racial harmony in Iowa (Des Moines, Iowa City: house, live, centers)

[bellyrole]

How are race relations in Iowa? Specifically, what are the experiences of “African Americans and other blacks in Iowa? Is Iowa a place where blacks can shrug off the oppressive yolk of intolerance and discrimination?

[CrazyHorsePete]

I haven't seen or heard any blatant racism here in Des Moines. I don't think you will have a problem.

[capitalcityguy]

Obama wouldn't be headed to the White House next month if it wasn't for the Iowa Caucas last January.

That should tell you enough.

[iowegian]

I live around Iowa City, which is one of the more diverse areas in the state, and I rarely see racism here. I'm sure there are racists here, just as there are anywhere else, but I'd say the larger cities in Iowa are pretty progressive as far as racial relations go. I'm not as sure about the smaller towns, as many of these towns are aging and have some outdated ideas, but I still think people around here are decent enough not to do anything to anyone because of their race.

The only real division that I see is by class, but I think that is the same everywhere.

I wouldn't go as far to say that Iowa is some magic utopia for African-Americans or anything, it's probably the same as in the surrounding states and throughout the Midwest, but it's certainly not bad.

[GBurgNupe]

This place is still backwards as hell....as a newly transplanted professional black male, I can tell you that Iowans are a mixed bag. There are those that are intrigued by me and then you have my neighbors here at my complex who are afraid to make eye contact. Iowa, is whatever you make of it though, so your experience may differ....

[thatguy1]

There aren't too many people who have blatant hatred for minorities in Iowa. I grew up in a small town in Iowa and of course there were endless black jokes. Just like there are endless white jokes in the black communities. There are also many people who are uncomfortable around blacks because they have never really interacted with them before. Not because they think you are going to stick their car in your pocket when they aren't looking...

I definitely would not worry about it. Just like GBurg mentioned, it's what you make of it. Iowa's larger cities would probably be a much better experience for you though.

[thatguy1]

Originally Posted by CrazyHorsePete

I haven't seen or heard any blatant racism here in Des Moines. I don't think you will have a problem.

Des Moines doesn't have much of a notable racist recent history. (Not like Omaha does, on both sides, black and white).

Dont fool yourself though, there is blatant racism everywhere

[Babie_T_Nice]

How about for Latinos in Iowa? I've read about resentment of new immigrants in Iowa.

I was hoping to possibly volunteer teach English as a second language, something I used to do and quite enjoyed. Are there centers that offer services to recent immigrants?

[deckdoc]

some folks are blatently anti latinos and some get along just fine~ and Iowa took in quite a few Viet refugees and they did ok~ again its what you make of it and how you come across~ personnally left my church when the black minister left~ cause of the comments of some of the (prominent) people in the congregation!

[Arthur Wellesly]

Originally Posted by bellyrole

how are race relations in iowa? Specifically, what are the experiences of “african americans and other blacks in iowa? Is iowa a place where blacks can shrug off the oppressive yolk of intolerance and discrimination?

nope!