What Matters in Salem: Race or Content of Character?

[mamh]

Welcome to salem and the valley,so happy to hear that like it..
Can I put a bug in your ear about a must do event with your kids..
The Earth Day celebration at Oregon Gardens is the 16th of April and is always lots
of fun for everyone..
Just hope the weather lady in the sky gives a nice sunny day..

[todd00]

Originally Posted by 1208

There are more white supremacists in Portland and the Willamette Valley than Southern or Eastern Oregon.

Glad to see you are happy in Salem, Gpantheon. I'm not from Oregon, im landlocked in the state of Iowa, but planning my escape. Oregon was on the short list, but I don't think I could afford much of an acreage out your way.

As people were talking about where the nut groups were in Oregon were located I looked at the hate map on the Southern Poverty Law Center website. Of course there are a few stray dolts no matter where one lives, but I think these days people tend to judge each other by character rather than by color, I know I do. The map is kind of interesting to look at, though I find it sad there are still people so unenlightened in the year 2011.

Hate Map | Southern Poverty Law Center

[southbysoutheast]

Originally Posted by Gpantheon

Hi--I'm moving my family to Salem in a couple of weeks. I've done some research so I know that there aren't many blacks in the city (or the state for that matter). It doesn't really bother me because I grew up living in areas that didn't have many blacks. But this is a new low. Should we be concerned/cautious? I've read some recent news regarding the KKK in Oregon. Are there some areas of Salem that we should try to avoid for safety?

The organized hate groups are mostly in prison and in Portland.
Go to: Hate Map | Southern Poverty Law Center

The big ones are the Aryan Brotherhood and European Kindred. (Inside the EK)

However, EK members have been arrested recently in Marion County. I have only seen one obvious racist in Salem, easily identifiable by large 88 tattoos on his neck (code for Heil Hitler). Knowing the tattoos and gang apparel is the best way to tell. The ADL has an awesome website on their symbols, numbers, and acronyms. A Visual Database of Extremist Symbols, Logos and Tattoos

Racism aside, the lack of interaction with minorities does mean there a general level of ignorance. For instance, I have a Korean friend who was raised in CA & speaks perfect English. Her first trip to the grocery store ended with the cashier basically yelling questions at her on the assumption that she could not speak English well.

[blackrosa04]

I myself, a black female, am moving to south east salem with my boyfriend for a job. I heard they can very racist and I am worried. It is a super diverse area. I have lived in Sacramento, Ca all my life and have had known racist acts or actions happen to me maybe once or twice. I am worried about housing issues, despite fair housing laws, because I have to find an apartment and I am worried about my Bf enrolling in a community college and finding a job due to him being black. But, I hear southern Salem would be kinda chill for black people. Can anyone tell me about their experience as a black person, a person of color, or anyone who knows plp of color living in South Salem. Thanks

[Leisesturm]

Originally Posted by blackrosa04

I myself, a black female, am moving to south east salem with my boyfriend for a job. I heard they can very racist and I am worried. It is a super diverse area. I have lived in Sacramento, Ca all my life and have had known racist acts or actions happen to me maybe once or twice. I am worried about housing issues, despite fair housing laws, because I have to find an apartment and I am worried about my Bf enrolling in a community college and finding a job due to him being black. But, I hear southern Salem would be kinda chill for black people. Can anyone tell me about their experience as a black person, a person of color, or anyone who knows plp of color living in South Salem. Thanks

Not sure what to tell you. I have lived in Salem. I didn't know any other people of color while I lived there, but I saw them every now and then. At Lancaster Mall. I don't know who told you that South Salem in particular was 'chill' for POC but, IMO, in a city as small as Salem the entire town better be chill or its a deal-breaker. You can't live your whole life in just South Salem. You will likely work downtown, you will have to go to the Mall, you will be up on Lancaster where most of the fast food and 'fine dining' is... your BF will be going to Chemeketa? See my point? You'll be all over town and I suspect you both will be o.k. That said, it won't be like Cali or Portland for that matter. It will be a little lonelier for the two of you unless you don't mind being the token couple in your circle of friends. But I don't really know, when I was in Salem I was in a mixed race relationship. The dynamics of how those interact with the rest of the world are very different than for same race couples, even black couples in a predominantly white environment.

H

[msgem]

I just saw this post and was wondering how all worked out for you? I lived in Salem area as well as PDX area and Grants Pass and never heard of any issues with racism. Never heard any of my friends mention any type of hate crimes towards them or anyone else. I am thinking of moving back to the salem area and just wonder what your family has thought of it? I have no tolerance for Racism myself.