Asian family moving to Indiana (Indianapolis, Bloomington: crimes, schools, university)

[dru]

Originally Posted by purple55

Thanks for all the info everyone! Our main concern is our children. Our jobs are taking us to this area but will our kids be happy here as they were in CA? We're flying out in a couple weeks to look at specific neighborhoods in Greenwood and Columbus, possibly Bloomington. The other blog said to stay out of small towns where there are almost all whites and racial discrimination exists. Would anyone be willing to share their thoughts on this topic in these other areas not so small townish but still historically white... will our 12 and 15 yr old come across some racial discrimination or possibly encounter racial undertones with not just classmates but with teachers, basketball and football coaches, other parents? My kids are used to being valued and praised for their skills in sports and I worry about them being discriminated against because sorry, of that movie set in past times Hoosiers. Help!

Racial discrimination will exist in most small towns, Indiana or not. (But also, there could be culturally/ethnically-supportive small towns, like where my parents lived when we moved from the East Coast to Indiana.) I've seen racial discrimination in larger cities as well. On the flip side, I'm sure some white people have experienced racial discrimination in more ethnically-diverse areas. So, it will be hard to "shelter" your children from that.

Will your kids be as happy in Indiana as California? Most likely not. The pace of living here is much slower and Indiana can be boring, especially if you're used to big city life. Enjoying Indiana life will take some adapting and compromise, of course, just like moving to any other state with which you're not familiar.

As someone mentioned, Indianapolis has a large Chinese community that hosts a lot of social, occupational, and ethnic functions. They recently had a New Year's celebration in February somewhere near Carmel.

There is also a large Filipino community called The Barangay Club. They host a lot of holiday functions, picnics, and philanthropic events (Habitat for Humanity is one that I remember). The Barangay also collaborates with the IPMA (Indiana-Philippine Medical Association) as well as Kentucky- and Illinois/Chicago-based Filipino clubs. A lot of the Barangay members don't even live in Indianapolis as some hail from Greenwood, Terre Haute, and small towns in Southeastern Indiana (near Cincinnati).

Here is a link to an Indiana-based, Asian newsmagazine:
Asian ACCESS Magazine in Indiana
Their April 2007 issue featured leaders of 23 different Asian organizations located in Indiana - India, the Philippines, China, Taiwan, Korea, Indonesia, Laos, Burma, Vietnam, Japan, Pakistan, Thailand, Malayasia, etc. (lol I'm just reading the cover of my copy) were all represented with their own articles and organization information.

There is also an Asian professional society in Indianapolis, but I'm not sure of their official name. From what I'm told, it helps with networking and other occupational-related things.

So, there is an Asian voice in Indiana. It may not be as loud or as prominent as in the East/West Coast, but it is definitely here. Just keep a positive attitude. Keep in mind also that mean/rude people are not always racially motivated - some people are just plain ol' douchebags and a-holes.

Based on what you've said, it sounds like your kids are pretty good at sports. It doesn't matter if they're white, black, brown, or green, they will still be "valued and praised" for their athletic ability. Indiana high school sports are a big thing, especially come sectional/regional time - just like in that movie you mentioned, "Hoosiers."

[sweetana3]

Dru,that one one great informative post. Thanks for the info.

[stephle2255]

Shelbyville is between Indy and Columbus, be wary of it. I grew up out there and there were 0 (zero) other kids that that were anything other than white. No blacks, no Hispanics (unless they had a white parent) all white school, people even still fly confederate flags out there. I hated that placed, moved to Indy as soon as I graduated from high school and have never looked back. That was 8 years ago...it hasn't changed much.

I love Indy, when I started college I was so happy to get to know different people, different ethnicities, people from different places with open minds. If I were you, I would think about the north side, maybe Carmel or Fishers if you can afford it, and if not I would think about Greenwood maybe, though Greenwood is pretty white they have good schools. Columbus was actually ranked by Smithsonian as the 6th most architecturally significant cities in the country about 2 years ago, its a very neat little town and has attracted a more diverse population than it previously had. I don't frequent there, took my SAT's there, hear they have good schools.

Hoosiers was a good movie, but that was awhile back. High school sports, sports in general here, are a pretty big deal. If your kids are good they will get to play. If they aren't as good as the other kids they can still make the team, they just won;t play. They don't care about race, they care about winning.

I hope some of that was of some use! Home of the Colts, WOOOHOOOO!!!

[domergurl]

I don't know, there are many many many Asians living in Columbus who work for Cummins and various other companies in the area. I see them all over the same sports fields and swimming teams that my kids are on.

Sorry to say this, but you can't put pressure on Indiana to be like California. If you are expecting California in Indiana, you'll hate it here no matter where you live. The commute from Carmel to Columbus will kill you ...

[gw_al_2008]

When I moved to Indiana last year, most of my colleagues recommemded Carmel for its excellent schools and large percentage Asian population. I chose Fishers and it turned out to be a big mistake. Fishers is less racially diverse and my kid encountered racial bias almost immediately on school bus. We had spent over 15 years in other midwest states before we moved to Indiana. This is the first time we had such bad experience. Indiana has good people, such as Eli Lilly, John Wooden, and Tony Dungy, who were/are against racial discrimination. But sadly, there are still bad apples out there. Be careful and good luck with your search.

[domergurl]

Originally Posted by gw_al_2008

When I moved to Indiana last year, most of my colleagues recommemded Carmel for its excellent schools and large percentage Asian population. I chose Fishers and it turned out to be a big mistake. Fishers is less racially diverse and my kid encountered racial bias almost immediately on school bus. We had spent over 15 years in other midwest states before we moved to Indiana. This is the first time we had such bad experience. Indiana has good people, such as Eli Lilly, John Wooden, and Tony Dungy, who were/are against racial discrimination. But sadly, there are still bad apples out there. Be careful and good luck with your search.

I'm sorry to hear about that ... what specifically happened? Did you report it to the school? In my experience with Fishers schools, they didn't take this type of disrespect lightly.

[BU191433]

Originally Posted by CoolBeans

Tons of Asians in Carmel.

True, there are more Asians in carmel than there are blacks or Latinos

[Davachka]

Yes, I live in Carmel (for a couple more days) and there are many Asians here. There are even a couple churches.

I have known 2 Asian couples/families who moved to the Indpls area for work. Both were from California. It did not take either too long to move back to California. Same goes for any ethnicity that I have met that moved here from the west coast.

[jrod2828]

Everyone preaches diversity but then minorities seek out only the same minorities to live by. I don't get it.

There are asians all over Indianapolis and tons in Carmel. You will be welcome everywhere in Indianapolis.. white.. black.. asian.. it doesn't matter.

[domergurl]

Originally Posted by faina00

Yes, I live in Carmel (for a couple more days) and there are many Asians here. There are even a couple churches.

I have known 2 Asian couples/families who moved to the Indpls area for work. Both were from California. It did not take either too long to move back to California. Same goes for any ethnicity that I have met that moved here from the west coast.

Just move to Tampa already ... please.