Hello (Huntsville, Decatur, Fayette: work, house, university)

[VMH2507]

I had car dealerships in Houston refuse to talk to me because I did not have a husband in tow. I did not have that problem here in Huntsville -- in fact the dealership where I bought my car even had articles posted in the showroom about the high percentage of single women purchasing cars. Also approximately 1/3 of the houses on my street are owned by single women. It is a new world out there.

[zenjenn]

I had car dealerships in Houston refuse to talk to me because I did not have a husband in tow.

This makes no sense to me. No matter how sexist you are, don't they want to, you know... MAKE MONEY?

[NicoleC]

No, I meant the Green party didn't care I was a registered Republican.

[NicoleC]

Originally Posted by zenjenn

This makes no sense to me. No matter how sexist you are, don't they want to, you know... MAKE MONEY?

You'd think. But some people would rather be "right" about their preconceived notions than sensible.

I have to say that some of my single male friends have had the same shopping experience at car dealerships. It seems to be a less of a woman thing than a single shopper thing. Admittedly, I don't think any of them had a salesman yell "hey baby!" across the parking lot to get their attention.

As for my neighbors, I've always been friendly with my neighbors so this is a first for me. You watch out for your neighbors and they'll watch out for you, right? Not out here; so much for the notion of friendly rural neighbors.

Mine now tell the ones that do talk to me that they don't trust me because I'm single and childless. So no mystery there. Although one of them did break down and ask to use my phone the other day when her car wouldn't start. Fortunately, for her, I didn't tell her I didn't "trust" her in my house, although I was tempted.

[Southlander]

When I looked for a car in 1999, yes, several salesmen would not talk to me. Even with my husband along, they would not talk to me. All their pitch was directed at him...even though he stated several times that I was buying the car, not him, "Talk to her!"
This past summer, I was car shopping again, and had no problem. Now, I didn't go to ANY dealer without him, thanks to my past experience, but once he told them I was the buyer, not one talked with him again, except to be polite.
I also had two or three female salespeople.
A VAST improvement! Now if we could just get more women involved in designing cars, maybe they'd come up with a place to put your handbag!

[JustKiKi]

Thank You so much for all the feedback Nicole and Zenjenn.

I feel so much better talking to people who also reloacted. Especially since you're from Claremont zen. Then you also lived through your city building up and expanding.

My husband and I are not what I would call religious because we don't attend church but we do believe in God. It's funny, I dont talk religion or politics with my friends. Those subjects just never seem to come up.

The question I've been afraid to ask about is in regards to my husband. He is of Latino descent but speaks no Spanish. He was also born and raised here in CA as well as his parents. In researching Hispanics in Alabama I noticed that a lot of them seem to be immigrants and obviously my husband doesn't fit in that category.

Do you think we will face racism?

[Threestep]

Kiki - lets be realistic, there will always and everywhere be someone who disagrees with the rest of the world. Birmingham and Huntsville are supporting is sporting a rather diverse population.

[NicoleC]

Probably not anymore racism than in So Cal. Although Huntsville is predominantly white and black, there is diversity in the population because of so many transplants. Enough to make someone who looks ethnic (if he even does) not a big deal, but not so much that there are many tensions over immigrants.

I've only been here a year, but I can't think of a single racially charged incident I have witnessed.

[JustKiKi]

I'm not concerned with there being someone who disagrees with the rest of the world. I'm concerned with my husand and children facing racism. I'm glad to hear that HUntsville is somewhat diverse. I'm definitely not expecting the melting pot that CA is but acceptance is important especially to children.

[Threestep]

Originally Posted by JustKiKi

I'm not concerned with there being someone who disagrees with the rest of the world. I'm concerned with my husand and children facing racism. I'm glad to hear that HUntsville is somewhat diverse. I'm definitely not expecting the melting pot that CA is but acceptance is important especially to children.

I tried to be prim and propper:>) Works only occasionally as you will find out.

Your family will be just fine. I wanted to say that there is a sour apple in every basked. Yes, AL is not CA but it has come a long way. My husband is Indian (feather) and I am white. Never an issue.

Start looking forward to the positive changes - commute, house, new friends ...