There is a racial element in Phoenix and the surrounding area (home, job market)

[Hakeem989]

I am a black male who recently relocated to Phoenix, from Los Angeles. I accepted a lucrative offer from a hospital to be there main social worker. I have been here for a little over two months and I have encountered many diffrerent types of personalities, but I have noticed that there is a racial element that is occuring, especially whenever I come into contact with the people who live here.

Throughout my adult life as a black man, I can notice if someone has a problem with me because of the color of my skin. I went to school in Michigan back in the day and I noticed a racial element there. However, after not experiencing that feeling for years, it appears as if the people here are just releasing that racial element.

I am experiencing this not only outside, but in the workplace too. I believe I am the most experinced and the most knowledgeable worker they have, yet they don't want to provide me with any appreciation, and only talk with me when ever they are nitpicking to find mistakes in my work...unbelieveaeble.

I think the people here just don't do a great job in disguising there racism... Or there prejudice towards a black man that appears to be smarter and more interpersonal than themselves. I did not experience this in LA, where I was the only black individual in the clinic, and I have not seen this racial element in years. Is this whole area really that far behind when it comes to race compared to the whole nation?

[fcorrales80]

I think some people are quick to jump to racism when really it has nothing to do with it. I know I can't speak from your experience but from my own, friends, family, etc of all races there is a general consensus of a lack of racism here especially because most people from here are from somewhere else; mainly California and cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, etc.

If you feel there is a problem at work I think you might want to get to know people in the area better and definitely at your work place better. I've heard there is a general awkwardness and "keep-to-themselves" type of attitude here before people break into social groups and make friends. That is what you might be, and most likely are experiencing. And not to be critical but you seem to have an elitist and "Californication" type of attitude which in itself tends to turn people off; again this is hard to tell from a few paragraphs but this is the pathos I get from reading your post. You were hired by this clinic so I doubt there is racial tension or else you would have been passed over for the position in the most likely scenario.

There is another poster who is from California, is black, and is also a doctor and he is on this forum quite regularly. I'm sure he'll offer some great insight soon as he always does. I think he's mentioned that he's felt LESS racism in AZ and Phoenix compared to Los Angeles. We also point out the lack of racial segregation in neighborhoods and how lines are drawn socioeconomically instead of racially. Just give it time, get to know your coworkers; you've only been there 2 months and seem to have a defensive posture already from the tone of your writing. However, if you truly feel racism is an issue you shouldn't be complaining on a forum but noting your grievances and dealing with it at work.

[miamiman]

Originally Posted by Hakeem989

I am a black male who recently relocated to Phoenix, from Los Angeles. I accepted a lucrative offer from a hospital to be there main social worker. I have been here for a little over two months and I have encountered many diffrerent types of personalities, but I have noticed that there is a racial element that is occuring, especially whenever I come into contact with the people who live here.

Throughout my adult life as a black man, I can notice if someone has a problem with me because of the color of my skin. I went to school in Michigan back in the day and I noticed a racial element there. However, after not experiencing that feeling for years, it appears as if the people here are just releasing that racial element.

I am experiencing this not only outside, but in the workplace too. I believe I am the most experinced and the most knowledgeable worker they have, yet they don't want to provide me with any appreciation, and only talk with me when ever they are nitpicking to find mistakes in my work...unbelieveaeble.

I think the people here just don't do a great job in disguising there racism... Or there prejudice towards a black man that appears to be smarter and more interpersonal than themselves. I did not experience this in LA, where I was the only black individual in the clinic, and I have not seen this racial element in years. Is this whole area really that far behind when it comes to race compared to the whole nation?

The fact that your co-workers aren't showering you with praise doesn't mean that they are racist or that a sizeable population of the Valley is racist, either. I think it is a little arrogant to think that your co-workers are supposed to shower you with praise whenever you do something right. I am sure that you were hired into your job with the expectation that you would perform it successfully.

Can you tell us what other signals you get from people here that makes you think that there is a racial element?

Phoenix is not Los Angeles. I think that there are a lot of people who move to the Valley expecting it to be a racialized environment, due to the conservative nature of the Valley and the very large Caucasian population. People then look for ANY sign they can find to prove their suspicions true. I think that if you give this area a chance, you will see that the VAST majority of people here look past your race.

As a minority myself, I can honestly say that Valley residents overall are very accepting to people of other backgrounds.

