Racism in St. Charles area? (St. Peters, Bridgeton: homes, neighborhood, school district)

[bmk95]

Okay, I am reading these posts about racism in STL and it's worrying me. We are moving to the St. Charles/St. Peters area and my husband is half Mexican. He actually looks more Italian then Mexican (most people think he is Italian). I am white and two of our children look just like me (totally white features). But my third child has the Mexican features and I worry about him having problems. He doesn't look totally Mexican but enough that you would wonder. Now, keep in mind, my husband was raised by his white mom and never knew any of his Mexican family. He doesn't know a lick of Spanish and doesn't look totally Mexican. But still.... should I be worried that we would be discriminated against?

My husband and I both grew up in a small town in Ohio and it was an all white, snobby community. My husband went to school there too and even though was popular and one of the best sports player, he was discriminated against by the teachers and coaches a lot because he had some Mexican in him. I don't want that to happen to my one child. Or to us by living there.

Right now we live in South Carolina and there is all types here. I'm getting worried we are making a mistake by moving. I don't want any problems. Should I be worried in the St. Charles/Peters? I know it's probably mainly white but are there others races there and are they fair to all the races?

[STLCardsBlues1989]

I've never heard of any race problems in St. Charles. As far as cops pulling minorities over, you hear of that more in South County than in West County.

But maybe someone who has lived in St. Charles can comment more.

[Marie'sBees]

I can relate to your son because I am also the product of mixed parents; my father was white, my mother is Spanish. My siblings took after my father, blond caucasians, while I'm a brunette with an olive complexion. None of that mattered in our household, we were family regardless of color; perhaps the surprising thing is it never mattered anywhere outside of our home either.

Racism can and will raise it's ugly head in whatever town, city, state or country that humans live in. Granted, there are pockets where it's more prevalent, and also where it's less evident. I am very familiar with St Charles and have a good many friends there, and going by my experience I don't think your son or your husband will have any problem whatsoever there.

I don't know ANY people who would think less of your husband/son for being MEXICAN, though I do know many who would not like it if he were an illegal immigrant, regardless of where he hails from. I hope it's ok to call a spade a spade.

St Charles is a lovely town, it's hands down my favorite in Missouri. Please keep us posted and let us know how things are going for you if you move there. Best of luck to you and yours.

[desperad0stl]

st. charles is a lot more chilled out and relaxed than say west county...
i live in a neighborhood where people from old money live and its not always fun walking aound getting as many looks as i do...
St. Charles is ok...lots of old people who want to be left alone and lots of college students hang out around old st charles...i never had any problems there

[aragx6]

If we're being perfectly honest here (which I think you are deserving of): Americanized Mexicans will be treated fine. I would be shocked if either husband or son received any slights.

First generation Mexicans, however, could be expected to be treated, not with disdain per se, but probably in a service capacity, as most Mexicans are around for a short time during planting and harvest seasons and then head off in search of next pay check.

Blacks are a totally different story. I wouldn't suggest St. Peters to someone who is black. Prospective residents should understand the history of where many residents came from (North County) and why they left - blacks moving into North County made them uncomfortable and they fear being "pushed out" again.

That's not to say overt racism is the norm (as I have seen in parts of South County) but rather that the area is vastly white, and its residents would prefer it to stay that way.

[bmk95]

Thanks for the information! This area sounds alot like where we grew up in Ohio. The Mexicans would come to our school for planting and harvest season and then leave again. That is the only time we saw any minority there.

Being that we don't speak or look like a normal Mexican family, I am hoping that we don't have any problems there. As I mentioned, my husband is half Mexican but looks almost more Italian thanks to his Mom's feature and heritage. And my boys are a quarter Mexican with only one looking close to that. I just don't want any problems for us since they will be involved in alot of sports and stuff.

[STLCardsBlues1989]

Best of luck!

What made you choose St. Charles anyway? Just curious.

[bmk95]

My husband is getting a promotion to work in Bridgeton and the cost of homes seems to be cheaper in the St. Charles area. Plus we hear people say nice things about it.

We are right now in the South but our family lives in Michigan and Ohio so he accepted this position to be closer to them as well.

[aragx6]

I think you'll be very happy in St. Charles. I grew up there. If you need more info on the place or have questions about specific areas please let me know; I'm more than happy to help.

[desperad0stl]

since you are moving to brigeton you should consider moving to maybe olivette or creve coeur to get your kids into the ladue school district...both are very close to brigeton with quick access via highway 170.

Property value will obviously hold a lot better due to the great schools and yes just that...ladue hs ranks among the top 200 public high schools in the country.