Is there racism in Canyon Lake Area? (Houston, Dallas: how much, home)

[SpeedRacer67]

Hello all. I will be moving to the Canyon Lake rural area and have a slight concern. Our family is of Mexican descent. My last name is not a common Mexican last name (in fact it's Croation - Long story on how I am part Mexican for another time and forum) and my two boys and I speak fluent English with no (spanish) accent. In fact, most people that do not know us think the three of us are Anglo-American or white. However, my wife, although she has become a U.S. citizen and speaks very good English, does have a mild to medium spanish accent.

I understand racism exist everywhere, but we have heard through others that is more prevalent in Texas. An example was my sister-in-law who visited a rural part of Houston, felt discouraged from ordering at a restaurant with a group of her spanish speaking friends. Although no one said anything directly, the were basically ignored while other customers received better service, Again, nothing was said, but she felt....watched.

I also have a friend that lives in New Braunfels, and he said speaking spanish in public is a no no. If we were going to a bigger city such as SA, Austin, or Dallas, I think I would feel a little better. But we plan to purchase something a little more in the country like Canyon Lake, Blanco, Fisher, Spring Branch, ect. so I understand not too many foreign speaking people live there. I have also heard Texans love their guns and do not like strangers, so I have a concern. Do I move to a bigger city and give up our dream of living in an open country-like area for safety or is racism in Texas blown out of proportion and I should not be as concerned as I am? I love the hill country and really want to make a home there with my family. I have heard that most Texans are very friendly and hospitable. We want to mind our own business and live in peace without fear of not feeling welcome.

Again, I understand I cannot and I refuse to judge all people by one or two bad incidents and that is why I am asking, especially those of latino descent how they feel in central Texas.

[TexasRedneck]

My friend, I don't know who you heard this from, but there are hispanics all over. No one cares as long as you treat them as you wish to be treated.

[SpeedRacer67]

TexasRedneck, that is exactly what I hope for. Heck, I hope to be able to share a bottle of Tito's with the neighbors the first day I move in. I do understand there are Hispanics everywhere, but I don't think everyone is as tolerant as you. I am sure you can understand, my family and their well-being is first and foremost on my agenda and the unknown can be scary. I truly hope you are correct my friend because I am so looking forward to moving there!

[huckster]

Well my friend, you will not suffer overt racism, but variables in social situations are as varied as
is the human character. Depending on the personal history.
Who knows how these people have been reared?
It would therefor depend- on the crudity the people you are dealing with and sometimes on how much money you are spending. People always will smile when you give them money.
People will also need an out group to be exclusionary toward. It is the human condition.
The more remote and back- country, brush country type people that are not so socially polished may remark something stupid.
It happens. One look at the President elect mouth will state much.
Canyon Lake is pretty much urbanized and populated with city folk. I think you will be safe here,
as opposed to other places. Like here at the Forum.

[thenewtexan]

Psssst...New Braunfels is 37% Hispanic. I don't think they would freak out if they heard Spanish.

[SpeedRacer67]

Thank you all for your comments. Huck ster, you are right on point. I do feel a little better, however I was hoping to hear from the Hispanic community or even other cultural communities. Barring something big, my plan stands. I fell in love with hill country and my family is extremely excited about getting out of the rat race and settling down and smelling the roses (or what ever natural flowers grow there). I really look forward to meeting nice people and contributing to the community in any way I can. My kids already bought shirts that say they are from Texas. We are looking forward to becoming Texans (Although I will always be a Cubs fan).

[TexasRedneck]

Originally Posted by SpeedRacer67

(Although I will always be a Cubs fan).

Now, THAT will get you made fun of.......

Holler when you're ready to make the move - I'll help you get "mainstreamed" into some of the local FB groups. Don't try prior to the move, though - most only allow "local" folks in.

[SpeedRacer67]

TexasRedneck, I'll keep the Cubs thing to myself and I'll take you up on the offer once I make the move.

[huckster]

One hell of a town, Chicago is.
As big as Dallas , San Antonio and Houston combined I would guess.

Originally Posted by SpeedRacer67

TexasRedneck, I'll keep the Cubs thing to myself and I'll take you up on the offer once I make the move.

[hschulz3]

I think you are more likely to find racing on the lake.