Diversity question (Charlotte, Raleigh, Matthews: safe neighborhoods, good schools, living in)

[Elise]

I too am considering relocating to Charlotte (from NYC). Although I have MANY questions about the lifestyle in Charlotte, my first question is about cultural/ethnic diversity: are children of mixed race (white and black) accepted and how common are interracial relationships?

[lovethecarolinas]

Originally Posted by Elise

I too am considering relocating to Charlotte (from NYC). Although I have MANY questions about the lifestyle in Charlotte, my first question is about cultural/ethnic diversity: are children of mixed race (white and black) accepted and how common are interracial relationships?

just a suggestion..have you done a "Search" (towards the top of this site)...using "diversity carolina" or "diversity charlotte" (this is a topic that has been asked and covered before).

[Elise]

No, but I will now. Thanks.

[backfist]

Elise~
It's true that this subject comes up from time to time, but no more than the "Where are the Good Schools/Safe Neighborhoods" threads.

I'll PM you and give my thoughts.

[mmdj43]

Originally Posted by Elise

I too am considering relocating to Charlotte (from NYC). Although I have MANY questions about the lifestyle in Charlotte, my first question is about cultural/ethnic diversity: are children of mixed race (white and black) accepted and how common are interracial relationships?

I'm moving from Long Island to Matthews which is just south of charlotte. From what i hear quite a bit the area is a melting pot. And as much as there are a lot of african-american people living in NC, that's actually going to be a nice change for us and especially for our daughter so that she can really see that a melting pot does exist. It's a good cultural experience.

Good luck with your move.

[mmdj43]

Originally Posted by Elise

I too am considering relocating to Charlotte (from NYC). Although I have MANY questions about the lifestyle in Charlotte, my first question is about cultural/ethnic diversity: are children of mixed race (white and black) accepted and how common are interracial relationships?

I'm moving from Long Island to Matthews which is just south of charlotte. From what i hear quite a bit the area is a melting pot. And as much as there are a lot of african-american people living in NC, that's actually going to be a nice change for us and especially for our daughter so that she can really see that a melting pot does exist. It's a good cultural experience.

Good luck with your move.

[Elise]

I have done a search using the terms suggested, and I didn't see anything that relates specifically to how kids who are mixed are treated and accepted, or how common interracial relationships are. Perhaps I'm not searching correctly (I am completely new to this type of venue). "Backfist," please respond if you can.

Also, "mmdj43," I grew up on Long Island (first Freeport which was amazing in terms of multiculturalism and then S. Merrick where there was only ONE black family and two asian families) so I know what you mean.

[SeattlitefromNC]

For the record, I'm not sure about how "common" interracial relationships are in Charlotte. What I can say for sure is that there is a large community of black people of all socio-economic strata (particularly upper class) in that area, and that is probably a positive sign. Also, interracial relationships are pretty common in the larger cities in the South, so I doubt that you would raise many eyebrows in most places.

(There are, however, some places you probably would not want to go to ... it's all on a case-to-case basis. But for the most part, it's not a big deal.)

[T.S.]

I am in an interracial relationship and have never felt out of place or unaccepted while visiting Charlotte with my wife. We are white and asian though, not white and black. I have seen black and white couples there, but I am not sure how common they are. I don't think it is anything to worry yourself about. I am sure the kids will be fine too.

[Bethanytedder]

If they are getting to be common place here in Greene County they have to have been common place in the larger places a good ten years ahead of us. We have to pipe in sunshine from 1996 to here we are so far behind the rest of the state. And the biracal couples around here are not even looked twice at. Considering intergratation started in the schools here in 1965 I would say that is some feat for us. I don't think you have too much to worry about in Charlotte, Raleigh or even the smaller communities.