Racism is alive and prospering in Bartlesville (Tulsa: neighborhoods, living in)

[Profjra]

In September 2008 I and my family moved to Bartlesville, a small town 40 miles north of Tulsa from Boulder CO and shortly discovered that racism is alive and prospering here. I had heard of the Tulsa race riots in the 20s but I thought this is the 21st century surely that attitude is gone. Myt family is white but after years in the cities of America we are atuned to the plight of people of color, and often recieve our own share of hatred as Jews. But I was amazed when I stopped at a local gas station and asked if they had a pay phone so I could call my wife... the clerk told me "Im sorry honey this is east bartlesville we dont need pay phones here.. they are all on the west side of town with the '******s'" I was flabbergasted... for a minute I wondered if I was in Mississippi instead of Oklahoma. I noticed a few days later as I was driving across the town that the east side had baptist and lutheran and methodist churches and the west side had an AME church... I guess in this part of the world their really are two sides to the railroad tracks.

[sgrizzle]

First time you've met white trash?

[Annemieke Roell]

Originally Posted by Profjra

In September 2008 I and my family moved to Bartlesville, a small town 40 miles north of Tulsa from Boulder CO and shortly discovered that racism is alive and prospering here. I had heard of the Tulsa race riots in the 20s but I thought this is the 21st century surely that attitude is gone. Myt family is white but after years in the cities of America we are atuned to the plight of people of color, and often recieve our own share of hatred as Jews. But I was amazed when I stopped at a local gas station and asked if they had a pay phone so I could call my wife... the clerk told me "Im sorry honey this is east bartlesville we dont need pay phones here.. they are all on the west side of town with the '******s'" I was flabbergasted... for a minute I wondered if I was in Mississippi instead of Oklahoma. I noticed a few days later as I was driving across the town that the east side had baptist and lutheran and methodist churches and the west side had an AME church... I guess in this part of the world their really are two sides to the railroad tracks.

This was ONE person you are basing your entire conclusion on??????

There is white trash everywhere, and one experience doesn't make the entire community racist ......

[briansgi]

Racism is everywhere, we don't have exclusive rights here in Oklahoma for it! Look everywhere and in every state and you will find it, if you think not then you are naive!

Having said that, I would be appalled as well and would have probably smacked that trailer trash honey into next week! There is no place for attitudes like that!

[Goodpasture]

Originally Posted by Profjra

.........a few days later as I was driving across the town that the east side had baptist and lutheran and methodist churches and the west side had an AME church..........

I've spent a fair amount of time in churches of various flavors. I even did a stint behind a pulpit once upon a time. One common thing among most churches (I can think of an exception or two, like the COTM in Tulsa) is that you locate where your congregation is. If it is the church I am thinking of, the AME is an older building and an older church that serviced the AA community where they lived (which is where a church needs to serve). That there are lots and lots of newer and open non-denominational and non-traditional churches in other neighborhoods that serve the multi-cultural community in which they exist is irrelevant. That older AME fills a need, particularly to those older AA's that raised their children in the area who are simply "home" in that church. To me, forcing a transition to something else would disenfranchise people unnecessarily.

That you encountered the "n" word is not surprising. People of limited education and horizons frequently rely on trivalities to elevate their own self worth. Recognize them for what they are, pity them for their situation, and encourage them not to breed.........

[seahawksweetie]

well said, Goodpasture, well said

[Synopsis]

Originally Posted by Profjra

In September 2008 I and my family moved to Bartlesville, a small town 40 miles north of Tulsa from Boulder CO and shortly discovered that racism is alive and prospering here. I had heard of the Tulsa race riots in the 20s but I thought this is the 21st century surely that attitude is gone. Myt family is white but after years in the cities of America we are atuned to the plight of people of color, and often recieve our own share of hatred as Jews. But I was amazed when I stopped at a local gas station and asked if they had a pay phone so I could call my wife... the clerk told me "Im sorry honey this is east bartlesville we dont need pay phones here.. they are all on the west side of town with the '******s'" I was flabbergasted... for a minute I wondered if I was in Mississippi instead of Oklahoma. I noticed a few days later as I was driving across the town that the east side had baptist and lutheran and methodist churches and the west side had an AME church... I guess in this part of the world their really are two sides to the railroad tracks.

Like someone else said, you should have smacked the white trash into next week. These types exist everywhere, but I wouldn't judge the entire city of Bartlesville on one person. I would have been extremely upset by the comments though.

[gypsy2]

Thank you for this distasteful and less discussed subject. FYI: I too am white. Will be traveling cross country from east coast to west coast early spring '09. Planning extensive visit to Tulsa to view places and events related to; architecture, museums, American Indian culture, etc. Cultural diversity is a high priority to me. Will avoid Bartlesville like the plague.

[gypsy2]

Yes only one is discussed in this posy. Where the is one there will always be others. Anyway how many does it take to make it acceptable to comment on?

[RangerDuke08]

I'm surprised you didn't notice the two side of the tracks when you were living in Colorado as there are obvious dilapidated hispanic neighborhoods and a skip away such as Boulder certainly an elite country club. I'm gona have to say racism is evident, but I wouldn't narrow it down to 1 town. It actually would be nice if it were only to be found in one town.