Immigrant Suburbs in MSP (Eagan: 2014, rent, homes)

[Glenfield]

Originally Posted by golfgal

Exploring our options, need help!

African American woman Mid 20's moving to Bloomington

"Diverse" Suburbs

just a sampling....

Nowhere is those threads does anyone say that the suburbs are "all white." They say things like "Eagan is highly white" and "the SW suburbs are the least" racially diverse area. No one says they are "all white."

[Glenfield]

Originally Posted by pete6032

City folk are pretty ignorant when it comes to this kind of thing so you should probably link to a few examples just to show them.

Oh, I see. You are now insulting nearly a million people, eh? How classy.

[lrmsd]

Originally Posted by FierySun

I'm glad this is happening actually. I live in the Dallas area, I don't like Dallas at all and think Minneapolis is a much nicer city but the suburbs there were far more diverse than the ones here. There was also a much higher presence of Black, Hispanic, and Asian middle class and upper middle class professionals. It's starting to happen up there somewhat but you guys need to keep going at it.

Why does MN need to 'keep going at it?'
I never understand this sentiment that a place 'needs' to be racially/ethnically diverse, as though that is the litmus test for...what??? I don't know.
There ARE places on the planet that are mostly one race or ethnic group. Lots of places, actually. But somehow, people cringe when they say a city or state in the US is 'mostly white'. It's weird. Not every demographic is the result of segregation or slavery, you know. Migrations, historical time periods, etc impact demographics, as well.

I honestly find it a poor exercise in critical thinking when I hear people say, for example about san diego where I currently live, that 'it's getting better'. Better at what? lol

I don't know what you meant, so I am not interpreting yours in this way, just really curious though....I mean, some people enjoy a diverse setting and find that it enriches life. Others seem to say we should have diversity as a knee jerk reaction, that said diversity somehow proves progressiveness or something....And there are other interpretations, as well.

[rzzz]

I went to high school in a 95% white community that is now about 75% white and 25% hispanic.
Midwestern german/scandi food is truly awful. Thank god for the Mexicans who moved in and brought decent food to the area. I welcome diversity so I can get something to eat that isn't just a combination of mayonnaise and potatoes.

[QuietBlue]

Originally Posted by lrmsd

Why does MN need to 'keep going at it?'
I never understand this sentiment that a place 'needs' to be racially/ethnically diverse, as though that is the litmus test for...what??? I don't know.

For one thing, it's good for businesses. Ask any of the top companies in the Twin Cities, and they'll tell you that a perception of diversity makes it easier to attract good employees from other parts of the US (or other countries) and retain them. They don't spend all the time and money they do on it just to make people feel good or make themselves look good; it has tangible ROI.

[kuan]

So what do you folks think about Apple Valley?

Apple Valley travel guide - Wikitravel

[pete6032]

Originally Posted by lrmsd

Why does MN need to 'keep going at it?'
I never understand this sentiment that a place 'needs' to be racially/ethnically diverse, as though that is the litmus test for...what???

The more racially homogenous a place is, the more closed minded it becomes. Racial diversity is good for people to learn how to think beyond their normal horizons and understand other cultures. Furthermore the diversity benefits minorities by making it easier on them. If you've ever been somewhere where you are a racial minority, maybe in a room full of another race, for example, you know how uncomfortable it can feel. The reality is that the more accepting and diverse we become, the better of we are.

[Glenfield]

Originally Posted by pete6032

The more racially homogenous a place is, the more closed minded it becomes. Racial diversity is good for people to learn how to think beyond their normal horizons and understand other cultures. Furthermore the diversity benefits minorities by making it easier on them. If you've ever been somewhere where you are a racial minority, maybe in a room full of another race, for example, you know how uncomfortable it can feel. The reality is that the more accepting and diverse we become, the better of we are.

What would you say about places like Ireland, Nigeria, and Thailand which are not racially diverse at all? Would you say people in those countries are closed minded, unable to think beyond their normal horizons, or unable to understand other cultures? Do you think these places would be better than they are if they were more racially diverse?

[I'm Retired Now]

So if you were a leader of a town you would try to discourage American born white people from moving into the town because only immigrants will stop it from being a closed minded community?

Originally Posted by pete6032

The more racially homogenous a place is, the more closed minded it becomes. Racial diversity is good for people to learn how to think beyond their normal horizons and understand other cultures. Furthermore the diversity benefits minorities by making it easier on them. If you've ever been somewhere where you are a racial minority, maybe in a room full of another race, for example, you know how uncomfortable it can feel. The reality is that the more accepting and diverse we become, the better of we are.

[pete6032]

Originally Posted by I'm Retired Now

So if you were a leader of a town you would try to discourage American born white people from moving into the town because only immigrants will stop it from being a closed minded community?

No. Thanks for putting words in my mouth though.