Blacks in West Des Moines (Buffalo, Colo: good schools, living in, legal)

[Chicagoland60426]

From what I gather from the Obama election, Iowa is not that bad. Since the majority of Iowa voted for him and they have gay marriage there, Iowa is kind of liberal these days. Plus Iowa have a lot of former Chicagolanders there, so you will at least feel right at home away from home.

[thatguy1]

Originally Posted by Chicagoland60426

From what I gather from the Obama election, Iowa is not that bad. Since the majority of Iowa voted for him and they have gay marriage there, Iowa is kind of liberal these days.

Nope, just a bunch of racists evidently.

[RonnieJonez]

Originally Posted by That-Guy

Clearly a statement suggesting the inability of an entire race to be racist was meant to get a rise out of me...or at least I would hope he wouldn't be that ignorant.

Personally I don't think a "minority racist" is quite the same. Maybe that's not what you were implying.

For instance, I've heard before "black/hispanic/asian are just as racist", and I personally don't see it the same way, as they are the ones dealing with actual racism.

Of course, Obama won, so racism no longer exists, that belief is very popular now. Tell that to the black guy who got an all-white jury for beating up a white guy over a racial slur directed towards him.

I didn't get picked for the final pool, but lets just say, he had no chance to begin with given an all-white jury. That's Iowa for you, even with Obama and the gay marriage law (which would easily be voted down if the people had a say).

[thatguy1]

Originally Posted by RonnieJonez

Personally I don't think a "minority racist" is quite the same. Maybe that's not what you were implying.

For instance, I've heard before "black/hispanic/asian are just as racist", and I personally don't see it the same way, as they are the ones dealing with actual racism.

Of course, Obama won, so racism no longer exists, that belief is very popular now. Tell that to the black guy who got an all-white jury for beating up a white guy over a racial slur directed towards him.

I didn't get picked for the final pool, but lets just say, he had no chance to begin with given an all-white jury. That's Iowa for you, even with Obama and the gay marriage law (which would easily be voted down if the people had a say).

I'm not doubting the white on minority racism. But if you are suggesting that is the only form of legitimate racism, then yes, you are in fact dead wrong.

[RonnieJonez]

Explain to me how whites experience racism at the hands of blacks, that "just as bad". I didn't know blacks were enslaving whites for 400 years.

You're totally right, a white guy experiences just as much racism as a black in Iowa. I even have a black friend who was accused of stealing his own car in West Des Moines, you think that would happen to a white? Probably not, although it is theoretically possible.

[SD83]

Let's focus on what Rhonda wants to hear about. Her children are the issue here. She is being responsible in caring for the well-being of her kids growing up in a new environment. I would like for us to return the favor, and responsibly inform her of our own experiences.

Personally, Rhonda, I see a lot of great racial interaction all throughout Des Moines. To be specific, West Des Moines seems to be a stand-out community as far as cohesive integration is concerned. I see kids from different age groups and different racial backgrounds all the time, hanging out with each other, and having a good time, all while being safe.

This is only one person's perspective, but I think they would fit in rather nicely. Your mentions of your children's credentials only furthers this point. I think West Des Moines would be glad to have you and your children as a part of their community.

As far as the Waukee school system goes, when I was in high school, they were just but a mere dot on the map. Now, they're a bustling community with all sorts of growth. I'm not sure how diverse or accepting Waukee is in particular, but if it is anything like West Des Moines in terms of culture, it should be a positive experience for you and yours.

[ckhthankgod]

I think the difference is more in terms of institutional racism and the reality of that is what I think Ronnie is getting at. Attitudinal racism is something people are more apt to get over and is tougher to detect, sometimes.

Anyway, there are Black people in West Des Moines. Here's a good website in terms of numbers for the West Des Moines Community SD: West des Moines Comm School District Overview | GreatSchools

Here are the student demographics for that SD too: Test Scores for West des Moines Comm School District | GreatSchools
So, there are Black students there, as well as some other people of color in the student body.

Does it necessarily have to be West Des Moines? Are there some nice parts of Des Moines that are nice and diverse that would work?

[El Rhino]

Originally Posted by RonnieJonez

Of course, Obama won, so racism no longer exists, that belief is very popular now. Tell that to the black guy who got an all-white jury for beating up a white guy over a racial slur directed towards him.

What incident are you referring to here? Or are you making something up?

[RonnieJonez]

When I was chosen for jury duty, it was the case at hand. It's supposed to be a "jury of your peers", but the population of Des Moines isn't diverse enough to support that sometimes.

[thatguy1]

Originally Posted by RonnieJonez

When I was chosen for jury duty, it was the case at hand. It's supposed to be a "jury of your peers", but the population of Des Moines isn't diverse enough to support that sometimes.

So what you are saying is that the jury was accurately reflective of it's population? So technically, it was a jury of your peers. Thanks for the clarification.