Knoxville diversity

[Mr. Bighead]

I think the mods should make a "sticky" TN diversity thread. This never ending cycle of self-righteousness and defensiveness is getting old. Every one of these threads goes something like this:



Florifornian: "So, is Tennessee really full of inbred hillbillies who salute rebel flags and shoot brown people on sight?"

TNrealtor- "No, we love brown people! West Knoxville and Oak Ridge are full of them!"

TNLOVE- "I dispute your concept of diversity! The area around Magnolia Ave. is 100% black, and you'd better not let the sun set on your white a$$ in that neighborhood!"

[hiknapster]

I agree. But I think that people need to know the truth about attitudes here.

[GrannyLois]

Originally Posted by Mr. Bighead

.... This never ending cycle of self-righteousness and defensiveness is getting old. "

The assumptions that Tennesseeans are so odd and backward is getting extremely redundant.

[JMT]

I've found people in Knoxville to be very open and welcoming of me, a person of color from up north. Then again, I also came here with the attitude that I WANT to be here, and I don't constantly talk about how much better things are up north and how ignorant Southerners are.

The attitude you bring with you will make a huge difference in whether or not people accept you.

[GrannyLois]

Originally Posted by JMT

I also came here with the attitude that I WANT to be here, and I don't constantly talk about how much better things are up north and how ignorant Southerners are.

The attitude you bring with you will make a huge difference in whether or not people accept you.

This is the key to a successful move to anywhere. Look for similarities, not differences. Thank you for posting this, JMT.

[TXboomerang]

I just got to Knoxville a few days ago from TX. Love it so far. Lived in MS for a long time too. I'll have to let my MS accent work its way back out as it will fit in here, lol.

I will say I am surprised at how on one side of the street there will be an expensive subdivision, then the other side has old beat up houses that haven't been taken care of very well at all. I was getting nervous driving the moving truck to me and my wifes new location as we rented it based on pics and had never been in person. Turned out to be a really nice street, but getting to it I passed many trailer/shack homes that were old, beat up, and had junk filled yards. Very odd. I figure in a few years the majority of them will sell out to people offering big bucks for their land in prime West Knox area. The people seem very friendly overall. Should be a good place to be for a while.

[hiknapster]

I was absolutely thrilled to move here. I had done extensive research and visited the area. I told everyone that I met that I just loved Tennessee. There are still things that I love, such as the weather. The school system is much better than Florida! At least my rent is cheaper than it was in Florida. Electricity is REALLY cheap.

My biggest mistake was taking what people said at face value. And I never imagined that people would be so prejudice because of my accent. I have to admit that I live in a very small community. Everyone knows everyone else and aren't very accepting of outsiders. Perhaps if I move to a place with a larger population.

[bornunderpunches]

I resent people acting like if your a minority in East Tn, the Klan is going to come burn your house down. That's not the reality here.
In Knoxville, we have events like the Kuumbaa and Hola! festivals, celebrating African-American and Hispanic cultures. As someone stated in another thread, the most beloved man in the city is Jewish(UT Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl).

We have a synagogue and a temple, two Unitarian Universalist churchs and their branches in Oak Ridge and Maryville, several Buddhist communities in the area, a greek orthodox church, several Hispanic congregations and Protestant and Catholic churches that offer services in Spanish, a Hindu community center in Lenoir City, and a large Neopagan community.

I'm not saying things are perfect here, they are not. There are always going to be some lone nuts like that guy who attacked Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist church. But there are people like that anywhere you go.

Frith,
Al

[aquarijen]

Al, this thread is 2 years old. Some of the members commenting are no longer members.

[hiknapster]

The best part is that I moved out of that area that I hated and love where I live now.