Postville, IA (Dubuque: low crime, diversity, cost of living)

[Minority]

I grew up in Postville and I still have family that lives there. I remember when I saw my first mexican...my first jewish individual...my first chinese person. It has changed alot over the years, some good changes and some not so good changes. I disagree with some of the pictures that have been painted about our town. For example there is more destructive vandalism that occurs than cow-tipping. You do not dial a wrong number and end up talking for twenty minutes.

Postville is like any other small town. There are groups that you tend to hang with. The difference is that in Postville the groups are designed by culture.

I do not agree with teaching students in both english and spanish. If we go to mexico do the teachers there teach in two languages? If people want to move to Postville then they should learn english as a second language.

[RonnieJonez]

Statistically, it is probably the most diverse place in the State. Doesn't make sense, but it is.

[summer grace]

Originally Posted by RonnieJonez

Statistically, it is probably the most diverse place in the State. Doesn't make sense, but it is.

Yes, that's for sure. It's really small town in the corn fields, but there is much diversity there. There's lots of stereotypes regarding small town IA (isn't there of anywhere?), I've heard the wrong number one. It's not accurate. I think to understand small town IA, you have to have seen it. That's especially true of Postville, since it's so unique. I don't believe in terms of scenery NE IA is typical of Iowa, nor perhaps in other things? Postville cannot be described in writing all that well.

[DBQer]

Originally Posted by Minority

I do not agree with teaching students in both english and spanish. If we go to mexico do the teachers there teach in two languages? If people want to move to Postville then they should learn english as a second language.

I agree with you. Pushing bi-lingual education is a dumb idea. We have a (Catholic) school here in Dubuque that does it. People, this is IOWA!! Why are we so afraid of what we are? What's wrong with the way we live? It seems like we're always so embarassed to admit that we don't have much diversity- Why? Are we less intelligent because we're not as diverse? What negative consequences do we suffer because of it? None.

Most of Iowa, despite (or possibly because of) its lack of diversity, enjoys low crime, high education, low cost of living, friendly towns, tight-knit neighborhoods, strong community pride, and rich traditions. I'm not saying we should shun diversity when it happens, but why get upset when it doesn't?