Honestly: What are race relations REALLY like in the metro area? (Mankato: rent, high school)

[JenLee]

Andrew T., I agreed with nick is rulz because Eagan is one of those suburbs that seems more homogeneous than others when I look at it from the outside. There are some suburbs, towns and cities where you see quite a different mix of people when you drive through them or shop in them; others seem to have a more homogeneous population.

Now, that is *my* observation passing through these places myself; it may be that there is more of a mix than I've seen.

I remember going grocery shopping once and then getting gas later in the same town while traveling. Later, someone was talking about that town and asked me if I'd ever been there and what my opinion of it was. When I said I'd been there and my opinion was that there seemed to be more people with missing teeth there than I'd seen in a while, the other person was shocked that I'd said that because it was (supposedly) a well-to-do town; but that is what I'd noticed!

[nick is rulz]

If I was a gay male, Eagan would be extremely low on my places to reside. Actually, its pretty low on my places to reside now but thats besides the point. Meeting someone aside from thru dating sites and the like pretty much requires you to head towards the city. No one really bats an eye when you see a gay couple walking down the street in Loring or Uptown. Its commonplace and no one really cares, because they recognize its not their business to care.

[Sharolu3]

I would say that segregation is often out of choice but no one area in the greater Metro area is exclusively one race. The Twin Cities do, however haave the larger imigrant/African American populations but that very may well be do to the Socio Economic status that cheaper rentals--higher services exist in the central area. You will find, however diversity throughout the entire area. An example of the differences may be that Realtors throughout this area have had a large initiiative for several years in training themselves to be culutrally conscious of the diversity in the community. Although there are some problems as in all areas (U.S.'s most challenging issue) it is important to note that Minneapolis has the first US Representative that is a muslim and that Minnesota has always been the most liberal of states often on a very deep level. I would say that often we don't mean to offend if we do (MN NICE?). I don't think you neccessarily have to come to experience our culture. My real question would be if you are from Tampa, the weather is more likely your issue. (I hated Tampa when I went there being MN acclimated. On a more specific issue, Yes we have inner city law enforcement problems but the police try very hard to be fair. I live in the inner city so I see this issue every day. It is common to see inter racial couples--you mean it isn't common elsewhere?? The race and police problems here are directly related to gang acitivity more than race. Gangs are Gangs and I believe they now exist everywhere that people want to buy drugs or make a quick buck over other illegal activities. Is that what you meant by a police problem? I think not. If the beutiful llife is to be found anywhere it is to be found in Minnesota--Time magazine quote from the '70's

[camebacknhappy]

I am part of an interracial couple living in the city of Minneapolis - I came back here five years ago after living in CA and have never felt stared at or threatened. I wouldnt worry about it.

[Oildog]

Race relations are probably a little better than in other states. But it seems that discrimination is more socio-economically based than on race. As someone with a science background I spend time with folks of many races with science educations, I would assume its the same for accountants, artists, and other working professionals. If folks don't spend lots of time with someone in an unskilled profession its likely not because of race, more about common interests and education.

[pirate_lafitte]

Originally Posted by Oildog

Race relations are probably a little better than in other states. But it seems that discrimination is more socio-economically based than on race. As someone with a science background I spend time with folks of many races with science educations, I would assume its the same for accountants, artists, and other working professionals. If folks don't spend lots of time with someone in an unskilled profession its likely not because of race, more about common interests and education.

I wouldn't argue too much there. Minnesota isn't the worst there can be. In fact, I still say there are plenty of worse places. Minnesota just seems to stick out more because of it being so "nice", that most people don't believe MN could ever have racism in it. Now states like Michigan, Alabama, and Missississpi, were widely known for their problems and still are associated with it so to here about any racial problems in those places might warrant a "Well that's those places for you" as if it is expected and it is expected there. Now if something did happen in Minnesota there would be alot of "What? Minnesota? No way! That couldn't be!" kind of mentality. Why do you think few people know about the Duluth lynchings of 1919? The lynchings were considered an embarrassment to the state sort of like "Why did this happen here? This is our state and this kind of stuff isn't suppose to happen here". Now there were alot more lynchings in other states than Minnesota. The Duluth ones just stick out more.

[Sharolu3]

Lets not forget that the largest single execution ever in the United States occured in Mankato Mn after the Sioux (Lakota) Indian Uprising when approximately 30 Lakotas were hung at the same time. There crime was not believing they should be starved to death on the reservations in Minnesota. The famous quote probably now forgotten was that if they were hungry "Let them eat grass". This all occured after the Civil War when my scandinavian family was already in residence. Yes there are underlying problems in Minnesota but they may just lay more in the direction of Native Americans than African Americans.

[fitra]

Originally Posted by Trabbz

The title says it all.... What are race relations honestly like in the metro area? Does it depend on area? I might move there and this is one thing I am curious about.

I'm black and honestly, I think it's because alot of white people are not used to being around black people in Minnesota. It's kind of like a guy being around a beautiful woman, sometimes crazy stuff flies out of their mouth. Such as the most ridiculous thing some folks say, "My best friend is black."

Being from the south, the biggest difference I see as it relates to race relations is that in the south, you know if people are prejudiced. They sort of make it evident. But up here in Minnesota (notice I didn't say the north), people are "Minnesota nice" as they call it and you can't really tell if they are prejudiced or as one other person said, most comfortable with their friends from high school.

I've enjoyed getting to know the many cultures of people that I have met since in Minnesota. Black, white, latino, african (lots of different tribes) and just lots of cultures. I think these folks will remain my friends no matter where I move to next.

[fitra]

Originally Posted by flindras

The Twin Cities has been for at least 3 decades a mecca for interracial couples.

That may be true. But talk to one of the grown children of these mixed couples and it sheds a little more light on racism, from the family perspective. It's amazing the audacity of a white grandomther to say some of the things they say to their interracial grandchild. I've heard many a story and it breaks my heart and angers me at the same time.

[Oildog]

Growing up in the 70s I heard a strange comment from an elderly aunt about racial relations in Minnesota. She had lived in the South and said "down there, they respect the individual but not the race. Up here its the other way around." Did not quite understand at the time, but as I have lived South of I-10 and North of I-90, I have a better understanding. Although things are better than in the early 70's.