upper peninsula travel and racism (Detroit, Marquette: vacation, hospital, diversity)

[michigantraveler]

my "multi-racial" or "bi-racial" or "interracial" (as so many people label us) family would like to travel to northern michigan, including the UP, this summer. we are cautious of unfamiliar places, however, given the unfortunate circumstance of having racist people still in our world. now that we have our 1 1/2 yr old son, we're even more cautious. we would simply like to travel to the soo locks, taquamonen (sp?) falls, and up to copper harbor stopping at some little towns (if anyone can recommend) in between. my family is from the UP and is totally racist and has "disowned" me, which provides my ammunition for concern.

any advice?

[mofromcheboygankalamazoo]

I would say that is a legitimate concern as I know there are still racist people everywhere in this country...sad.
For the places you want to go they are touristy and I would not think you'd have any problems at all-of course there may be another tourist who is close-minded but enjoy yourself
You will most likely find very friendly people/locals who like meetin gnew people and love sharing what their part of michigan has to offer

[Jswee]

Can't say for sure but my experience has been that there is a lot more latent racism in the suburbs of Metro Detroit (people who have participated in white flight) than in many areas of the NLP and UP.

[michigantraveler]

Can't say for sure but my experience has been that there is a lot more latent racism in the suburbs of Metro Detroit (people who have participated in white flight) than in many areas of the NLP and UP.

Sure, fair enough, but you can understand my concern, right? Given the experiences we have had living in the suburbs of Detroit and given the experiences we have had just as a couple (not as the family we now are) in such tourist places like the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Atlanta (yes! of all places!), beaches, towns, restaurants (a great place for people to stare because they often get at least 45 minutes of us--we are a good looking couple, I must add...), I'm just hoping to get a little bit of insight as to the diversity (or lack thereof) of travelers to the UP and how pleasant our trip through the UP would be. I haven't been up there since I was a child with relatives, but knowing how my family is, I'm hesitant to go given OUR intolerance of others ignorance, yet have a determination to not let others stop us from going whereever we choose in order to show our son the world.

[tiamot]

I say go for that vacation and enjoy yourself. There are intolerant people everywhere. What I've found to be so great about the UP is that you can wander about the place-visit waterfalls and coast-and pretty much be left to your own devices. If you encounter some mean people, try your best not to let it get it you. Realize that their meanness comes from their own insecurities not because of anything you did. Most of all, please, just enjoy the beauty of your surroundings and the quality time with your family. I hope you have a great trip!

[jeeg]

You will find small minded bigots everywhere in the world. Just live your life with courage and be part of the change that needs to be done.

I see a lot of mixed race couples here in Marquette, doubt anyone would even bat an eye.

[suz7731]

i've been away from the UP for 13 years. in that time i have seen a greater knowledge (if you will) of multi-racial families come to light and believe the ignorance level has lessened.

i agree that anywhere you go, you will encounter ignorant people. please don't let that stop you from enjoying the beautiful UP of michigan!!

while you are there, probably headed west on US 2 going to the copper harbor, be sure and stop by Rosie's (tylene's) restaurant. you will find it at the north end of the garden penninsula about 12 miles west of manistique. i guarantee you will be greeted warmly there!!

[kovolev]

Not to overly generalize, but Yoopers are generally reserved and kind of shy, so even if they disaprove of "inter-racial" relationships (and I don't think they do more than anywhere else) they will generally keep those prejudices to themselves.

[MICoastieMom]

Given the number of professors at Michigan Tech who are "foreign-born", I think most people in more "urban" areas are less unsettled by non-traditional family units than in the past. When I was there when my son was injured, many of the doctors at the hospital in Hancock were Asian. I think if you do the touristy things you shouldn't have much trouble.

[YAZ]

You'll be fine in da U.P., as long as you stay away from the Finlander jokes.

Have fun.