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I'm not so sure about this. My experience, and also the experience of others, is the exact opposite. Me and mine have lost a small fortune in non-refundable rental applications, for which we were given all kinds of ridiculous excuses. We finally learned to avoid like the plague private landlords and only deal with large management complexes that are held to a higher standard. Even that isn't fool-proof. We continued to hemorrhage application fees. When we finally did find a real estate company that accepted us, they said that our background checks and credit checks, etc. came back as superior, and they could not understand why anyone would reject us. Even so, we have always had to live in the run down, rednecky parts of Washington County where there is not a lot of love for black people. Now we live in Multnomah County and are paying 3% above market rate in a solid, but very run down, older unit. The signs of gentrification are all around us and I find it hugely ironic that even with all the color that exists in a gentrified neighborhood that it remains especially difficult for people of color to rent in these areas. Buy, probably. But rent? Not likely. Only when the stars align.
Possibly, I would support seeing the city, counties, and state cracking down on landlords who are doing things that are against the law.
I'm not so sure about this. My experience, and also the experience of others, is the exact opposite. Me and mine have lost a small fortune in non-refundable rental applications, for which we were given all kinds of ridiculous excuses. We finally learned to avoid like the plague private landlords and only deal with large management complexes that are held to a higher standard. Even that isn't fool-proof. We continued to hemorrhage application fees. When we finally did find a real estate company that accepted us, they said that our background checks and credit checks, etc. came back as superior, and they could not understand why anyone would reject us. Even so, we have always had to live in the run down, rednecky parts of Washington County where there is not a lot of love for black people. Now we live in Multnomah County and are paying 3% above market rate in a solid, but very run down, older unit. The signs of gentrification are all around us and I find it hugely ironic that even with all the color that exists in a gentrified neighborhood that it remains especially difficult for people of color to rent in these areas. Buy, probably. But rent? Not likely. Only when the stars align.
I don't doubt your experience, but I have to say that I am black and have been renting in Portland off and on since 2000. I've never had an application rejected. Once I had to pay an extra deposit because my credit was a bit shaky at the time. And once (back in 2003) I looked at a very nice 2br in the Brooklyn neighborhood for $650 (those were the days), the old school private owner told me (in a somewhat hostile tone) before I actually applied that if I got rejected it would not be because of my race (I just said thank you and left at that point because I figured I would get rejected.)
I've had some incidents in Portland that I would categorize as racist in some way or another, but they were of the mild variety. I tend to let things like that roll off my back as I can't control what other people do, think, or say, and I'm too busy working and dealing with family life to give it a tremendous amount of thought.
Last edited by EasyBeezy; 12-30-2015 at 11:18 AM..
I don't doubt your experience, but I have to say that I am black and have been renting in Portland off and on since 2000. I've never had an application rejected. Once I had to pay an extra deposit because my credit was a bit shaky at the time. And once (back in 2003) I looked at a very nice 2br in the Brooklyn neighborhood for $650 (those were the days), the old school private owner told me (in a somewhat hostile tone) before I actually applied that if I got rejected it would not be because of my race (I just said thank you and left at that point because I figured I would get rejected.)
I've had some incidents in Portland that I would categorize as racist in some way or another, but they were of the mild variety. I tend to let things like that roll off my back as I can't control what other people do, think, or say, and I'm too busy working and dealing with family life to give it a tremendous amount of thought.
I lived in North Portland for the major portion of my life. I doubt I will live long enough to have lived elsewhere for longer. Portland has the not so in your face type of racism these days. Yes, you could be excluded from some opportunities "but, not because you are black"...... The gentrification of inner north northeast Portland horrified me. The Mississippi strip makes me shake my head. Yes, it looks nicer..in a very sterile way.
Pushing the community out by buying up properties and raising rents is just good business right? De-stabilizing the heart of the community isn't racist is it? Is it?
The black population in Portland is pretty low at 6.3% and 1.8% statewide. I would toss the idea out there for consideration that the black community does not have a similar slice of the cities wealth as a percentage of the population. Portland (city) QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau( the numbers are from 2010). I doubt the numbers would have increased since then.
Contrast with my present situation in the melting pot that is the Houston area. There is obvious racism. I have also found there are a lot of people who get along and respect each other too. I don't feel any tension in my work place. Its all about respect and dignity.
You can find friendlier cities with a thriving black community..
Well unless you are loaded with cash... Welcome to Portland!
Well unless you are loaded with cash... Welcome to Portland!
Or female. I've had to part ways with a number of black women who simply would not, or could not understand that they are not perceived as a physical or economic threat in the same way as the majority of black men are. I'm happy that they do not, for the most part, experience the same level of overt racism as that experienced by most, if not all, dark skinned black men, but I do wish they could empathize more. It does affect them as well, albeit indirectly.
Well, I guess I should weigh in, as I started this (I am the O.P.)... Two years later and many adventures in between (though not nearly enough) the project that moved me to the area is coming to a close. I was thinking of moving to Portland as I'd originally expressed but am now wondering...I obviously have spent time there over the past couple years and have not experienced any of the same racial issues that Leisesturm has. I wonder if living there would make much difference. In essence, the more time you spend someplace the more the workings of that place come to the forefront. I was going to post another thread elsewhere about finding places to live pre-employment but the last few posts have deterred me from that a bit...
Interestingly, I do a British accent and was using it one night while out in PDX and besides one person, no one seemed to think anything of it, so I find it strange that Leisesturm would have such an experience based even in part on that.
Everyone has different expectations of and sensitivities to racism. Maybe that's why overall, my experiences haven't seemed that racialized unnecessarily; I'm not expecting it. Not saying it doesn't happen - even to me - but perspective can make a huge difference.
