Interracial Couple Would Like Answers/Comments (Bloomington, Bedford: crime, employment, school)

[Litlerdcaboose]

My husband and I are an interracial couple; WM/BF. We are thinking of relocating to Loogootee, Indiana. Are there other interracial couples living in Loogootee that can give us some insight on how well-received they were? We know that there are those who frown upon interracial couples of any race and we know that is THEIR problem and not OURS. Still, we would like to have some insight on what to expect prior to relocating. We believe strongly in living and let live...Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[domergurl]

from the mothership:
Races in Loogootee:

White Non-Hispanic (98.7%)

from the dept. of education:
School Snapshot
School Snapshot
School Snapshot

Hope this helps.

[timincal]

If you are moving to take a job at the Naval Facility consider this. They are having a very difficult issue hiring from the local population to fill positions at the weapons facility. Why?
No one can pass the "pee tests" required for employment and randomly administered while employed. Seems all them good old boys (and girls) are a bunch of meth addicts. I am not saying the whole population is , but it is a well known fact that there is a meth problem through out the U.S. in rural communities. If you want to know more try to find crime statistics for this area.
I considered applying there when I retired from the military and this was what I was told by some one who had been stationed there. He also was in a Bi-racial marriage(White/Asian) and they only felt comfortable in Bedford.

[Siberia]

A college town like Bloomington slightly further north would seem to be more liberal and open minded. College towns seem to have a better mix in general. To be honest, often times well traveled and educated white people don't even feel comfortable living in tiny southern Indiana towns South of Indy with their 99% white populations and the much more close minded mentality. One other factor is any time a town reaches 80-90% religious averages, you will find the "live and let live" mentality often doesn't exist as much as say living in an area with 50-60% religious. This is not surprising as many religions teach members that it is their duty to convert more followers (pure genius if you think about it)...which puts pressure on the general population to believe in conformity and conversion of those who fall outside of the majorities "beliefs". This can place a ton of pressure on the interracial couples, gays, and other "non-conforming" groups who attempt to live in these areas...basically the "I'm right, your wrong, and you need to be fixed" sort of environment.

I'd suggest visiting these areas often, go to stores, walk around town, and get people's reactions before making the plunge. Also having the right neighbors is critical...

[Sandi K]

Hi Litlerdcaboose! I recently married a Loogotee native and moved there. I am originally from Bloomington. Both my husband and I work for a government contracting company and have worked on base at NSWC Crane and in Bloomfield where our corporate office is. The person who replied about the locals not being able to pass a "pee test" was unfair. The area here is no better or worse than any other rural area, and although meth addiction is a problem, it is no worse than anywhere else in the country, and the fact that we have a military base and various government contracting companies should tell you that there are educated people who live nearby and aren't addicted to meth. I'm afraid timincal painted an ugly picture that was not accurate.

Nevertheless, your question was about whether you will be accepted in the community as a biracial couple. I think the majority of the town will accept you, but there are always small-minded people where there is little diversity. I don't think you would have a problem with violence or anything dramatic though. My impression of the town is that it's very quaint and the people are of the mentality live and let live, but I'm also a white, 20-something female, so my perspective is probably biased. I honestly don't think you would have many problems though. Maybe just a few looks.

There is no doubt that you would easily feel comfortable in Bloomington, but it's MUCH more expensive to live there. I assume that you're thinking of moving to Loogootee either because of a job or to be near family, and B-town is about an hour from here, so that may be another reason not to consider living there. Whatever your reason for considering the move, I truly would like to believe that you would be accepted in the community without problems. I'll make sure to say hi if I see you!! Best wishes!

[Sandi K]

I agree with Siberia, and Loogootee is 99.999999999999999% Catholic. I think the 0.000000000000001% is me! I have never been bothered by one single person about converting to Catholocism though.

I liked Siberia's suggestion of visiting the area before you make a decision. Unfortunately, Southern Indiana is hit or miss when it comes to racism.