Racism in Nashville? (Memphis, Franklin, Brentwood: chapel, schools, college)

[CantWait2Leave]

Originally Posted by BP300

The locals will say that racism does not exist in Nashville, but that is because they are naive and are sensitive to the subject. As a northerner, I am shocked by the racism that I see on a frequent basis here.

Can you give examples? I live in LA and while most people are tolerant, there definitely is racism against Mexicans. I never hear any racism towards African Americans (except from my 87 year old grandmother who isn't a CA native). I'm sure I'll be in for a huge culture shock regarding racism when I move to Nashville in January.

[goodman2]

I must say I would never move to Hendersonville,TN it's not lgbtq friendly and people there just stare so I feel it's really a mean place and the only reason I visit there every now and then is to shop at some stores.East Nashville here which also includes Northeast Nashville is probably one the most lgbtq friendly areas around so I would definitely reccomend where I live as a very nice area.

[Steve_TN]

Originally Posted by goodman2

I must say I would never move to Hendersonville,TN it's not lgbtq friendly and people there just stare so I feel it's really a mean place and the only reason I visit there every now and then is to shop at some stores.East Nashville here which also includes Northeast Nashville is probably one the most lgbtq friendly areas around so I would definitely reccomend where I live as a very nice area.

WOW! I never heard that about Hendersonville and it's disturbing. I know in Murfreesboro, with MTSU and all, the lgbtq community has few issues. I agree that where you live has the most diversity and is probably the most lgbtq friendly in the Nashville area.

[awolcfh5150]

Originally Posted by BP300

The locals will say that racism does not exist in Nashville, but that is because they are naive and are sensitive to the subject. As a northerner, I am shocked by the racism that I see on a frequent basis here.

Shocked, really? I moved from the south and everyone just assumed because I was born and raised there that I must be a card carrying member of the Klan. The sorry thing about that assumption is that people felt they could openly speak to me and use offensive language like I was somehow OK with THEIR racism.

Racism is everywhere, the south is just a bit more open when it comes to numb skulls spouting their hate. Also, when Saturn moved into the area back in the late 80's, the people who came from the northern part of the country could be overtly racist. We had several potential neighbors knock on our door when looking to buy a home, and ask if any black people lived in the neighborhood and if so how many. They were very open about not wanting to live in the same area as "those people".

[mcredux]

In regards to the OP, you and your children will probably be fine. OTOH, if you are a first generation Asian-American--with a strong accent--then you will run into problems.

Nashville is a fairly intolerant place, but mainly towards blacks, Mexicans, and gays. Nashvillians don't think of themselves as intolerant, rather they think they're displaying "good ol fashion southern heritage." For example, when there is a monument to the founder of the white supremcist group on the side of the interstate, most white Nashvillians don't even think about it. Most people from other parts of the nation realize it's offensive and in poor taste--even if it is supposedly "celebrating heritage."

You can run down the list. Multiracial couples--particularly blacks and whites--wil draw stares. There is a high degree of social segregation in Nashville. Nashville is one of the largest cities in the nation that doesn't prohibit discrimination against gay government employees. Etc. etc. etc.

Sure in every part of the country you will find racism. Down here we have our Bubbas. The Midwest has its Bubinskis. The NE has its Bubbarellis. But the difference is that racism in the south is widespread. It permeates the Southern culture from top to bottom. Once you get outside of Nashville, it will get weird quick--like going back in time 50 years.

[BP300]

Originally Posted by mcredux

In regards to the OP, you and your children will probably be fine. OTOH, if you are a first generation Asian-American--with a strong accent--then you will run into problems.

Nashville is a fairly intolerant place, but mainly towards blacks, Mexicans, and gays. Nashvillians don't think of themselves as intolerant, rather they think they're displaying "good ol fashion southern heritage." For example, when there is a monument to the founder of the white supremcist group on the side of the interstate, most white Nashvillians don't even think about it. Most people from other parts of the nation realize it's offensive and in poor taste--even if it is supposedly "celebrating heritage."

