Questions About Racial Diversity

[BouldinG]

I'm not trying to offend here, but I'm having trouble understanding the goal of your question.

I'll be the first to admit that Austin has a problem with the physically divided, racial make up majority of neighborhoods. Hispanic people southeast, black people east, white people west and asian northwest. A classic urban problem propagated by a symptomatic highway divide. Everything else is a wash.

BUT, I tend to believe that that divide has nothing to do with the mentality of all people living in all neighborhoods of Austin. Everyone gets around and I never "avoid" parts of town. You only have to spend one day out and about to see for yourself. I've lived in practically every major part of town and never had problems being me. Of course it's not NYC or Atlanta, but you're talking about a small town here.

The more important question you should be asking is, is Austin a healthy environment of concerned, welcoming citizens who care about their neighbors and neighborhoods? Is there low crime? Are there good schools? I think the answer is yes, and if you live within the city limits, I guarantee your family will be a welcome addition to any neighborhood.

But basing your move on the shake out of racial demographics (which I think is your question) sounds like a bad idea and is utterly confusing.

I'm just saying, fear breeds fear, hate breeds hate. And, because you've made it abundantly clear you discredit a certain point of view, no, I'm not white.

Which shouldn't matter at all.

[texaslamar]

Originally Posted by TNRyan23

Uh... People with multi-cultural families care, That's who.

People that constantly chime in with " We've moved past the old days... really. " Have to be white and living in a fantasy world.

You are spot on. We live in SW Austin. One of our children is Asian, the rest are white. We live in an area where Asian families DO live, but it is predominantly white.

My kindergartener is asked by her peers on a weekly, if not daily basis, WHERE she is from and WHY are her eyes so small.

When you're in a transracial family, it matters very much if you live in a multi-cultural area.

[TexasHorseLady]

Kindergarteners ask all sorts of questions, even in a racially unmixed area. They're trying to figure the world out. I wouldn't base a judgment of an entire area or entire city on the questions that kindergarteners ask.

When teenagers or adults start asking such questions, then you've got an issue.

[Dr.Mom]

Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady

Kindergarteners ask all sorts of questions, even in a racially unmixed area. They're trying to figure the world out. I wouldn't base a judgment of an entire area or entire city on the questions that kindergarteners ask.

When teenagers or adults start asking such questions, then you've got an issue.

I couldn't agree more! We get many questions from our 5 y.o. in Pre-K about why friends look different from her. IMHO, it's best to answer these questions when a child is young because these children are seen as her friends first and any physical differences are secondary to her. If your child can establish diverse friendships while young, they are far less likely to be prejudiced later.

Austin is a wonderful small city that has very different areas (hills, lakes, urban, rural). I'm sure that there are wonderfully accepting (and not so accepting) people in all of those areas. Your best bet would be to take a few trips to see what fits your family best. Good luck!