Race in LA. Questions for whites blacks and hispanics that live in L.A. (Los Angeles: buy, school)

[enurse]

Originally Posted by LAFan

Whoa, I thought the City of LA had policy of non-discrimination.

Just because there is a policy in place, it doesn't mean people abide by that. As I've stated, many things that are said and done, are subtle. Like the following people around in stores. Or comments that are made that aren't necessarily wrought with foul language, but have more of a "what are you doing here," vibe (although I have experience incidents where I have been called out of my name).

I have come to the conclusion that living and working in any homogenous environment, brings forth a sense of ethnocentrism in a society. Sometimes these sentiments are deliberate, and other times, I have a sense that someone doesn't know any better because that is how they grew up. In either case, I am still very bothered, and I don't really care if someone means it or not at this point in time. I do not have the energy to go around teaching people how to behave like civilized and enlightened individuals.

I believe the only way to cope with this is to leave, or assimilate and act as if everything is honky dory. I just can't deal with it anymore.

[wclac]

Originally Posted by enurse

Just because there is a policy in place, it doesn't mean people abide by that. As I've stated, many things that are said and done, are subtle. Like the following people around in stores. Or comments that are made that aren't necessarily wrought with foul language, but have more of a "what are you doing here," vibe (although I have experience incidents where I have been called out of my name).

I have come to the conclusion that living and working in any homogenous environment, brings forth a sense of ethnocentrism in a society. Sometimes these sentiments are deliberate, and other times, I have a sense that someone doesn't know any better because that is how they grew up. In either case, I am still very bothered, and I don't really care if someone means it or not at this point in time. I do not have the energy to go around teaching people how to behave like civilized and enlightened individuals.

I believe the only way to cope with this is to leave, or assimilate and act is everything is honky dory. I just can't deal with it anymore.

And you work in Culver City?

[enurse]

Originally Posted by LAFan

And you work in Culver City?

No. My original post stated that I went to school in West L.A.; I lived in the Palms area, and have frequented the Culver City area (when I was in school), and have noticed that it has been improving since then; and I currently work up and down the coast of California (Westlake Village, TO, Oxnard, SB, SLO, San Jose, etc.).

To add to that I have traveled to many different areas in the U.S. and Mexico. I am aware that racism is all over in different degrees, and I have come to the conclusion that I'd rather someone tell me to my face that they don't like me for whatever stupid reason, than to hide it. I rather someone admit that they are prejudiced, instead of pretending that they're not. As long as they can keep their hands to themselves, I'm perfectly fine with it. It gives me a sense of closure, instead of trying to deal with the guessing game.

To clarify my previous comment about the importance of living and working in mixed environment: I believe that this is essential for someone to be able to minimize the repercussions of a homogenous one (i.e., racial profiling, subjective hiring methods, etc.).

[wclac]

Originally Posted by enurse

No. My original post stated that I went to school in West L.A.; I lived in the Palms area, and have frequented the Culver City area (when I was in school), and have noticed that it has been improving since then; and I currently work up and down the coast of California (Westlake Village, TO, Oxnard, SB, SLO, San Jose, etc.).

To add to that I have traveled to many different areas in the U.S. and Mexico. I am aware that racism is all over in different degrees, and I have come to the conclusion that I'd rather someone tell me to my face that they don't like me for whatever stupid reason, than to hide it. I rather someone admit that they are prejudiced, instead of pretending that they're not. As long as they can keep their hands to themselves, I'm perfectly fine with it. It gives me a sense of closure, instead of trying to deal with the guessing game.

To clarify my previous comment about the importance of living and working in mixed environment: I believe that this is essential for someone to be able to minimize the repercussions of a homogenous one (i.e., racial profiling, subjective hiring methods, etc.).

How much would it cost to live or rent in Palms?

[enurse]

Originally Posted by LAFan

How much would it cost to live or rent in Palms?

I'm not sure now, but when I lived there 7 years ago it was $1050/mo for a 2 bed/2bath apt. You could google the area and see if something comes up. There's also a service called Westside Rentals that prices rental properties in the area, as well as Westwood, and places in the SF Valley.

Edit: a good free source to look for apartments on the westside is the Daily Bruin, which you can pick up at various locations on campus.

[wclac]

Originally Posted by enurse

I'm not sure now, but when I lived there 7 years ago it was $1050/mo for a 2 bed/2bath apt. You could google the area and see if something comes up. There's also a service called Westside Rentals that prices rental properties in the area, as well as Westwood, and places in the SF Valley.

Edit: a good free source to look for apartments on the westside is the Daily Bruin, which you can pick up at various locations on campus.

As a young black man, I'm looking forward to my future career, so I can move to a safer haven, like the Westside.

[enurse]

Originally Posted by LAFan

As a young black man, I'm looking forward to my future career, so I can move to a safer haven, like the Westside.

Do what you need to do to be happy. That's my advice. Reading everyone's posts is fine, but you really need to visit a place to determine if it's a fit in terms of your goals, desired lifestyle, and ultimately, your budget,

[wclac]

Originally Posted by enurse

Do what you need to do to be happy. That's my advice. Reading everyone's posts is fine, but you really need to visit a place to determine if it's a fit in terms of your goals, desired lifestyle, and ultimately, your budget,

That's what I'm looking forward to.

[lindrix]

You should not have problems. SurekRZA is right though, appearance is *very* important in L.A. If you're handsome or beautiful you'll do fine, if you're just average looking then make sure you're always dressed well; actually just make sure you're always dressed well, not neccessarily expensively. L.A.'s biggest industries are the fashion/garment industry, the music industry, and the movie industry. All of these are very appearance oriented and that culture permeates everywhere else. Before you move permanently to a particular neighborhood check to see that it's got a good mix of the people you want to live next door to. If the cost is cheap then there is a reason. Do your homework!

L.A. is huge too. Any problems you might encounter with Aryans or Hispanic gangs will only happen if you're on their turf. There's a whole lot of the rest of the city to be.

Figure out where you'll be working and post again for specific nearby neighborhood information to check out the micro-hoods before moving.

[SWV]

I really don't blame him for making this post I'm a Black young male and I'm very interested in moving to L.A. but just because you dress like you're urban or into gangs or whatever does'nt mean that you are..I'm 18 and I dress Urbanish and I always here from my (Filipino) side of the family that if you dress like a gang member you ARE a gang member..I think it's sad..I'm in college and I do not want to be considered a gang member because of the way I dress..