[SongBird1]

I am told that Michigan is a "Militia State". Is this true? Is Michigan an integrated state? I was thinking of visiting Paw Paw. What can I expect?

[kcam213]

I am in an interracial marriage with biracial child. We spent a weekend in South Haven. We had no trouble. I would think we would have more trouble not less. If people stared, I did not notice. Nothing overt or open. Most people are not idiots. Even if they did have a problem with you, most do not have the nerve to be open about it.

I think you should be fine.

[magellan]

Paw Paw is no different than any other backwoods town in America.

[allbusiness]

Paw Paw is a very small town, but know for its wineries, etc. I'd say most people are fairly open minded in West Michigan. Every place has its bigots, of course.

The greatest segregated place in Michigan is Detroit. Most other places, we all get along just fine.

[flyingwriter]

I live 20 miles from Paw Paw, so I've been there many times. You'll be fine! This is Michigan, not Mississippi. There are blacks who live in Paw Paw and the surrounding area, so you won't be looked at funny. I've seen more interracial couples in Michigan than anywhere else.

Also Paw Paw isn't a "backwoods town," it's practically a suburb of Kalamazoo. There's a lot happening in Paw Paw and the surrounding area.

Don't let Detroit skew your perception of the entire state.

[mrkool]

Good grief.
You will be in *much* more danger in Detroit, Flint, or any of the "diverse" towns, than you will be in a "lily white" area.
You weren't being serious, were you?

[Westbury]

I agree with Kazoo pilot...I'm from a small town called Mattawan which is a stones through to Paw Paw. Yes, it is country living but there aren't any racial problems. Many people who live in Paw Paw area actually work in Kalamazoo which has a very diverse population. Paw Paw is a quaint little town with some nice local wineries and restaurants.

[Cliffie]

Originally Posted by allbusiness

The greatest segregated place in Michigan is Detroit. Most other places, we all get along just fine.

Even Detroit is making progress. The last time I went to the zoo there I was astounded at all the interracial families. When I was growing up there the only interracial couples in Detroit were urban legends.

[Cliffie]

Originally Posted by mrkool

Good grief.
You will be in *much* more danger in Detroit, Flint, or any of the "diverse" towns, than you will be in a "lily white" area.
You weren't being serious, were you?

I disagree with this in the strongest possible terms. Ann Arbor is the nmost diverse town in the state and the danger there is very low. Diversity does not cause crime -- poverty and desperation do. That is why Flint and Detroit are more dangerous despite being LESS diverse.

[Crustedfilth]

Sure we have the Militia, but so does every other state.