S. Central PA, is it really so intolerant?? (Allentown, Lancaster: public schools, college)

[S.Joel]

I did a search yesterday about race relations in the area. I found a thread that contained comment after comment about the intolerance, unfriendliness(to outsiders), and outright racism prevelant in S. Central PA. Does this seem to be a fair estimation of the region? I am quite concerned as my family is considering relocating to the Harrisburg area and are mainly interested in areas that are a bit more rural. My husband and 2 kids are bi-racial. We certainly do not want to end up in an area with archaic thinking. I don't want to subject our children to that. I really hope some of you on the forum have some insights for me. If indeed the area is still that potentially racist we may need to keep looking. Your thoughts are anxiously awaited and appreciated whatever they may be.(And a special thanks to CHIP72 for all your input on my previous post) S.

[Dawne]

I doubt that it's that way in the entire south central PA region, although I have heard that York itself is quite intolerant. They've even hosted KKK rallies in the past. Shudder!

I would think a college town, such as Shippensburg or Chambersburg or Gettysburg, would be more tolerant and a better place. Their public schools should be good also, for your children. I can understand our wanting to protect your kids, and it just breaks my heart to see any child treated badly by others for any reason. I think many of the schools are doing an excellent job with their guidance classes for elementary grades and anti-bullying classes for older kids. I'm amazed at the things my kids discuss as a group with their guidance counselors. It's very encouraging for the future!

[solancogirl]

Harrisburg and the surrounding areas will be fine. The least tolerant would be the Lancaster County area and York.

[Marodi]

Originally Posted by Dawne

I doubt that it's that way in the entire south central PA region, although I have heard that York itself is quite intolerant. They've even hosted KKK rallies in the past. Shudder!

I would think a college town, such as Shippensburg or Chambersburg or Gettysburg, would be more tolerant and a better place. Their public schools should be good also, for your children. I can understand our wanting to protect your kids, and it just breaks my heart to see any child treated badly by others for any reason. I think many of the schools are doing an excellent job with their guidance classes for elementary grades and anti-bullying classes for older kids. I'm amazed at the things my kids discuss as a group with their guidance counselors. It's very encouraging for the future!

Firstly, PA dosen't give you an option on if you can host a rally. If someone wants a rally, the town is obligated to give it to them. Most towns usually put the KKK rally's on some back out of the way street that no one goes to. So saying they hosted a rally means nothing, since they don't have a choice. That being said, the more urbanized and diverse the more tolerant.

Coming from gettysburg, college town means nothing. The racism here (Hanover/new oxford/gettysburg region) isnt explicit as in people actually going out of their way to insult or otherwise demean, but it's done behind closed doors. If you find a good neighborgood though, there shouldn't be any problems though. In our little development, we had a black couple with their sons, and there was never any issues of any sort, and were good neighbors.

Hopefully that helps some.

[jfeagin]

I am white but am married to a latina. We haven't had any problems here. People are plenty friendly to us here. I live in Carroll Valley about 8 miles from Gettysburg. As to KKK rallies. They do one about once a year at the battlefield. The US government has to let them rally if they properly apply and follow the law. Sucks but that is the 1st amendment. BTW I was volunteering for the park that day. Most of the cars drove in from out of state... Seriously, here... it hasn't been a problem for us...

John Feagin

[Jersey_Shore]

I'm African-American and my gf of 12 years is Puerto Rican. We both reside in East Lampeter Twp. where it is 99.9% Caucasian. I have both Amish and Caucasian friends (some with rebel flags). As a matter of fact we have a Caucasian couple across the street that loves me soooo much that when I'm out with them they introduce me to their friends as "our son" and when I visit I refer to them as "Mum" and "Pop." I said all that to say this...I truly believe it is all in how you present yourself and what you make of it!

[S.Joel]

Thanks John and Jersey! I appreciate all of the feedback but especially from those who would potentially experience problems first hand. I am happy to hear you have had positive experiences. We have always been fortunate in this regard as well, so I never really look for or anticipate problems. However I think it only wise to pose the question when considering such a big move. I have to admit I still feel a little torn. When I did that search it went on and on about the intolerance. I'll keep feeling out the situation and go from there. The other thing is, we would like to live in a more rural or country feeling area. We currently live in a very small town in N. California mountains and love the natural environment. I am wondering if the possibility for problems then increases. And I don't get the rebel flag thing. It has never symbolized anything positive in my eyes. Oh well! Thanks eveyone for input so far. S.

[Jersey_Shore]

Originally Posted by S.Joel

Thanks John and Jersey! I appreciate all of the feedback but especially from those who would potentially experience problems first hand. I am happy to hear you have had positive experiences. We have always been fortunate in this regard as well, so I never really look for or anticipate problems. However I think it only wise to pose the question when considering such a big move. I have to admit I still feel a little torn. When I did that search it went on and on about the intolerance. I'll keep feeling out the situation and go from there. The other thing is, we would like to live in a more rural or country feeling area. We currently live in a very small town in N. California mountains and love the natural environment. I am wondering if the possibility for problems then increases. And I don't get the rebel flag thing. It has never symbolized anything positive in my eyes. Oh well! Thanks eveyone for input so far. S.

You're very welcome! Trust me there is nothing wrong with checking because a big move is nothing to scoff at! Its always better to be safe than sorry. I knew what Central PA was like before I relocated here due to the fact that I had always vacationed out this way with my family when I was growing up in places like York, Hershey, Allentown and Shartlesville. My gf on the other hand never visited this area so back in '04 we took a vacation out this way, just the two of us, so that she could get a good look and feel of the place and she absolutely fell in love with Central PA! Eventually we both settled on moving to the area of Lancaster since we thought it would be perfect for us because it had everything we wanted and then some. When we got back to Jersey we began putting the wheels in motion to move out this way and a couple of years later here we are and loving every minute of it! Central PA has a lot to offer in terms of what you're looking for like the rural and country feeling. The only way I see a setting like that MAYBE posing a problem, and thats a big maybe, would be if you went into the extreme wilderness like up in the mountainous areas of PA like Jersey Shore, Bedford, Breezewood ect. These areas very seldom see people of color but I have even been to those areas for weekend getaways with my gf and again we have never had a problem. I believe in my heart that you will be just fine!

[S.Joel]

Wow, and you live in the Lancaster area! That is one of the areas that was most criticized. Nice to know your experience is sooo different. S.

[Jersey_Shore]

I know! Lancaster of all places! LOL You should really come and visit! I know Cali is quite a distance from here but trust me you won't regret it!