wearing yards of sailcloth for one pair of jeans, corn rows, and a gold tooth does not exactly excite the likes of Coke, Bank of America, Delta, and any other perceived great employer.

Speak the language. Bet, owt dis, arite and the like does not a business person make. If you insist on carrying the diatribe, be prepared for the consequences.

Think about it. Grow the f up and start dressing like a business person and acting like a business person. People will receive you as the person you are.

Work ethic. Get one. Don't believe me? Go to ANY service industry in America such as fast food, the Airport, building services etc...etc.....ever see Laquitia hurry for anyone for anything for any reason? Don't like the message? ***** to Bill Cosby. He knows a thing or two about his own race and why HE never, ever invests his money into rental properties in da' hood. He knows better. Hate the message all you want, it's the truth and apparently, everyone around you knows it except you.

Set realistic goals. While we all enjoy Reggie Bush, Randy Moss, and Black Super-Star Rap artists, your chances of getting there are about as good as me hanging out with Snoop Dog. Get it? Pursue realistic goals. Hey, if you can do it, more power to you but don't be too dissappointed if your tracks lay down like a five dollar hooker on Spring Street rather than Whitney in her pre-skeeza' days....

Image: Atlanta doesn't have one. At least not a good one. From the time you get off a plane and go up the escalator in Hartsfield, you now get to enjoy a sneak peek of Mogadishu and what it must have been like for Black Hawk Down Veterans.....from the gypsy cab trying to hawk you to the sub-standard public transportation to the 10 mile trip to Somalia aka downtown Atlanta....go ANYWHERE in America and I will show you a VIBRANT downtown by comparison, save perhaps Cleveland and Detroit.....downtown Chicago? you bet, happening 24X7....Manhattan, sure....DC? All but the SE side.....LA is safer....hell, South Central is an improvement....this is what the busiest airport delivers to our city and what do they see??? It's sad...very sad....it's the saddest downtown I know....why do you think all the investment dollars are going to mid-town??? Why do you think Underground Atlanta has failed for the 6th or 7th time? People don't feel safe! And apparently, they aren't.

Want to improve the relations? Start there. Improve that, get Moorehouse, Spellman, Clark, and the like to pay their frickin' bills to us vendors for a change....then you might gain respect...then you might be treated as you would hope....Drop the Loc Dog wardrobe and attitude or keep it the way it is...drab, dreary, depressing with no possible hope of changing....

Most white people want to get along. Believe it or not. They just get fed up with frivilous lawsuits, bad behavior, chips on shoulders, and pent up anger and rage. Anyone that is 50 or less and is of color can't ***** too much to me and get away with it. Your ancestors have a plausible argument. You, however, do not. Get over it. EVERYONE's ancestry has been screwed. The Jews, the Christians, the Catholics, the Baptists, the Italians, the Irish...quit your bitching and get on with your lives.....PLEASE!

My Mother was 1st generation Irish, lived in frigid Cleveland with her brother, one sister and parents. They lived in a 3 room apartment....note I said 3 room, not 3 bedroom. In today's terms, this would be considered, inadequate housing and something would have to be done about it....right....well, apparently, in the early part of last century, there was something you could do about it.....work your ass off harder and perhaps you could improve your lot in life...to which she did, she worked as a check out clerk at Krogers....35 cents an hour, no raises, no benefits, for 5 years and put herself through nursing school, raised 6 kids of her own and quietly saved every dime she could, clipped coupons til the day she died and this is the best part....

YOU NEVER HEARD A F'IN thing about it....Now did you? SHE WAS TYPICAL......Try that, imagine that, work that, and shut your mouth about it why everyone around you screams injustice, how they should have more, how they should do this and they should do that.....often, we never really know who "they" really are.....now do we?....drop the blanket you THINK society owes you and "get busy".....it truly is amazing that the harder you work the luckier you will get......too?

In closing I can honestly say, most whites are afraid. They are afraid of what an angry mob might do. Don't believe me? Get off at 5 points station and simply walk around...go outside on the peachtree street stairway and walk south for a change...see how the anger seethes from the mob....watch them watching your every move....drift towards Forsyth and Trinity.....If you find yourself South of Marietta Street be ready.....apparently Shirley Franklin knows that no one is watching down there....there's little or no police...you are truly on your own.

Hey, and for once, when a White person gets shot, give us the same courtesy in the news. Quit calling it "another tragic incident on the NW side of town this evening" and call it "Black guy shoots White guy because he hates him".....It's not cutting it Shirley, everyone is clued in....it won't erase the image Atlanta portrays...

Sincerely,

The Average White Guy You Hate For All The Wrong Reasons

[Galounger]

WHOA!!!... PMOSS. Easy guy. Believe it or not most of us don't want to kill you. We don't hate you. We aren't trying to dig into your pockets to get you to pay us etc.. I actually agree with much of what you say.

I don't follow Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton much because I think they waste too much time on somewhat petty discrimination issues when the real problems with black america today are complex economic issues that I won't delve into here for brevity sakes.

I speak to young black people all the time about how if they want to advance in the business world they have to dress the part. Save the baggy clothes, sneakers, and gold teeth for the club.

I want nothing more than to see Atlanta have a thriving downtown. Even if it means finding ways to get out the homeless and discourage lottering young people who often cause trouble (of any color).

I hate crime in general but that black guy in the news you claim kills whites out of hatred is actually more likely to kill me or some other black person ( It's a statistical fact). For one reason he knows he's far more likely to get away with it.

I acknowledge that many white immigrants like your parents had it very rough and had to work extremly hard to make it.

But where the differences start to show up is did other whites cheat your mother out of money and property and even though she knew she was being cheated there was nothing she could do because the police and courts would not stand up for Irish immigrants? Did your mother graduate top of her class in business trade school only to be denied a job at the local bank or fire department or police department because they didn't hire Irish? This really did happen to my grandparents, mother and uncles.

I know the stereotypical black that dresses gangster, collects welfare, commits crimes and doesn't have career goals does exist. But, when you make like the average black person like myself (who am the opposite of that sterotype) doesn't exist or doesn't face discrimination you lend to racial tensions.

There are still alot of racial inequities. The "Angry White Male" that gets totally pissed off everytime someone doesn't buy into the idea that America is a color blind utopia doesn't help anymore than the radical black separatist that shouts "Down with Whitey!" every chance he gets. (Or whatever the current version of that would be as that kinda went out with the 60's LOL).

But do you get my point? We need to work together not point fingers.