Being Accepted? (Greenville: crime rate, casinos, to live)

[Lowcountry Girl]

Thank you Rapture, for your kind words...good luck and I hope you find your perfect place!!

[33458]

Originally Posted by Marks

It's not about fear. Comments are made "will I be accepted" or "will I fit in" point is look at what your dealing with? We can go with an attitude of accept me or else. I not saying anyone on here has said that, just using an example.

Again, the point is if someone feels uncomfortable about how they many be perceived in regards to their belief maybe think twice about moving to that particular area.

Mark

Marks - I think you tend to misunderstand what some (not all) of us mean by "fitting in". That is certainly the impression you left when answering my thread. It is not a matter of 'My way or NO way' - it is an honest query as to whether or not someone who doesn't look like everyone else in the neighborhood, doesn't automatically want to participate in some of the traditional activities (religious or partisan parades, projects, cliques or what-have-you) still has a chance to BLEND in as part of the community at large. Are strangers welcome to integrate or does quirkiness only bring about ostracizing? There can be a great difference between communities, even those near to each other, and one town might be more receptive to an outsider than another. It wouldn't be fair to automatically judge a town because it's "Southern". I've been in the South for better than half my life and have seen first-hand how much one area varies from the other.

Greenville may be misrepresented online as it is often presented, and that is why I personally asked for input from folks who actually LIVE THERE. As I read others posting, I get the impression that they too seek out this kind of information; not so much "Is there anyone else like me?" but "Can I make a go of it because I'm me?"...

It isn't a want to change the South. It is a want to get along there.

[ritoab]

Originally Posted by Marks

Greetings everyone,

There seems to be a lot of talk on the board recently about going to SC and "being accepted." As many of you know I'm from California and hope to move to SC or some place in the South soon.

In CA. no one cares, no one says you are an odd ball (because 95% of the population is) and looks down on you for whatever faith you have--except Christianity. If your a Christian here your looked on as out of touch.

Having said that, I find it refreshing that a state or community would be willing to even invite you to Church. A lot of folks from all around the country are of no faith, a different faith, or are Christians. The fact is, the majority of the population in the US "say" they are Christian.

SC and the South is known as the Bible Belt. Everyone should know this going in. As many pointed out on this forum some places in SC are diverse and some are not, some are tolerant and some are not. This is how SC is. We are coming to their state, we are moving to a state that is predominately Protestant Christian. Now unless there is a motive to somehow change the stats quos, this is how it is. One may never be able to change how people view you, but you can't force them to accept you either. One of the big fears (I could be wrong someone from the South correct me if I am) of the people of the South is that "outsiders" (those not from the South) are coming in and trying to change the culture, the religion, and the traditions.

The point is, if you have misgivings about moving to an area that might not accept you, or treat you differently then don't move there. America is a huge country and there are places for everyone to feel welcome and fit in.

Mark

Hey I move out here from California and SC is just like any place I've been.
Everyone has the good old boy system. No different than any other place.
The key to coming to a place like this is just keeping an open mind about things. I wanted to leave within the first few months and lived here now about five years. When I saw the development happening around here I decided to stay. But I am still trying to fit in with others. Need money to control what they can't. For the past year I've done researching about investment in the area and other locations. This is a win win situation if you the funds or know how to control property using other peoples money.
Rito

[bgnzsavnh]

From 1974 to 1987 I spent Summer and Winter in in NY and Spring and Fall near Savannah. There are culturally superior types all over. Archie Bunker was a New Yorker. And I ran into the KKK rally in upstate NY, where they insist that the Bible Belt cannot possibly run south of the Ohio River. My oldest daughter is looking to go to school in NY or MA. She went to SUNY Purchase, Asked for an application and was given an instate form. “YOU don’t sound like a southerner“. Next time we will remember to wear our hoop skirts Y'all. The Question of

being accepted

seems to indicate stereotypes and that should not exist today.

[TallyNJ]

Originally Posted by amynoel

...Will the fact that my Husband was brought up Jewish and we celebrate the holidays (ourselves, not putting on a community show) in addtition to Christian holidays make individuals in the Fort Mill/Tega Cay area (specifically) turn away from us? The reason I'm asking is that I don't want my children to be ridiculed at school or within the community for celebrating their fathers heritage.

