Blacks in PDX (Portland, Eugene: college, shop, moving to)

[Nell Plotts]

Maybe you have more confidence in the OSP than I do. My theory is that you make friends with them, build relationships. No problems.

[greenlite]

Originally Posted by Nell Plotts

Maybe you have more confidence in the OSP than I do. My theory is that you make friends with them, build relationships. No problems.

they gon look at u crazy if u do what u suggest and actually might bother u more after it

[UberDuper]

Hmmm...on the one hand I understand Nell's point, sort of deflecting potential negativity before it starts. "Hey look I'm here...nothing to worry about". On the other hand, it seems totally unnecessary, sort of like expecting there to be a problem if I don't. As a female, there might be some advantages to doing this, possibly.

I will see how I will go about this situation, but unless you've never been "the only _____" in a sea of faces where none are even close to yours, depending on the context, it can be...odd to say the least. Most often I'm not conscious of such things (which, in the grand scheme of life are insignificant), but I always notice others who are "The only______", so it might be the same for me as well.

[Nell Plotts]

Ahh, I didn't realize that you are a female. Completely a different situation.

Over the years I have worked with several Black males who had the 'driving while Black' experience (I have lived in NY Metro, Seattle Metro as well as Portland). I suspect one of the reasons why The Dalles residents made a special effort to include the Black family was to serve notice to anyone who might hassle them. Usually that behavior is the result of fear, the person is unusual and they don't know what to expect. Cops don't fear women of any color but, writing as a woman, they will still issue a speeding ticket.

[greenlite]

lol@my rep
whoeva did it, reread my post, i didnt say us and i aint black

[oldtintype]

I think people have trouble reading your posts because of your use of language (or lack of). It's irritating.

[greenlite]

Originally Posted by oldtintype

I think people have trouble reading your posts because of your use of language (or lack of). It's irritating.

lifes a b

[UberDuper]

Hello All,

I've been in Eastern Oregon for a few weeks now and reports are decent! No troubles, lots of cordial people and I'll knock on wood, but I'd say my major concerns (while not entirely unfounded) have been alleviated.

[dperry9]

That's good to hear. I don't have any experience in Eastern Oregon (and I'm white) but I've been to smaller towns around Oregon and my sense is racism exists as it does all over the more rural parts of the US but Oregon is a fairly mild place overall. People tend to stay out of each other's hair and unless you run into a real white supremacist my advice would just be to act polite and most people will be the same. Just my 2 cents.

[karlsch]

Originally Posted by UberDuper

Hello All,

I've been in Eastern Oregon for a few weeks now and reports are decent! No troubles, lots of cordial people and I'll knock on wood, but I'd say my major concerns (while not entirely unfounded) have been alleviated.

All of the Oregon SPLC hate groups (it doesn't take much to be declared a hate group by SPLC) are west of the Cascades: http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/hate-map#s=OR