Baton Rouge:Voodoo/Racism (New Orleans, Lafayette: house, neighborhoods, buying)

[dusesean1986]

Hey folks! I was curious to know the amount of voodoo/witchcraft and racism in Southern Louisiana. If there's alot, I don't want to be nearby. I had a family member into witchcraft and it's scary. Now, I am completely unfamiliar with the state of Louisiana. I am heavily debating a temporary move out of California, I desire to see the rest of this great nation. If you'd respond, I'd appreciate it greatly and you'll be my new best friend!

[soldbyalisa]

i was born and raised here in Louisiana, and i don't know of any voodoo or witchcraft going on here....i know they joke about it in New Orleans but that's mostly tourism stuff.... On the other hand , i know that racism is a subject most talked about. i am not gonna comment on it too much, but i can say that it's not as bad as it used to be. Good luck on your decision....let me know

[SBCmetroguy]

Originally Posted by soldbyalisa

i was born and raised here in Louisiana, and i don't know of any voodoo or witchcraft going on here....i know they joke about it in New Orleans but that's mostly tourism stuff.... On the other hand , i know that racism is a subject most talked about. i am not gonna comment on it too much, but i can say that it's not as bad as it used to be. Good luck on your decision....let me know

Voodoo is definitely deeply rooted in New Orleans. People may joke about it, but lots of people take it VERY seriously. It's definitely a subculture that's alive and well in that city. But in Baton Rouge? Ummm no.

[dametucker]

I'm a black female from California and have lived in Louisiana for 12 years, in Colfax, Alexandria, Lafayette, and most recently, in Baton Rouge. I have never experienced any overt racism here, and have been amazed to find and live in neighborhoods that are mixed without any big deal being made over the fact. The business community calls me ma'am just like anyone else. I had a Cali friend come to visit me who was put out because in trying to find my house, she kept expecting to come to the "black" part of town. There are areas that are exclusively one race or another, but this appears to be mostly due to economics, not race. Black, white, or "other", you can live where you want if you have the money.
As for the witchcraft, there is a little of that everywhere, but you have to be seeking it out, it's not just out there hanging out on every street corner. I don't know where you are in California, but wherever you are, it is there, too. Just start asking around, you'd be surprised.

[ShreveportNative]

Witchcraft only has power over people when they think it has validity. I would agree that this is a relic of the past. South LA is predominately Catholic while north LA is predominately protestant.

The premise that the south is more racist than other sections of the country is largely erroneous & is a long-standing prejudice against the south. Many sections of the country have the similar challenges w/ neighborhoods that are crime-ridden and distressed, school scores that need to be improved, & jobs that are needed for an out-of-work population. Increasingly, these issues are actually more education & economic issues that race issues.

[sherell]

The premise that the south is more racist than other sections of the country is largely erroneous & is a long-standing prejudice against the south.

* About this statement. The south (in some parts) is more racist than other sections of the world. See down south ( in some parts) you can have money and still someone hate you because the color of your skin. Up north it doesn't matter about the color of you skin people don't like you because you don't have money. Now, if you have money down south you can live in an racist area- but, you will be tolerated because you have money-and the people you live around only see the color green (the color of your skin will be looked over)

No matter where you live there is going to be something negative. Someone is going to find something they do not like about you. It's just the way it is. If you live in a descent area, good schools, good jobs, and a nice place raise your children..safely. Make the best of where you live at-don't harp on the negative.

As for Voodoo/Witchcraft- I have traveled all over Louisiana and now live in BR. I have never seen any witchcraft or voodoo. People talk about it-but, that's about it. I know it exists but, like the other member said- if you seek it you will find it.

[cassarina]

VODOO IS NOT AN ISSUE IN LOUISIANA! It is promoted for TOURIST DOLLARS.

[Raine126]

Honestly, there is quite a bit of witchcraft in Louisiana (as well as other states). I do not know about Voo Doo. I do not associate with people who delve into the dark arts. And as attested by most of the posts here, Most of us witches blend very well into the rest of the population.

True there are a few radical and / or dark groups out there but that's everywhere. Again, I do not know of these as I do not associate with them.

And as far as witchcraft only having power if you beleive it does, This is true of any religion.

[TraciK]

HI, I am from the S'port/Bossier area and never experienced any witch craft or voodoo. I've heard people joke about it though. I tell my husband (he's from Oh) that I will voodoo him! ha,ha Just joking of course.

On racism...I am a 37 yr old white female. So, this is from my point of view only.
It is there. But, I don't think most people just out right say or do anything. You might find some people that will not befriend you but would other wise be ok with you. Like the other poster said there are "white" neighborhoods and there are "black" neighbor hoods and there are mixed neighborhoods. But, basically if you have the "money" to buy a house you can live anywhere. Now if you are black buying in a "white" neigborhood you might now be well excepted. As for the other way around I have no idea.

I do think a lot of it depends on who you are. On how you act. Most people will treat you the way you treat them.

[Anole]

Let me see, as someone who has lived outside of New Orleans for my 53 years, I haven't seen any witches except on Holloween, as for voodoo, the New Orleans arena football team is called the New Orleans Voodoo-are they using an unfair power? As I am a closet Saints fan- I am now sticking pins in my Chicago Bears doll.
If you want to find the people who practice this stuff-there are here, but you have to look for them. As for racism, it does exist everywhere but I think down here tolerance and respect for others is increasing in each generation.
Louisiana has a history for accepting different cultures, just sample the food.