Okay... how's the racism? (Lexington, Louisville: military, travel, work)

[KyCat52]

You know what folks, racism exists in larger cities, too. I'm from central Kentucky, not far from Fort Knox. I have lived in New Orleans and Washington DC. The racism that exists there is not what you would normally think of as racism, I am not an African American but I had many racial slurs thrown my way from African Americans in both New Orleans and Washington DC. I would never say I wouldn't live there because of these racial situations but it is distrubing. I do not recall any real racism in the town I grew up either way. I'm sure there was some since I grew up in the 60's but I played "ball" as someone said and we were all equal when playing whatever ball. Also over my 40 year career, I have hired quite a few people and frankly, I don't care what color their skin is, I care about whether they can do the work. I have hired more women than men and at least 30% have been other than caucasian. Sorry, I find it hard to believe that in 2007, the people that do most of the hiring and firing are so defiant that they would let racism affect their business judgment and ultimately their bottom line.

[W-KY]

http://www.kkkk.net/

Imperial Klans of America
PO Box 177
Dawson Springs, KY. 42408. USA

IKA 24 HOUR HOTLINE 270-422-4763

(Give them a call and tell them to go away!)

---------------------

First, let me tell you all, the KKK calls itself a "Christian" organization. It is not!!! They are a bunch of backward loosers just like the Skin Heads and the rest. Nothing they do or say represents the teachings of Jesus Christ!

As far as racism in KY, yep it exists everywhere. Some places it's not as bad as others, but it's there. Some small towns don't even allow blacks to live there. They might move in but they won't stay. Of course nothing is said out in the open but things happen. I am 42 years old but I recall when I was in grade school, a black family had moved into the town and the kids were attending the school with no problem. The word was, one night a cross was burnt in their front yard. Needless to say, the kids didn't even come back to school to get there things. Like everyone I know, I was raised to be what most people would call racist. It was more like the races MUST be kept seperate and everyone KNOW their place and not get out of it.

Okay, that was small town and a long time ago and I am sure that some of the big city folks will say that racism is not a problem in your city. If you're white, let me take you to certain places in Louisville and drop you off. You better leave a Will with somebody first. I didn't think that racism would be as much a problem in the "big city" as in the rural areas either. Wrong! A while back this "Louisville-based" website had good examples of Louisville racism. http://www.kyherpsoc.org/
The racism goes both ways. I couldn't believe how out in the open the racism was a couple of years ago. Maybe, just maybe it is different now on this website. It does look much better, has more of a variety of visitors.

Today, I do see racism but it is definitely going both ways. The new "thug culture" of the young blacks is only making things much worse. Really now, do they look like they might steal your car or even stab you if you crossed them? No doubt! But, they are not the only problem. Young whites are the same. I wouldn't trust them to any greater extent than I would a young black person of the same age. I started to say that "I don't know where their parents are or what they are doing!" But, we know good and well where most are. Some of these kids come from parents who don't care but most from single moms who haven't or can't do anything with them. Most have no father figure in their lives. THAT is the problem whether they are black or white!

I'm sure that some will say that I am racist but I don't think so. I am white but the man I am engaged to marry is black.

[desiree253]

My two cents

Racism is HUGE in every town, in every city, in every state of our great nation. It's getting better than it was, but could always be better.

Kentucky has many stereotypes and of course racism is one. Are there racists here, yes. Whoever reads this post.... are there racists wherever you are... of course there are. I really don't believe Kentucky has a higher concentration of racists than other other state out there. ALL small towns, anywhere USA are racist. IF the town is predominantly black, it'll be racist against non-blacks. IF the town is predominantly white, it'll be racist against non-whites, same goes for hispanic or any other race out there.

I grew up in California (where so many posters are proudly talking about "their" state having such racial diversity and racism rarely existing) and let me tell you it makes me angry to hear it! I grew up there. I grew up in a small town in Northern California. We had TWO mixed kids in our school system.. yes I said the whole system 1st thru 12th grade. They were accepted great, most of the time. I experienced the first black man moving to our town when I was 14. He had a degree and was hired to work at the local Mill (management). Where do you think he was working every day? Using a hand hoe or pick and axe in the ditches outside the compound. I am NOT kidding. He had a cross burned in his yard, the "union" said it'd be tied up in legal battles for who knows how long, and he promptly had to move out of town. That was not in the 50's or 60's, people! I'm talking LATE 80's! In precious CALIFORNIA! Wonder what would happen to me, as a white woman, if I moved to East L.A. or the aforementioned Watts? What about Oakland? I'm not going to chance it! Would you?

This thread is informative and eye-opening about the subject, but please don't kid yourselves. Is KY racist? I would say yes, as racist as the rest of America. If you move to a town with no one of the same race, or religion, or even gender for that matter.. you are going to have a harder time, than if you had other people to comisserate with, who have your same interests, values, education level, religion, race, etc.

