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Great info, thanks! I AM a little confused about the fact that we ranked so low on the SHOE shopping scale...every woman I know here in SA can give Emelda Marcos a run for her money!!! LOL Just ask the men folk!!!!
San Antonio was ranked as being more "worldly" than Atlanta and Dallas? Oh, Lord.
*Takes a deep breath* Okay, the moderators may ban me for this, but I have to say my piece at this point. *climbs on soapbox*
Yes, San Antonio is worldly. It is also very diverse, despite the naysaying by some who claim to so value "diversity". Here's the thing: the definition of diversity is not standing around enjoying a Pinot Grigio with a group consisting entirely of well-travelled PhD's, commenting on how nice it is to be entirely surrounded by people who are just like yourself, and appreciate diversity.
Diversity means difference. Diversity means living side-by-side with people who are poorer than yourself. Or smarter than yourself. Or (gasp!) stupider than yourself. Diversity and "worldliness" means that I might drive down a street and be accosted by screaming fundamentalists protesting the baby-killers. That has happened here. It also means that I now live in a city that is listed by Gay and Lesbian Almanac as one of the best places in the country for a gay couple to adopt and raise children. (SA is that city. How backward of them.)
I've only been here for 4 months. In that short time, what I'm seeing is a vibrant city with some great points, some bad points, and a VERY diverse population. I probably will end up spending most of my time with people who are left-leaning, curious, and more urban-oriented like myself. That's human nature, to seek out company that pleases you. Yes, that company exists here, in abundance, for almost anyone. Heck, in the short time I've been here, we've had dinner so far with a Polish immigrant nephrologist, a hispanic native South-sider and her Canadian husband, an Indian couple (PhD's), and a down-home suburbanite stay-at-home mom. In 4 months, we've met more worldly and travelled people than you can shake a stick at. What, are you waiting for people to send you a personal invitation with their worldly resume attached?
No, not everyone in SA is like me, or agrees with me as to what makes a good life. Hurrah! Good for SA! From what I've seen, this city very much has a "live and let live" attitude. There is LESS class and racial tension here than most CA cities I've seen, or Dallas for that matter. Sharply differing opinions are held, and if asked people will tell you all about theirs. Some of those opinions I despise. But that's "if asked". All these people, natives from here, from CA, from multiple other countries, from NY, from Podunk, USA still seem to manage to live together and get along, despite arguing happily or unhappily about their varied worldviews. Guess what? That's worldly. That's true diversity.
Constantly whining that this city is not filled with people entirely like yourself is about as insular and narrow-minded a view as I've ever heard, even when I lived in the dreaded Deep South. I could understand if you were in an area where there was NO ONE to relate to, as that would be tough on anyone. But that's not SA. Your complaint seems to be that EVERYONE here is not of your preferred mindset. That's flat-out provincialism, my friend, and annoyingly petulant provincialism at that.
Me, I'll continue to seek out the interesting and unique in this fascinating city. We sat last night in the outdoor dining area of a place on N.St Mary's, people-watching and enjoying the diversity walking/driving by.
There was the stuffy moneyed banker-type in his Beamer, with a born-again bumper sticker. Not our type, but we liked the fact that he was there, living in this diverse city, and were pleased to roll our eyes while we enjoyed our Greek beer. The goth kids cracked us up, they were trying sooo hard in their manufactured coolness. We tried to figure out what language one poorer couple was speaking as they bustled down the street with toddler in tow. It wasn't Spanish, or Italian. Portugese, maybe? I think the guy in the leather who appeared late in the evening was trying to find the leather bar that is reportedly a few blocks over. We decided his boots were completelyfabulous, but the vest was too-too 70's Village People. There was a festival at the church across the street, with face-painting for the kids, and happy family-types.
We drove to Boerne the other day, enjoying the beautiful hillcountry. Boerne is much too cutesy rural and gaggingly wholesome for my tastes, but the drive was gorgeous, and it's a nice example of some of the German architectural heritage here. I can appreciate that, even if it would not be my choice of where to live. Some love it there. Hurrah for them, and I mean that sincerely. We passed a country music place, and could hear the excitement. I hate country music. I smiled, because people seemed to be having a grand time. It doesn't have to appeal to me, for me to be happy that others are happy. I guess a truly cultured person would have sneered at the ignorant rednecks, and bemoaned their lack of appreciation for opera, but I didn't.
See, that's the thing. One has to be able to step back and appreciate some aspect of even that which is foreign to one's experience or taste or beliefs. Funny how people seem to be able to do that in a foreign country, and laugh off the stuff that is just too beyond the pale for them, but immediately want only to judge what is in their own backyard.
So, yes, SA is quite worldly. But only if your definition of "the world" includes some things outside of your own taste and preference. For me and my husband, it does.
*Takes a deep breath* Okay, the moderators may ban me for this, but I have to say my piece at this point. *climbs on soapbox*
Yes, San Antonio is worldly. It is also very diverse, despite the naysaying by some who claim to so value "diversity". Here's the thing: the definition of diversity is not standing around enjoying a Pinot Grigio with a group consisting entirely of well-travelled PhD's, commenting on how nice it is to be entirely surrounded by people who are just like yourself, and appreciate diversity.
Diversity means difference. Diversity means living side-by-side with people who are poorer than yourself. Or smarter than yourself. Or (gasp!) stupider than yourself. Diversity and "worldliness" means that I might drive down a street and be accosted by screaming fundamentalists protesting the baby-killers. That has happened here. It also means that I now live in a city that is listed by Gay and Lesbian Almanac as one of the best places in the country for a gay couple to adopt and raise children. (SA is that city. How backward of them.)