[aiwei]

I am Asian and have been here 15 months. Other than lousy job market here, and everywhere else (just to be fair,) I do not feel folks here are racists. People here are like people from other places I have been, there are all kinds. Perhaps it's my thick skin, maybe it's my personality, I have not sense any unpleasant vibes from anyone here.

[Yvetta]

Originally Posted by Hakeem989

I am a black male who recently relocated to Phoenix, from Los Angeles. I accepted a lucrative offer from a hospital to be there main social worker. I have been here for a little over two months and I have encountered many diffrerent types of personalities, but I have noticed that there is a racial element that is occuring, especially whenever I come into contact with the people who live here.

Throughout my adult life as a black man, I can notice if someone has a problem with me because of the color of my skin. I went to school in Michigan back in the day and I noticed a racial element there. However, after not experiencing that feeling for years, it appears as if the people here are just releasing that racial element.

I am experiencing this not only outside, but in the workplace too. I believe I am the most experinced and the most knowledgeable worker they have, yet they don't want to provide me with any appreciation, and only talk with me when ever they are nitpicking to find mistakes in my work...unbelieveaeble.

I think the people here just don't do a great job in disguising there racism... Or there prejudice towards a black man that appears to be smarter and more interpersonal than themselves. I did not experience this in LA, where I was the only black individual in the clinic, and I have not seen this racial element in years. Is this whole area really that far behind when it comes to race compared to the whole nation?

I heard the same thing from my nephew. He has been stopped by the police soooooo many times, and has remarked on the comments he has heard about President Obama.
Rabid, wild dogs could not drag me to AZ.
I wish you the best.

Also, remember..AZ was one of the last states to honor and recognize the national holiday of Dr. Martin Luther King.

[azkylady2]

perceive the way Phoenix is, If I were black I would probably think my neighbors disliked me, most drive right in the garage and put the door down right away, I dont know the names of my neighbors after 5 years! lol I usually dont just speak to people in passing anymore unless I sense I in a friendly environment, like a coffee shop, a lot of times people wont even respond back to a friendly hello in passing. My point is its probably not you at all but your experienceing the Phoenix way of people keeping to themselves, most times in the house, usually never on the street or out in about in the yard. I am a stay at home mom, I can only imagine how terrible it would be to having to work here with these closed off people dont take it personal, its not you!

[fcorrales80]

Originally Posted by Yvetta

I heard the same thing from my nephew. He has been stopped by the police soooooo many times, and has remarked on the comments he has heard about President Obama.
Rabid, wild dogs could not drag me to AZ.
I wish you the best.

Also, remember..AZ was one of the last states to honor and recognize the national holiday of Dr. Martin Luther King.

Why was he pulled over? Speeding, following too closely, running a light.

Arizona adopted the holiday in 1992 and it was first enacted in 1986. The last state to enact the holiday was New Hampshire in 1999; a "bastion" of liberalism. Too fast to rush to judgement. We'd be better off with people who don't rush to conclusions.

[Design7]

May I make a small suggestion that can help with any sort of strained relationships with workmates, neighbors due to racism or whatever. Moving to a new area especially as a single person often demands even greater interpersonal skills. Don't wait for people to like you. Take the initiative and show kindness to others. Initiate conversations. Develop your sense of graciousness. Even if you see what could be perceived as racism, don't shut down and become bitter. You can earn the respect and affection of others by the way you handle potentially divisive events in the workplace. Focus on the good in others instead of trumpeting your own abilities. You may not get everyone to like you, and that's ok. But you will develop the friendship and respect of some reasonably minded folks. That's about all any of us can hope for!

[observer53]

Originally Posted by fcorrales80

Why was he pulled over? Speeding, following too closely, running a light.

Arizona adopted the holiday in 1992 and it was first enacted in 1986. The last state to enact the holiday was New Hampshire in 1999; a "bastion" of liberalism. Too fast to rush to judgement. We'd be better off with people who don't rush to conclusions.

And, I believe we were the ONLY state to enact it by popular vote. It was a long time coming, to be sure (I was in a lot of those marches), but in the end, we have that distinction.

People are making horrible, racially motivated comments about the President all over this country. Arizona has no corner on that market.

[RCR]

If you are basing your feeling on the work situation you mentioned I guess my co-workers and I have been subjected to racism for years. It is much easier to find fault than to praise.

By the way, just to nitpick a little, if you are the most knowledgeable person on the staff you may wish to take a look and correct your use of the word there in a couple places. I think "their" is what you meant....