Portuguese and thinking of moving to Mass... questions! (Boston, New Bedford: dorms, college)

[Dugy00]

Hi, I livedin New Bedford MA for a few years and they lots of portuguese there! I made friends with the guy in charge of the Portugal festival that they have there every year! It was a business friendship but a friendship none the less. Anyway, I think it's the north side you want, the south has a lot of mexicans or spanish from guatemala, etc.... But since I am part mexican and speak spanish I hung there sometimes, but north is nice too. Anyway, That's New Bedford, MA.. on the southcoast. Good Luck!!

[noplacelike]

Two words: Fall River.

[suzy q]

east cambridge achunet fall river

[alyandbud]

I have never heard that Mass. was known to be racist... I grew up in Fall River, which is also referred to as "Little Portugal," so maybe that's why. Southeastern Mass. has a very high Portuguese population. New Bedford and Fall River both have some really popular Portuguese festivals every year. Although I know there are ignorant people, I grew up in F.R. and I currently teach in Taunton, and I've never witnessed and heard racist remarks. Good luck on your move!

[MovingForward]

There is "anti-black racism" practically everywhere--from Canada to South America (and it's really bad in South America)--but not a daily concern in MA. There were serious problems in Boston in the 1970s, but that's ancient history. Remember: MA has a black governor.

[Goncalves-Rouse]

The WereRabbit, Cape-Verdeans are not black as you make it sound like they all are. Eighty percent are Mestizos (sp?), which means they are of many different races, mostly European, 17% are all black and 3% are all white. All Spanish speaking people are not Puerto Ricans or Mexicans....aret they? So, to make it sound like Cape-Verdeans are of ALL black ancestry is an unfair statement.

[willdufauve]

Cape-Verdeans are not considered to be black by other Cape-Verdeans.

But, most Cape-Verdeans are considered to be black by most white Americans.

And, most black Americans think many Cape-Verdeans would like to pass for white, despite their skin color and African ancestry.

This comes up for discussion now and then in my family (which includes all of the above).

[Goncalves-Rouse]

White Americans consider everyone and anyone with dark skin black. Whether you are East Indian, Puerto Rican, Dominican or what have you. I think Cape-Verdeans are just proud to be just that. They may have the dark skin, but the majority have white features, especially the hair texture. Perfect example? East Indians. They are very black with very straight hair.

[MovingForward]

What difference does it make? Why is it necessary to insist that Cape Verdeans or East Indians have "white features"? I think that's sad. As for what "white Americans" think, it really depends on the person. In general, however, when Americans refer to someone as being "white," they mean someone who is "Caucasian." And neither Cape Verdeans nor East Indians are Caucasian. In any case, it makes absolutely no difference whatsoever.

[willdufauve]

My understanding is that it's an issue within the Cape Verdean community. That's why.