I've only been here for 4 months. In that short time, what I'm seeing is a vibrant city with some great points, some bad points, and a VERY diverse population. I probably will end up spending most of my time with people who are left-leaning, curious, and more urban-oriented like myself. That's human nature, to seek out company that pleases you. Yes, that company exists here, in abundance, for almost anyone. Heck, in the short time I've been here, we've had dinner so far with a Polish immigrant nephrologist, a hispanic native South-sider and her Canadian husband, an Indian couple (PhD's), and a down-home suburbanite stay-at-home mom. In 4 months, we've met more worldly and travelled people than you can shake a stick at. What, are you waiting for people to send you a personal invitation with their worldly resume attached?
No, not everyone in SA is like me, or agrees with me as to what makes a good life. Hurrah! Good for SA! From what I've seen, this city very much has a "live and let live" attitude. There is LESS class and racial tension here than most CA cities I've seen, or Dallas for that matter. Sharply differing opinions are held, and if asked people will tell you all about theirs. Some of those opinions I despise. But that's "if asked". All these people, natives from here, from CA, from multiple other countries, from NY, from Podunk, USA still seem to manage to live together and get along, despite arguing happily or unhappily about their varied worldviews. Guess what? That's worldly. That's true diversity.
Constantly whining that this city is not filled with people entirely like yourself is about as insular and narrow-minded a view as I've ever heard, even when I lived in the dreaded Deep South. I could understand if you were in an area where there was NO ONE to relate to, as that would be tough on anyone. But that's not SA. Your complaint seems to be that EVERYONE here is not of your preferred mindset. That's flat-out provincialism, my friend, and annoyingly petulant provincialism at that.
Me, I'll continue to seek out the interesting and unique in this fascinating city. We sat last night in the outdoor dining area of a place on N.St Mary's, people-watching and enjoying the diversity walking/driving by.
There was the stuffy moneyed banker-type in his Beamer, with a born-again bumper sticker. Not our type, but we liked the fact that he was there, living in this diverse city, and were pleased to roll our eyes while we enjoyed our Greek beer. The goth kids cracked us up, they were trying sooo hard in their manufactured coolness. We tried to figure out what language one poorer couple was speaking as they bustled down the street with toddler in tow. It wasn't Spanish, or Italian. Portugese, maybe? I think the guy in the leather who appeared late in the evening was trying to find the leather bar that is reportedly a few blocks over. We decided his boots were completelyfabulous, but the vest was too-too 70's Village People. There was a festival at the church across the street, with face-painting for the kids, and happy family-types.
We drove to Boerne the other day, enjoying the beautiful hillcountry. Boerne is much too cutesy rural and gaggingly wholesome for my tastes, but the drive was gorgeous, and it's a nice example of some of the German architectural heritage here. I can appreciate that, even if it would not be my choice of where to live. Some love it there. Hurrah for them, and I mean that sincerely.
See, that's the thing. One has to be able to step back and appreciate some aspect of even that which is foreign to one's experience or taste or beliefs. Funny how people seem to be able to do that in a foreign country, and laugh off the stuff that is just too beyond the pale for them, but immediately want only to judge what is in their own backyard.
So, yes, SA is quite worldly. But only if your definition of "the world" includes some things outside of your own taste and preference. For me and my husband, it does.
Heh, you missed my edit. I added some stuff about Boerne. But thanks - I've been wanting to say this for awhile now, and kept biting my tongue.
You are still my hero...which goes to show how diversified this group and SA really are....and yet we show each other RESPECT and KINDNESS in our posts!
You and I sound about as opposite as folks can be, and yet I think you are wonderful insightful in your observations.
You and I may not be as educated as everyone else on this BB (I just have my nursing degree...hubby and kiddos are far more educated than I) but we are smarter than those that remain somewhere they are so darn miserable.
Again, LOTS of folks can afford to stay in California...at least those that HAVE the ability to hold down a GOOD job! It is ok to try somewhere where the cost of living is cheaper, but once you have decided that it is far to "simple" for you, if you are so darn smart and good at what you do, WHY oh WHY don't you have the connections from your former employer/friends to scoot back to where you were so darn happy????? Oh wait, they dont want you EITHER???? Not able to make friends there EITHER??? Hummm....looks like we found the source of the problem doesn't it??????
And I am like you, if I get banned for telling it like it is, it is about time SOMEONE did! This (these) losers have been allowed to run off to many GOOD folks with POSITIVE posts and good information to share for too darn long as far as I am concerned. Give me one person that is POLAR opposite me with a useful post ANY day of the week over these people that feel the need to slam others for not being "just like them"....THANK GOD FOR THAT ONE!
You are still my hero...which goes to show how diversified this group and SA really are....and yet we show each other RESPECT and KINDNESS in our posts!
You and I sound about as opposite as folks can be, and yet I think you are wonderful insightful in your observations.
Eh, I have a brother-in-law who's about as conservative redneck as they come. We've gotten almost apoplectic before arguing politics over a beer. But we always laugh a lot, poke fun both at ourselves and each other, and I love him to bits. Great guy. I'd have a beer and argue with you, Paka. Viva La Diversity!
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Just ask the men folk!!!!
Very long musings/rant on the worldliness of SA
