How bad is the Racism in Oklahoma? (Oklahoma City, Howe: motel, job)

[Mrs.Tatum]

Hello all,

I consisider myself to be a well rounded open minded individual. I am considering accepting a job in Oklahoma City, however, I wonder about the racism, I havent had any problems with my children being subject to dead smack in your face racism and would like to keep it that way for as long as I can. My children are surrounded around diversity they attend schools with people of all races and have friends of all races as well. How is the population there? Would you say it is diverse? Kow likely are we to encouter any racial groups? I hope I haven't offened anyone it is certainly not my intention. This would be a big move and I need to make an informed decision.

[Goodpasture]

I am sure getting tired of all the Eskimos we are getting around here........it isn't that I mind them so much, it's those igloos shining in the summer sun that gets to me.......

[#1soonerfan]

HAHA good one Goodpasture....

As for the OP, I can't really speak for EVERY minority in the state of Oklahoma...I can say that as an African American, I have never experienced any sort of outright racism here. The only incident I would consider even remotely racist since I've been here was with someone who was from out-of-state. Thats not to say there aren't any racist people here, but there are bigoted people in all 50 states. I don't think you can move anywhere and escape that type of thought. I don't know how the rest of the state works; as far as OKC is concerned, I think as long as you and your children carry yourselves well, I would think you have nothing to worry about. Its funny because OKC has by far the most interracial marriages of anyplace I've ever been in. I think that should show you the level of tolerance here.

Historically, Oklahoma became a state WELL after the civil war was over, so you don't see a lot of "the south will rise again" attitudes that you see in a lot of other states. The one exception to this is the SE side of the state was settled by many southerners, so much that its earned the nickname "Little Dixie." Also, this area has a large percentage of Native Americans. And OKC has a sizable Hispanic and Vietnamese population.

Not to go on a rant because, Mrs. Tatum, I think you asked what could be taken as a loaded question and worded it very eloquently and professionally. I just get so annoyed how the national media treats this part of the country in terms of race relations. I think a lot of people buy into stereotypes about OK and other "heartland states" because they never have been here and don't know better. They just lump OK into the same category as all the other southern states because we're all "just a bunch of slack-jawed rednecks," with complete disregard for OK's unique history. I think if you were truly concerned about the race relations in this area, you should come down and just take a look for yourself. See how you yourself are treated as well as others around you. I think you would be pleasantly surprised.

OK, rant over.

[Carolinemoveswhere?]

it's not so bad in Oklahoma. I live in California and have family in Oklahoma. I have spent lots of time in OK with family and their friends, from OU fraternity/sorority friends to their small town "known them forever" friends. We actually spend so much time there that when we "pop" in, they literally aren't surprised. I am caucasian and sometimes, caucasians will say one thing in public but something else in private. I can say that I've never really experienced that in OK. If anything, Oklahomans seem to pride themselves on their friendliness and hospitable nature. We are seriously considering moving to OK and I would never, ever move my children to a place I felt was racist in any way. It contradicts our faith and my position that I want my children to be exposed to many different types of people and ways of living, so that they will be better adults.

On the flip side, my brother and his family lived in Virginia for one year. We visited and I was surprised by the open racism. Of course, I wouldn't equate the entire population with my one observation. I am confident there are wonderful non-racist people that fill up that state. But, it was a type of division I hadn't experience before. It seemed to run both ways. (as a communications professor, I tend to notice these types of things. )

Good luck in your decision. I wish we could make up our minds!!

[Goodpasture]

I've said it elsewhere, but if you bring racist attitudes with you, you will find them reflected by the local. If you don't give a hoot about race, chances are those around you won't either. I do see a lot of AA people move into this area, after living in other cities, with an attitude that invites discrimination......it's almost as though they look for it, then when they don't find it, they create an incident so they can claim they were discriminated against. If you have that kind of pushy attitude.......sort of an "in your face" aggressiveness, you might very well find what you are looking for. If you realize that most of us native, multi generation Okies have had grand-parents and great grandparents who were discriminated against (until it became cool to be NA, Native Americans were no better than their black neighbors), then you might understand that we really don't give a damn what color your skin is. We do, on the other hand, measure the character of the individual.

[Peace_Maker]

I don't think racism is a major problem in Oklahoma. I'll be honest I have seen prejudice and racism everywhere I have been, even in liberal haven like Washington state. To be honest I have seen and experienced far more blatant racism from minorities since I have been an adult than I have from white people. I have never had a racist remark directed toward me from a white person in Oklahoma since I have been over 12 years old.

Oklahoma is a very diverse state. Some try to point to the common sense illegal immigration legislation to call our state racist. Those are usually the people with some kind of agenda.

[TU 'cane]

Now I am not trying to be racist or anything, but mainly towards Mexicans and Blacks, don't act like a thug or a gangster and you're okay. I mean really, it's a bad stereotype. Just act civil and don't come off as a punk (towards whites) or a trouble maker. Other than that racism isn't bad in Oklahoma at all. And if there is any, it's probably equal amongst all races (meaning it's not all whites just against blacks, it's equal), we all have our flaws. Now I don't want to come off racist or anything because I am not at all (no human has a right to). And I don't want to start trouble.

[buzz words]

The most racist jokes I hear deal with my Anatomy

[wjohnson53]

I find racism in Oklahoma, usually existing through individuals or groups of individuals with an agenda.

[rob43cra]

Originally Posted by Mrs.Tatum

Hello all,

I consisider myself to be a well rounded open minded individual. I am considering accepting a job in Oklahoma City, however, I wonder about the racism, I havent had any problems with my children being subject to dead smack in your face racism and would like to keep it that way for as long as I can. My children are surrounded around diversity they attend schools with people of all races and have friends of all races as well. How is the population there? Would you say it is diverse? Kow likely are we to encouter any racial groups? I hope I haven't offened anyone it is certainly not my intention. This would be a big move and I need to make an informed decision.

Like any other area, if you look hard enough you will find narrow minded people. I am a native Okie, and I believe that most of the people of the state are as tolerant as any other. However, I would avoid moving to a small country town. Stay around the major cities and you can find people willing to accept any ethic person as an individual. <Moderator cut: sorry, no advertising>
Bob Craig