You can run down the list. Multiracial couples--particularly blacks and whites--wil draw stares. There is a high degree of social segregation in Nashville. Nashville is one of the largest cities in the nation that doesn't prohibit discrimination against gay government employees. Etc. etc. etc.

Sure in every part of the country you will find racism. Down here we have our Bubbas. The Midwest has its Bubinskis. The NE has its Bubbarellis. But the difference is that racism in the south is widespread. It permeates the Southern culture from top to bottom. Once you get outside of Nashville, it will get weird quick--like going back in time 50 years.

Could not agree more. Well-said.

[Antioch]

Originally Posted by mcredux

In regards to the OP, you and your children will probably be fine. OTOH, if you are a first generation Asian-American--with a strong accent--then you will run into problems.

Nashville is a fairly intolerant place, but mainly towards blacks, Mexicans, and gays. Nashvillians don't think of themselves as intolerant, rather they think they're displaying "good ol fashion southern heritage." For example, when there is a monument to the founder of the white supremcist group on the side of the interstate, most white Nashvillians don't even think about it. Most people from other parts of the nation realize it's offensive and in poor taste--even if it is supposedly "celebrating heritage."

You can run down the list. Multiracial couples--particularly blacks and whites--wil draw stares. There is a high degree of social segregation in Nashville. Nashville is one of the largest cities in the nation that doesn't prohibit discrimination against gay government employees. Etc. etc. etc.

Sure in every part of the country you will find racism. Down here we have our Bubbas. The Midwest has its Bubinskis. The NE has its Bubbarellis. But the difference is that racism in the south is widespread. It permeates the Southern culture from top to bottom. Once you get outside of Nashville, it will get weird quick--like going back in time 50 years.

I agree as well, especially if you go Noth, West, or Southwest, with in Davidson County, the overall mentality of a lot of things is still like being in 1980. Social segreation is really an issue here too, as stated.

[Edgefield D]

Obviously....everyone has their own experiences....but I can say that I find people in Nashville to be fairly tolerant. I'm gay and find that most people are very accepting towards me.....but that's just my experience.


Nashville is one of the largest cities in the nation that doesn't prohibit discrimination against gay government employees. Etc. etc. etc.

Actually....there is a law....

http://www.nashvillescene.com/pitw/a...st-gay-workers

[YallWantHam]

Originally Posted by mcredux

In regards to the OP, you and your children will probably be fine. OTOH, if you are a first generation Asian-American--with a strong accent--then you will run into problems.

Nashville is a fairly intolerant place, but mainly towards blacks, Mexicans, and gays. Nashvillians don't think of themselves as intolerant, rather they think they're displaying "good ol fashion southern heritage." For example, when there is a monument to the founder of the white supremcist group on the side of the interstate, most white Nashvillians don't even think about it. Most people from other parts of the nation realize it's offensive and in poor taste--even if it is supposedly "celebrating heritage."

You can run down the list. Multiracial couples--particularly blacks and whites--wil draw stares. There is a high degree of social segregation in Nashville. Nashville is one of the largest cities in the nation that doesn't prohibit discrimination against gay government employees. Etc. etc. etc.

Sure in every part of the country you will find racism. Down here we have our Bubbas. The Midwest has its Bubinskis. The NE has its Bubbarellis. But the difference is that racism in the south is widespread. It permeates the Southern culture from top to bottom. Once you get outside of Nashville, it will get weird quick--like going back in time 50 years.

Actually, most people thought constructing that statue on the side of 65 was in very poor taste. The news was all over it when it was first built. But what do you want people to do about it 15 years later? Protest every day? It's there now and it's just something you have to live with. I'm sure most people driving by don't even know what it is. And do you know why? It's because people thought it was poor taste to have all the confederate flags fly behind it, so the owner was told to take them down or face fines.

There are racist people everywhere. To say that it is more widespread in the South is not something you can prove, so why say it? I like how some people think they are better than the South because they claim not to be so racist, but they are really just stereotyping a whole region.

[YallWantHam]

Originally Posted by BP300

Could not agree more. Well-said.

You seem to hate Nashville so much and I saw in another thread where you said you don't even like the people here. Serious question: why do you live here?