Thinking of relocating to Spokane...Bad move or Good move???? (Pullman: low crime, neighborhood)

[RogueRiverRat]

Spokane is not, not racially tolerant. That myth needs to be busted now.

[fy10fyr]

So bust it. mod cut:

But show us some facts, not....

"A friend of mine has a cousin who got a dirty look from someone one time in Spokane."

Pop quiz, what was the first major city in Washington to elect an African- American Mayor? (hint: It wasn't Seattle)

What large Washington city currently has a Female of Native American descent serving as Mayor? (See the above hint)

[RogueRiverRat]

Originally Posted by fy10fyr

So bust it. mod cut:

But show us some facts, not....

"A friend of mine has a cousin who got a dirty look from someone one time in Spokane."

Pop quiz, what was the first major city in Washington to elect an African- American Mayor? (hint: It wasn't Seattle)

What large Washington city currently has a Female of Native American descent serving as Mayor? (See the above hint)

mod cut: flaming removed


And if you're really attempting to say Spokane is a tolerant city, you live inside a tiny little shell.

[WendyK]

I think fy10fyr was wondering why you came onto this thread with your comment about racial intolerance that was not related to any of the previous posts in any manner. What was your purpose in posting this comment?
Cities are not tolerant or intolerant -- people are. It appears you must have been in a situation where you perceived that someone from Spokane was unfair or discriminatory. That is your perception and your opinion. Others may have different experiences.
For a good look at how diversity is welcomed here in Spokane, check out all the upcoming celebrations of Martin Luther King Day. Remember the Unity in the Community celebration that takes place each August to showcase the many different types of people living in the Spokane community. There are many groups of people in Spokane who try to make a difference and show that there is diversity here, and that all are welcome to share their culture & beliefs.

[RogueRiverRat]

Originally Posted by WendyK

I think fy10fyr was wondering why you came onto this thread with your comment about racial intolerance that was not related to any of the previous posts in any manner. What was your purpose in posting this comment?
Cities are not tolerant or intolerant -- people are. It appears you must have been in a situation where you perceived that someone from Spokane was unfair or discriminatory. That is your perception and your opinion. Others may have different experiences.
For a good look at how diversity is welcomed here in Spokane, check out all the upcoming celebrations of Martin Luther King Day. Remember the Unity in the Community celebration that takes place each August to showcase the many different types of people living in the Spokane community. There are many groups of people in Spokane who try to make a difference and show that there is diversity here, and that all are welcome to share their culture & beliefs.

Actually, I've read several posts on this thread that tooted Spokane's horn of diversity. Having lived in Spokane, yeah, I have an opinion. Spokane is not, not tolerant.

And you're wrong. A city, as a whole, is judged on the collective attitudes of its citizens. If a group of people begin to make changes, then the perception of the city changes as well.

[kaimik]

Just having moved to Spokane, I have an experience to share. Went to our neighbor's house for dinner on New Year's day and we had such a diverse group, it was great! African American, Hispanic, Italian, and even someone from Palau, (Palauan?), and even a mixed race couple and kids.

Granted, it one one isolated experience, but I was impressed and pleasantly surprised. Such a nice group of people too, down to earth, friendly, all the things we love about being back in the west!

[kena]

Originally Posted by RogueRiverRat

Spokane is not, not racially tolerant.

So... Spokane is tolerant then? I kid (I see the comma).

You're certainly entitled to your opinion but, as you point out, the opinions of others on this site differ with yours regarding the collective tolerance of Spokane (and the citizens that comprise Spokane). I'm not sure any place is free from intolerance, Spokane included.

That said, my experience (and that of some others here) is that Spokane is a pretty tolerant place. For example, I've cited before on these boards that I'm in a 'mixed' marriage and have never had any issues in Spokane. My experience might not be universal but it certainly indicates a certain level of racial tolerance in the community at large.

What is it that has made you consider Spokane an intolerant community?

[RogueRiverRat]

Originally Posted by kena

So... Spokane is tolerant then? I kid (I see the comma).

You're certainly entitled to your opinion but, as you point out, the opinions of others on this site differ with yours regarding the collective tolerance of Spokane (and the citizens that comprise Spokane). I'm not sure any place is free from intolerance, Spokane included.

That said, my experience (and that of some others here) is that Spokane is a pretty tolerant place. For example, I've cited before on these boards that I'm in a 'mixed' marriage and have never had any issues in Spokane. My experience might not be universal but it certainly indicates a certain level of racial tolerance in the community at large.

What is it that has made you consider Spokane an intolerant community?

Kena - Thanks for the input. Obviously your experiences are important because your marriage isn't terribly typical in that region.

You also seem as though you're a nice person, so I'll spare you the "I saw this; I heard this," back and forth that accomplishes nothing.

What I will say is, I guess diversity is about perspective. If you grew up in Ephrata, moved to Spokane to attend college and never moved, of course you'd think Spokane was a tolerant town ... apply both sides of the card.

But, if a black man asked me if he'd enjoy living in Spokane, from my experiences, I'd not only tell him no, I'd tell him Hell no.

[kena]

Originally Posted by RogueRiverRat

Kena - Thanks for the input. Obviously your experiences are important because your marriage isn't terribly typical in that region.

You also seem as though you're a nice person, so I'll spare you the "I saw this; I heard this," back and forth that accomplishes nothing.

What I will say is, I guess diversity is about perspective. If you grew up in Ephrata, moved to Spokane to attend college and never moved, of course you'd think Spokane was a tolerant town ... apply both sides of the card.

But, if a black man asked me if he'd enjoy living in Spokane, from my experiences, I'd not only tell him no, I'd tell him Hell no.

Fair enough. Spokane is still a predominately white city (though it is slowing diversifying). That fact can make it difficult for some, particularly, as you say, if they are coming from an area that has more diveristy. Although Spokane is not the most diverse city, I don't feel it is an overly intolerant city. I suppose that a relative lack of diversity doesn't necessarily translate into a lack of tolerance. That said, it is too bad if you have experienced otherwise. I'm optimistic that as Spokane continues to diversify (racially and otherwise) people of all backgrounds will feel welcome.

[RogueRiverRat]

Originally Posted by kena

Fair enough. Spokane is still a predominately white city (though it is slowing diversifying). That fact can make it difficult for some, particularly, as you say, if they are coming from an area that has more diveristy. Although Spokane is not the most diverse city, I don't feel it is an overly intolerant city. I suppose that a relative lack of diversity doesn't necessarily translate into a lack of tolerance. That said, it is too bad if you have experienced otherwise. I'm optimistic that as Spokane continues to diversify (racially and otherwise) people of all backgrounds will feel welcome.

Thank you for the discussion. I truly hope you continue to enjoy Spokane more than I.