Interracial couples (Des Moines, Sioux City, Iowa City: rent, health, schools)

[mater]

Why is it that whenever I walk into a public place with my African American wife folks seems to give us dirty looks ? Has Iowa not embrace this yet ?

[F355]

That's not something exclusive to Iowa, but yes, it's just different. Iowa is still a very white, somewhat backwards state, and seeing a white person with any other ethnicity is just too much for some to handle.

Don't let it get to you.

[Luke9686]

I agree. Dont let it get to you. Iowa is still far behind in culture and diversity, so you will still get those stares. Even in Des Moines.

If they want to be so shallow as to judge a person on race, let them live their depressing lives.

[El Rhino]

Originally Posted by mater

Why is it that whenever I walk into a public place with my African American wife folks seems to give us dirty looks ? Has Iowa not embrace this yet ?

I have trouble with this word and I'm not sure exactly how you mean this.

Do you mean "embrace" like you expect to be embraced, like "Wow, man, that's really cool that you married an African American woman! You go, boy! We should all do this!".... Or do you mean "tolerate", like if someone were to like it or not, they should just be civil and deal with it? I hope you mean "tolerate", because that's a fair thing to ask for.

Honestly, a white guy and a black woman isn't very common, no matter where you go. That's probably why you get people looking at you.

Iowa isn't a backwards state, we're just not a progressive one.

[mater]

Hey Folks!! Thanks for the input . Anyway, I'm originally from the east coast where this is not all that unusual .( interracial marriage )... For some strange reason it seems as if we are a YETI as we walk around together.....LOL...Take care

[F355]

What part of Iowa do you live in?

[relo to florida]

Originally Posted by mater

Why is it that whenever I walk into a public place with my African American wife folks seems to give us dirty looks ? Has Iowa not embrace this yet ?

I used to live in Iowa (Sioux City & Iowa City). While Iowa City is somewhat progressive most of Iowa remains in the dark ages, full of dogmatic and judgemental people. They say it's "a great place to raise a family" and albeit the schools are very good the state lacks culture, diversity and a healthy respect/appreciation for those different than oneself. My advice, get used to it and think about your next move.

[mater]

Originally Posted by F355

What part of Iowa do you live in?

I'm in Lisbon..

[RonnieJonez]

Iowans do not like to be called backwards, "behind-the-times" would probably be a more accurate representation, although some parts are still very backwards in their way of thinking.

[El Rhino]

Who's "with the times" then?