Lets face it, we Americans are a melting pot all right, who still treat Native Americans as if they are on OUR land.

[WilsonG]

Western KY is a wonderful area to live. Lots of country and great people. Hopkinsville has some beautiful country for farmers or people who just want to live outside the hustle and bustle. It's just about an hour drive from Nashville TN or Evansville IN. It's closed to several lakes like Lake Barkley. We are near the Ft. Campbell Army Base so we have a very diversified group of awesome people here.

[amandapants]

i live in bowling green (born and raised here) and am a student at WKU...racism is not so much a problem as classism
can get nice acreage outside the city, with the convenience of being only 30 minutes outside the city, nashville is only an hour away
great place to live

[amandapants]

the weather...they say if you don't like the weather here, wait until tomorrow! It can be unpredictable, especially in the spring and fall, otherwise mostly mild
beautiful rolling green hills and trees everywhere
i tried to move to florida, but moved back after only 8 months!

[Diamond Dee]

Ive noticed some if in fact it really is or just curious some have asked me what my nationality is ,one person thought I was white and he was talking about them people when I spoke up and said I'm one of them!that happened only once in a factory job.the other place the person just came up to me and asked and I told him.But I didn't get the feeling is was racism just curious.

[ifyousayso]

I have lived in the Hopkins County/Dawson Springs area for most of my life. Unfortunately, there are racist groups who have chosen to reside in this area also. However, I feel that it is even more unfortunate that people label an entire community based on the ignorant beliefs and practices of a small portion of the residents. (Also, just to be precise, these groups do not actually live within city limits.) Our entire lives we are taught not to judge a book by its cover, yet people seem to do that quite often when dicussing this topic in relation to the Dawson Springs community. Reputations and rumors do not always have much truth in them. Anywhere you choose to live is going to be home to different people with different ideas and beliefs. We won't always agree with them, and thank God for that. However, I doubt things will change here unless people of all races are encouraged to move here. A town without minorities is a perfect place for groups such at the KKK to live. There's less oposition (notice I didn't say no oposition). Regardless, I think the majority of residents in this area would have no problem with expanding the culture of our community. It might encourage such groups to move elsewhere...and save the reputation of Hopkins County!

[ifyousayso]

I have lived in the Hopkins County/Dawson Springs area for most of my life. Unfortunately, there are racist groups who have chosen to reside in this area also. However, I feel that it is even more unfortunate that people label an entire community based on the ignorant beliefs and practices of a small portion of the residents. (Also, just to be precise, these groups do not actually live within city limits.) Our entire lives we are taught not to judge a book by its cover, yet people seem to do that quite often when dicussing this topic in relation to the Dawson Springs community. Reputations and rumors do not always have much truth in them. Anywhere you choose to live is going to be home to different people with different ideas and beliefs. We won't always agree with them, and thank God for that. However, I doubt things will change here unless people of all races are encouraged to move here. A town without minorities is a perfect place for groups such at the KKK to live. There's less oposition (notice I didn't say no oposition). Regardless, I think the majority of residents in this area would have no problem with expanding the culture of our community. It might encourage such groups to move elsewhere...and save the reputation of Hopkins County!

[Davart]

Originally Posted by veganwriter

I live in California and it's past time to pack up and ship on outta here. You're all aware of all the problems ... a few more perhaps that's newer.

I'm in my early 50's and I want at least five to ten acres of land. I'm shocked at how lovely some of the homes in KY are.

I've worked as a counselor/case manager as well as a tech writer. I'm currently taking a few biotech classes at the local jr. college and hopefully I'll be able to land a gig as a medical writer/documentation specialist.

I'm dreaming of The Country. Perhaps an hour or 45 mins away from a urban center... the smaller the better. I've lived most of my life in cities and I'm REALLY sick of them. The area I was raised in ... well, all of our parents were from the South. I like the values.

So how's the racial issues in Kentucky? Bowling Green looks REALLY good. (Both in terms of affordable land and the way that people tend to get along together.)

I've looked into demographics, and there seems to be a relatively low number of blacks in the entire state(?) and most seem to live in the major urban centers. Questions:

1.) Comments on the culture of race in Kentucky ... esp. in and around Bowling Green.

2.) Are there any nice rural areas where you might seem more black farmers or country people?

3.) Is it even necessary to look for such areas? (smile)

PLEASE be as candid as possible. Holding nothing back is the most kindest thing you can do.

fred-

I think the question is moot, California has racism, tons of it how is that different from KY? Watts riots, Rodney King and the riots, Mexifornia, Compton riots ... any of those ring a bell? Were they not caused and are some continuing
causes of racial tension in California? There have be riots in MI, OH, AL, CA, AZ NY, MA over racial issues, and unless I'm wrong I don't ever recall a riot in KY. So how can KY be more or less racist then any other state, even California?