Austin Racism??? (Houston, Dallas, San Antonio: stores, moving, eat)

[Thaskateguy]

to be realistic here. At about 14% of the General population, Blacks folks just can't be everywhere. there aren't enough of them. One of My Black Friends, Scott, told me that one.

[CptnRn]

[+ or -]

Look, I really don't understand this whole, "if you don't like it, then leave" mentality. Since when is bringing up valid criticisms of a place (in Austin's case, a distinct lack of racial and ethnic diversity), justified as a causation to leave?

Besides, even I wanted to leave I couldn't - I need to complete my undergraduate studies. Those kinds of comments, as far as I am concerned, are just cop outs instead of discussing the issue at hand.

I simply made a comment that despite Austin's pretenses as being this liberal, accepting, racially tolertant oasis in a historically conservative and backward state, it is still privy to the classism, racism, and social stratification that's prevalent in most Texas cities, and across the nation.

Lastly, (and I don't know why my thread on race consciousness was locked), I stand by my initial statements that the racial dynamics in Austin are much different than that of Dallas. There is simply a degree of obvious racial consciousness that I have never experienced.

I'll also add that if anyone doesn't like what I have to say, you're not obliged to read anything I write. But, I will continue to express my satisfactions and dissatisfactions of Austin.

[Nor Cal Wahine]

Originally Posted by + or -

So I was in south Austin tonight with some buds of mine. South Austin is supposedly "bohemian" and diverse, yet I was the only person of color in the restaurant.

A single visit to a restaurant in one part of town is hardly what one would consider a fair litmus. I mean, by the same token, I could consider Austin not dog-friendly, because the girl at Sonic didn't offer my pup a Milk Bone while I was there the other day. Doesn't that seem like a ridiculously silly assessment?

[+ or -]

No, and if you read what I just wrote in the post above yours, and in previous posts of mine, you'd see the point I'm trying to express.

It's not just in one place, it's been my general experience in many places, on a regular basis, consistently.

[Nor Cal Wahine]

Originally Posted by + or -

No, and if you read what I just wrote in the post above yours, and in previous posts of mine, you'd see the point I'm trying to express.

It's not just in one place, it's been my general experience in many places, on a regular basis, consistently.

I'm sorry, but the only point I am getting from your many posts on the subject is that you are personally unhappy with the racial makeup of Austin and are frustrated because you are 'stuck' here in what you feel is a bland and undiverse city while you finish your studies. It is unfortunate that you feel that way, but on the bright side, you won't have to stay here forever. I'm sorry that you dislike Austin and hope you can find something positive to enjoy about it while you are here.

[Thaskateguy]

Are people asking for a mandate, saying People should be treated a certain way, due to their race?---I wouldn't mind being treated a little better myself. where do I sign up??

[artsyguy]

Well I'm on your side. If you want to finish your degree that is fine. But just to warn you, the people who tell you "to leave" are the ones who don't want you there in the first place

Originally Posted by + or -

Look, I really don't understand this whole, "if you don't like it, then leave" mentality. Since when is bringing up valid criticisms of a place (in Austin's case, a distinct lack of racial and ethnic diversity), justified as a causation to leave?

Besides, even I wanted to leave I couldn't - I need to complete my undergraduate studies. Those kinds of comments, as far as I am concerned, are just cop outs instead of discussing the issue at hand.

I simply made a comment that despite Austin's pretenses as being this liberal, accepting, racially tolertant oasis in a historically conservative and backward state, it is still privy to the classism, racism, and social stratification that's prevalent in most Texas cities, and across the nation.

Lastly, (and I don't know why my thread on race consciousness was locked), I stand by my initial statements that the racial dynamics in Austin are much different than that of Dallas. There is simply a degree of obvious racial consciousness that I have never experienced.

I'll also add that if anyone doesn't like what I have to say, you're not obliged to read anything I write. But, I will continue to express my satisfactions and dissatisfactions of Austin.

[artsyguy]

Black people are pretty well accepted and integrated in Dallas. That is for sure.

Originally Posted by + or -

Lastly, (and I don't know why my thread on race consciousness was locked), I stand by my initial statements that the racial dynamics in Austin are much different than that of Dallas. There is simply a degree of obvious racial consciousness that I have never experienced.

.

[brubaker]

Reminds me of when I took a multi-racial couple (who were friends of mine) to First Friday in San Antonio. There's this wild, swinging scene with people playing hand drums and circuit bending and really cheap, unique art by down-to-earth kids, lots and lots of people having fun and chatting and walking all over South Alamo Street and etc etc and the girl of the couple just stood there for a second, taking it all in, and said...'there's no bi-racial couples here'.


I had never even noticed.

I guess race doesn't play that big a part in my identity...or matter that much if I'm determined to have a good time.
In fact I find people that bring race into every single aspect of conversation to be dull and unimaginative.

I could and have hung out in all black crowds and I have to say, I enjoyed the diversity of experience that those situations presented to me.
...like I try to do with every experience.

Perhaps you can find something to enjoy in our lowly white and hispanic demographics as well.
Or...just stay where you know that you will always be around people the same color as you.