Jefferson County Racism (Dandridge, New Market: insurance, new home, buying)

[SolorzanoAssociates]

Hello, We recently moved to Jefferson County (Dandridge) here in TN, and have experienced to our suprise some form of racism or whatever is the fanciest word being used these days, LOL. I am a latina Air Force BRAT born in california of cuban american parents as is my husband. And to our horror, we do feel, the locals, well at times stare at us as if we were a walkng cancer. It is a very ugly feeling that I would not wish on anyone. Not to mention we were denied the adoption of a chihuahua for no apparent reason at the local animal shelter. Mind you we purchased a 4200 sq ft home on 8 acres, LOL and were denied the adoption. Thats another story, but we do have somewhat of an accent since we do speak spanish as well as perfect english. I am not saying the people in TN are racist but I wanted to know from those who were born and bred in East TN, why? Simply why? I cannot at times understand why the locals feel the need to do this? If you are a local I just wanted to let you know this does not feel very welcoming at all... Nor would Jesus approve of you judging someone cause their skin is slightly darker than yours; even though church is a big part of life here!

Those of you from big cities (as we were) where diversity was an everyday thing, I strongly suggest you visit the area you are planning to purhcase in and go to the local shops, co-ops, and what not. We have only been here since May of this year, and had seriously considered going back to Miami, Fl regardless of our 7K in property taxes and high insurance, but decided to stay. Deep down inside it hurts and I have never in my life felt what I have felt here.

[mbmouse]

Originally Posted by SolorzanoAssociates

Hello, We recently moved to Jefferson County (Dandridge) here in TN, and have experienced to our suprise some form of racism or whatever is the fanciest word being used these days, LOL. I am a latina Air Force BRAT born in california of cuban american parents as is my husband. And to our horror, we do feel, the locals, well at times stare at us as if we were a walkng cancer. It is a very ugly feeling that I would not wish on anyone. Not to mention we were denied the adoption of a chihuahua for no apparent reason at the local animal shelter. Mind you we purchased a 4200 sq ft home on 8 acres, LOL and were denied the adoption. Thats another story, but we do have somewhat of an accent since we do speak spanish as well as perfect english. I am not saying the people in TN are racist but I wanted to know from those who were born and bred in East TN, why? Simply why? I cannot at times understand why the locals feel the need to do this? If you are a local I just wanted to let you know this does not feel very welcoming at all... Nor would Jesus approve of you judging someone cause their skin is slightly darker than yours; even though church is a big part of life here!

Those of you from big cities (as we were) where diversity was an everyday thing, I strongly suggest you visit the area you are planning to purhcase in and go to the local shops, co-ops, and what not. We have only been here since May of this year, and had seriously considered going back to Miami, Fl regardless of our 7K in property taxes and high insurance, but decided to stay. Deep down inside it hurts and I have never in my life felt what I have felt here.

Hello,
I can feel your hurt when I read your post, I am sorry. I lived my first few years (back in the late 90's) in TN in Jefferson County, other end from you though in New Market. I agree the locals sure didn't like the idea of change, at all. I also think they are just so used to seeing everyone just like themselves for so many generations, it is just a lot for them to take in when they see someone that is "different" from themselves. When my sister in-law (of Mexican decent) and brother visited while I lived there I saw the looks of surprise on some locals faces when we went places. She either didn't notice it or just let it go but it did anger me. As to the religious aspect, I won't get into that except to say if these folks only realized that what was Bethlehem is now....what...Packastan I believe? (It is late, world geography part of my brain isn't working hahahahaha) Last time I checked, those folks aren't "white" but I guess they think Jesus was...hmmmmmm Oh, and he turned the water into sweet tea too, that is why it is a dry county...right??
I do agree, everyone should spend quite a bit of quality time really looking around a potential new home town and not just on the surface. Go into stores, restaurants, libraries, schools, where ever you will go on a regular basis if you move there and talk to people, the general public. Get a feel for the place, it is very important.
I wish you the best of luck and hope things get better for you.

[taniaxx]

I am glad you mentioned your experience in this forum. It is helpful for others thinking of relocating in Tn. I so hope your situation improves with time.

[bbkaren]

It stinks that you've been having this experience!

I'm in NJ and the illegal immigration problem here has become so bad that now anyone who looks Hispanic (regardless of nationality or accent) is looked at with suspicion, kwim?

Could that be part of the problem maybe?

And wherever I've been in TN, I've found the more outlying areas (non-city) to be a little "less diverse" so maybe it's just the novelty of seeing you...I would try to give folks the benefit of the doubt, and try to help them get used to people who aren't like them.

Regardless, I hope it works out for you; certainly at least the locals will get to know you and I'm sure you'll give them reason to accept you for who you are, not the color of your skin--who knows, if lack of diversity is the issue, maybe you'll be the reason they open their minds a little bit!

[jkmewright]

BBKaren has a great point. People of Spanish/Mexican and even Cuban origin are looked at as illegals. EVEN if they were BORN here in good ol' USA. If you look like a duck, talk like a duck you MUST be a duck. Sad but true. It angers me yet I have no solution for you, and for that I am sad for you and your family. We Tennesseans are not all like that but one bad apple can spoil the bunch. Hold your head high, continue to live well, DON'T treat others as they treat you and maybe one day this will pass. Again, I cannot express my sadness and anger at your situation. Bless you and yours.

[bbkaren]

Exactly--prove them wrong, open their eyes!

[LauraC]

Are you sure they don't lke you because you're from Florida? Was everything a-ok with the pet adoption until you had to fill out some paperwork showing your previous address? Because, that could be a whole different thing like are a lot of people from Florida buying up a lot of land in the area.