So, even though I've been wanting to move to Portland I'm having second thoughts, not so much for the negative experience outlined by the one poster above, but because of affordability, especially with burgeoning unemployment.
Well, I guess I should weigh in, as I started this (I am the O.P.)... Two years later and many adventures in between (though not nearly enough) the project that moved me to the area is coming to a close.
What area would that be? This is confusing.
Quote:
Originally Posted by UberDuper
I was thinking of moving to Portland as I'd originally expressed but am now wondering...I obviously have spent time there over the past couple years and have not experienced any of the same racial issues that Leisesturm has. I wonder if living there would make much difference. In essence, the more time you spend someplace the more the workings of that place come to the forefront. I was going to post another thread elsewhere about finding places to live pre-employment but the last few posts have deterred me from that a bit...
Well of course actually living here would expose you to more of everything, the good, the bad, you get it. I did say gender makes a difference.
Quote:
Originally Posted by UberDuper
Interestingly, I do a British accent and was using it one night while out in PDX and besides one person, no one seemed to think anything of it, so I find it strange that Leisesturm would have such an experience based even in part on that.
Possibly because Leisesturm was not the poster who mentioned it. You made me go all the way to the begininning of a thread that I did not participate in until it was almost done. The comments about the British accent were made well over a year before I joined the thread.
Quote:
Originally Posted by UberDuper
So, even though I've been wanting to move to Portland I'm having second thoughts, not so much for the negative experience outlined by the one poster above, but because of affordability, especially with burgeoning unemployment.
Part of the reason I avoided involvement in your thread for more than a year (I was very much aware of it) is because I hate being 'that guy' who always has to supply perspective, usually negative, when black/white race issues arise in this forum. I don't want you not to come to Portland because I say it is racially biased against black people! That's way too much responsibility. Seattle isn't anymore affordable than Portland, and the racism in low COL rust belt and dust belt cities is, if possible, more intrinsic than in Portland. Come here if you want, but the answer to your o.p. is still no. There is no influx of blacks to Portland and Portland is actually losing black population as time goes on. This can possibly be a plus for someone who wants to swim against the current. No risk, no reward.
I currently live in Portland. Specifically, I live in NE Portland. Is the overt racism? I really don't believe that racism in Portland is overt or purposeful. Is there an slight uncomfortable level of amongst natives with interacting with black males? Absolutely. I get the sense on a weekly basis that blacks and whites are disconnected. I think majority of the disconnect is subconscious, and therefore can be linked back to a systematic component that has long been geared to keep blacks out of Oregon. With that being said, Portland is a great city! It is a beautiful and well-designed city. However, it is a very hard city for ethnic minorities who are likely to feel comfortable and welcomed in the city. Again, I like the city. There are very, very good people in Portland. I just think that the limited number of blacks to begin with, coupled by the black residents like myself who won't overstay my welcome, doesn't bode well for the disconnection between blacks and whites to ever change.
Aren't people people? Why does it matter if Portland is mainly white? And if you don't like being around "white people" well you can go nearly anywhere else and you won't have the problem. And btw Portland is like liberal as can be. I HIGHLY doubt your experiencing this racism. I think you are just so insecure about sticking out you take these small things as being racist like most people do.
I hope this isn't intended toward me. However, if it is, I will address you accordingly. I never said that I didn't like being around "white people". America is 62% white. How could you know what someone black in this country experiences if you aren't black? I don't know what you experience daily because I'm not you! Listen: I've lived in 6 states, my wife 7. I've worked in Europe and visited 17 countries. My wife has worked overseas and visited 33 different countries. I've lived and visited the largest cities in the world. We are what most would consider, well-traveled. I'm from a very urban part of society ... some would call it THE HOOD! Single-parent household, teenage mother, never met dad, no indoor plumbing from the age of 12-23, you know ... the statistic. Heroically, both my wife and I are doctors. FYI, you're talking to someone semi-educated. So I want you to listen very carefully. If I tell you about my personal experience here in Portland, you can take it to the bank and cash it that day. I don't embellish; there is no need to make up rumors about my experience. Life is already hard enough as it is. Understand this Seattle4321, I have seen more things in life (good and bad) than 99.9% of the people in this country. Portland is not liberal when it comes to race relations. I live in Laurelhurst. Nobody looks like me inside of these gates. People think that I'm lost. And that's the experience. I told you that it's not overt. However, Oregon was built as a white utopia. Do us all a favor, go read about racism in Oregon (and Washington). You will learn about its state constitution, redlining, and the City of Vanport. Then, private message me an apology for your useless (and semi-racist) response and all will be well in the City-Data world. Also, for future reference there is no need to be so curt in your response. All of us that participate in this forum to share information and learn from our respective experiences would appreciate that you attempt to show more empathy and respect. Thank you very much.
Aren't people people? Why does it matter if Portland is mainly white? And if you don't like being around "white people" well you can go nearly anywhere else and you won't have the problem. And btw Portland is like liberal as can be. I HIGHLY doubt your experiencing this racism. I think you are just so insecure about sticking out you take these small things as being racist like most people do.
I'd like to agree with you and for myself look upon people as just human beings and not a particular race. Quite frankly, I have equal contempt for all the races so no discrimination here. However, you're crazy if you think the whole world thinks like that, including America as well as Portland.
While the city professes itself to be liberal and may even have garnered that reputation on its façade, it by no means is that way in the people's actions, as well as their "hearts and minds". That's not to say that there is much, if any, hate crimes or things that obvious. However, based on my observations, there is a certain discomfort with African Americans, and I'd venture to say that when it comes to hiring them for jobs, or wanting to associate with them on a social, there is no where near the same tolerance as most other major metros.
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