Amynoel,

I lived in the South (Not SC, But Tallahassee FL which is 20 mins from the GA border!)....My husband is Jewish and I'm Catholic. Before moving I had the same concerns coming from Monmouth County NJ....no children involved at the time we moved there so I guess we never thought about that but we did make sure there was a Temple there....and actually there were 2, one reformed and one Orthodox. Well the reformed Temple offered get togethers for interfaith couples which was really nice since I didn't know alot about the Jewish faith. I was surprised at how many couples would attend. After all this was the south surely we were the only ones ....my point is we are all different no matter where we live but you would be surprised at how similiar we really are! ANyway 2nd part of story is fast forward 12 years living back in Southern "Joisey" 2 children and we decorate for Christmas/Hannukah by putting a very tastefully handmade jewish star on our tree in the front yard...along with the Christmas trees and reindeer etc etc ...(it really was beautiful not tacky I promise you!) we had many positive comments. One night we hear kids making noise going down the street open the door to see them "marching" Nazi style saying Hail Hitler....yes we an other neighbors chased them down and I don't need to get into that, but.............you can see that it can happen ANYWHERE.....Now here in South Jersey there isn't a Temple for over 25 miles.....is that the reason? I don't know. But since we have lived here and in Tallahassee each Dec my daughter likes to bring in Dreidl's for everyone and teach them how to play and sing the song.....It has always been welcomed with enthusiasim by teachers and other parents both here and in Tallahassee.....and the kids have a blast learning something new.

So my advice is go with an open mind and just check out where the nearest Temple is....The south is a wonderful place and it truly is more diverse than people think from state to state and town to town.

Good luck -
Maryann

PS Why am I on the SC forum, because we are looking to go half/back

[MsNeeta]

I was constantly asked "how could I move down south" not only form my NJ friends (yankees )but the CA ones too. The funny thing is I saw more prejudice in NJ and CA than I have here. When I moved here we had family sickness and death and the neighbors chipped in and cut my grass, cleaned the gutters, etc., etc.

Lived between NJ & CA for 42 yrs not once did anyone offer to help me out when I was sick. They would come by and mention what I had to catch-up on

Big difference in the attitude in the south.

[onebroncofan]

I live in Upstate SC. SC has a wide varity of people and cultures through out the state. The bigger cities (Columbia, Charleston, & Greenville) are a lot like cities of the same size through out the US. The smaller towns are usually very close knit and little harder to fit in. Charleston and surrounding areas have thier own style and culture. The Greenville area is the fastest growing area of the state with many international companies such as BMW. Over all it is a good place to live. Just remember that things in the south move at a slower pace. There are a lot of old family's that play the "Good Ol' Boy" card, but that is some what true any were you go.

[amynoel]

Thanks again for all of your honest replies and advice. I truly appreciate it. Keep 'em coming.

[wsaiken]

At the risk of beating this horse to within an inch of its life, I'm going to take my own whack.

I've lived in SC for 40 of my 42 years. It is, as others have described, easy to passively blend in. People will invite you to church and with a polite, "No thank you," you'll continue to enjoy Southern hospitality. If, however, you are openly offended by organized religion, some of the natives will act as if you are a personal threat.

Though I'm a regular church goer, I think organized religion --in particular, its prominence in SC politics -- is worthy of criticism. Were you inclined to agree with me, you might find SC less to your liking. I'm comfortable being viewed as a bit of a wingnut, but my accent, demeanor and familiarity make me seem less threatening.

I love SC as only a native can and I'm pleased that many of you have or will make it your home. I wish, however, some of you would choose not to blend in, but bring your agnostic Yankee sensibilities to bear whenever you see us do something stupid (and we will).

[Akhenaton06]

Originally Posted by onebroncofan

The Greenville area is the fastest growing area of the state with many international companies such as BMW.

Most of what you said is accurate; however, the Myrtle Beach and Charleston areas are the fastest growing in the state.