Racism in Nashville? (Franklin, Hendersonville, Henderson: public school, shop, relocation)

[EastWestGirl]

Stick to the Brentwood/Franklin area for schools. It's worth the extra money you'll pay in the price of the homes.

It was a culture shock to me coming from Cali. At one of my first grocery shopping expeditions after I moved, the cashier said, "Diiiiid yoouuuuuu fiiiiiiind everythiiiiiiiiing ooooooooo kkkkkkkkkkk??" And just last Tuesday, a nurse asked me if I spoke English. I told her yes but what I wanted to scream was "ya lady, better than you!!!" People don't know what they don't know so I try not to get mad.

You'll be fine. Welcome to the South!

[groovamos]

"People don't know what they don't know so I try not to get mad"

I would at least hope people there don't get mad because other people know so much

[Bettie#2]

[quote=
At one of my first grocery shopping expeditions after I moved, the cashier said, "Diiiiid yoouuuuuu fiiiiiiind everythiiiiiiiiing ooooooooo kkkkkkkkkkk??" And just last Tuesday, a nurse asked me if I spoke English. I told her yes but what I wanted to scream was "ya lady, better than you!!!"
[/quote]

That is pretty harsh. It must be really uncomfortable for you to live in a place where you can't stand their accents.
On the other hand, everytime I visit California, every one thinks my accent is adorable.

[Steve_TN]

Originally Posted by EastWestGirl

Stick to the Brentwood/Franklin area for schools. It's worth the extra money you'll pay in the price of the homes.

It was a culture shock to me coming from Cali. At one of my first grocery shopping expeditions after I moved, the cashier said, "Diiiiid yoouuuuuu fiiiiiiind everythiiiiiiiiing ooooooooo kkkkkkkkkkk??" And just last Tuesday, a nurse asked me if I spoke English. I told her yes but what I wanted to scream was "ya lady, better than you!!!" People don't know what they don't know so I try not to get mad.

You'll be fine. Welcome to the South!

THAT COMMENT WAS DOWNRIGHT RUDE!

Southern people born in the South tend to have Southern accents. You don't speak English better than Southerners do. All I can say is that there is no gate keeping you here. In fact, I'll happily buy your plane ticket to wherever it is you find the accent more acceptable! Oh, and no, I was not born in the South. I was born and raised in NJ and moved here at age 26. So don't try and say I am offended because I have a speak like that. I am very guilty of showing the utmost respect to the locals in the area who warmly welcome transplants, like myself.

[Mary_Moon]

Originally Posted by Steve_TN

THAT COMMENT WAS DOWNRIGHT RUDE!

Southern people born in the South tend to have Southern accents. You don't speak English better than Southerners do. All I can say is that there is no gate keeping you here. In fact, I'll happily buy your plane ticket to wherever it is you find the accent more acceptable! Oh, and no, I was not born in the South. I was born and raised in NJ and moved here at age 26. So don't try and say I am offended because I have a speak like that. I am very guilty of showing the utmost respect to the locals in the area who warmly welcome transplants, like myself.

As a native, I'm always amused by those who move here thinking their way of cooking/thinking/speaking/dressing/educating etc. is the only right way of doing things and bash the locals. One wouldn't go to England or Australia and make fun of their accents so WTF do people treat Southerners like this, especially if one is trying to make this a home? It's not just a region - it's a culture and it's not inferior; just different. Isn't a greater acceptance of diversity someting Yankees are supposed to be known for?

[bluesky42day]

I took EastWestGirl's comment totally different than all of y'all & to mean that she is either foreign or appears to be foreign & that people here are automatically assuming she doesn't speak English & are slowing down their speech for her to understand. This is a racism thread & I have seen this happen in Nashville. Hopefully EastWest will chime back in to set us straight.

Courtney

[Steve_TN]

Originally Posted by bluesky42day

I took EastWestGirl's comment totally different than all of y'all & to mean that she is either foreign or appears to be foreign & that people here are automatically assuming she doesn't speak English & are slowing down their speech for her to understand. This is a racism thread & I have seen this happen in Nashville. Hopefully EastWest will chime back in to set us straight.

Courtney

I have heard may people all over the country mistakenly slow down their speech thinking it will make the other person understand. She can cry racism all she wants, but if what you describe is the case, it isn't racism and I don't buy her whining.

[bluesky42day]

I respectfully disagree. It is racist when people assume you don't speak English based on the way you look. I remember being at a bank in Madison & the teller did the whole "doo youuu speakkk Eeenglish" thing to a lady in front of me who snapped "I'm from Miami". I'm sure it gets old.

Courtney

[Steve_TN]

Originally Posted by bluesky42day

I respectfully disagree. It is racist when people assume you don't speak English based on the way you look. I remember being at a bank in Madison & the teller did the whole "doo youuu speakkk Eeenglish" thing to a lady in front of me who snapped "I'm from Miami". I'm sure it gets old.

Courtney

With all due respect, you are confusing stupidity with racism. I am sure the teller didn't do that with any malicious racist intent. As I previously stated, I have witnessed the slow speaking all over the country. Why people think slower or slower and louder will make someone understand something better is beyond me, but it is a very popular misconception.

[Bettie#2]

Steve, I agree with you and appreciate your viewpoint. Glad I don't live next door to Eastwestgirl. What an attitude!!!!