New Zealanders visiting LA (high crime, living in, military)

[aj_nz]

hi my friend and i are going to b travelling by road from Phoenix to Florida and will be touring part of the state. We are plutonic, non married blond caucasion male 21 and african-new zealander female 21, i am just concerned about how that would be received in LA, in fact we are quite worried due to stories and tv etc weve heard/watched. Just like some honest opinions on local attitudes to bi-racial opposite sex new zealand friends please and if we'd have a hard time or be welcomed, thanks. Andre and Jazmine

[Meg Lesher]

Originally Posted by aj_nz

hi my friend and i are going to b travelling by road from Phoenix to Florida and will be touring part of the state. We are plutonic, non married blond caucasion male 21 and african-new zealander female 21, i am just concerned about how that would be received in LA, in fact we are quite worried due to stories and tv etc weve heard/watched. Just like some honest opinions on local attitudes to bi-racial opposite sex new zealand friends please and if we'd have a hard time or be welcomed, thanks. Andre and Jazmine

You have posted this same question on the City-Data forum sites for Arkansas, Texas, Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, and I'm sure you've upset a few people by suggesting that their beloved State is still in the dark ages of racial hatred. I notice you left out Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Florida. Why the distinction? After all, they have people in them, too. The South has its history, but its people are civilized. I suggest that you are so worried about being ill met all the way to Florida, you should just take a plane.

[aj_nz]

Moderator cut: personal attackread da question properly, and i replied in alabama, looks like im looking at the wrong region to be worried about, seems michigan has the mutts

[Meg Lesher]

I realized I'd likely not win accolades from the New Zelander's. But in the original post, the suggestion is that the state it's posted to has a reputation for being hazardous to mixed race travellers. Since you posted to these different sites, it seems fair to do likewise, if only to make the people reading from that State have a better view of the breadth of your concern.

[GBee]

Personally, I am glad you want to drive through the South and visit us here. I understand your concerns and did not take your question the wrong way. I grew up here, am white, but have seen lots of prejudice in the past which I hated seeing.

However, the area I live in has changed for the better in the last 20 years.

Of course there is prejudice here just like anywhere in the world but it is not something I, a female, am concerned about when I travel with a black female companion anywhere in Louisiana.

I hope you enjoy your trip.

[BADEGG]

You're fine, unless you start to hear banjo's playing and hear somebody hollar Bubba, then you may wan to run. LOL

[Meg Lesher]

Originally Posted by BADEGG

You're fine, unless you start to hear banjo's playing and hear somebody hollar Bubba, then you may wan to run. LOL

This made me chuckle. I was friends with a banjo maker in Michigan years back. He was from New Zealand, and said once he had no clue how a guy from New Zealand became a maker of an instrument from the other side of the world. He's back in New Zealand... maybe hollering "Bubba"?

[baarbara wright]

Originally Posted by aj_nz

hi my friend and i are going to b travelling by road from Phoenix to Florida and will be touring part of the state. We are plutonic, non married blond caucasion male 21 and african-new zealander female 21, i am just concerned about how that would be received in LA, in fact we are quite worried due to stories and tv etc weve heard/watched. Just like some honest opinions on local attitudes to bi-racial opposite sex new zealand friends please and if we'd have a hard time or be welcomed, thanks. Andre and Jazmine

hi
i,ve only been here since feb. but the people seem very nice , there is still some negative vibs toward people of color , but its not too open, BUT , u will be aware of it, just stay aware !!!, I was informed by an officer that i should stay out of Sheveport, its a high crime area. an there is daily reports of crime in that area, but the clubs and such r there too, it seems that all the late nite places r in that area too() just be aware okay? have fun !!!!!!!!!!

[Innotech]

FOr what its worth I have a friend from australia who has visited Louisiana a couple times and he wasnt treated differently or badly at all. People asked questions about his accent but accepted him fine.

[wifen4sharpei]

Hi, I just moved back to La. after living in Virginia and traveling with the military. My view, as individuals go, it's not too bad.