Need some infomation on the Bristol, Va area

[fenobi]

How will Bristol locals react to an african female with a foreign accent?
I found a desirable job in Bristol, VA but I am uncomfortable about moving due to all I've heard about the "racism" in south VA and the appalachian mountain region in general.
Ps reply.
Thanks.

[Trevor92]

Originally Posted by fenobi

How will Bristol locals react to an african female with a foreign accent?
I found a desirable job in Bristol, VA but I am uncomfortable about moving due to all I've heard about the "racism" in south VA and the appalachian mountain region in general.
Ps reply.
Thanks.

Well, that's a tough question to answer.

The 9th Congressional District of Virginia is 94% white and 3.9% black. If you focus in on Bristol, VA specifically, one of the larger cities in the area, it's 91.9% white and 5.6% black. It's definitely true that if you've never been around these demographics before, you may be in for a bit of culture shock (just as I was when I moved from this area to a larger city). And it's also true that for any job you may want to take, the surrounding community is a large concern because that's where you will live. But also, once you get down to the community or neighborhood level, there's no telling what the demographics may be.

Just from what I would expect if I were you, of course there's the chance that you may run into the uneducated racist who's not afraid to hide it, but there's also the chance you may run into that kind of person anywhere in a lot of places including every city in America. But I would say the largest concern you may have is the average person who's just not familiar with communicating with a person of another race, and may make a comment that you find offensive that the other person doesn't understand why. It's definitely something to be aware of that may happen. But also, don't move to the area thinking that you'll hate it because of all the racism that you've heard about, because that's simply not true. Bringing a negative attitude thinking that most people are racist, may turn people away for the simple reason that you just aren't projecting a friendly, easy to get along with attitude.

After living in several places, I don't think racism is any worse there than anywhere else. In SW Va, I think you tend to find more well-intentioned people who are just unfamiliar and sometimes afraid of any culture but their own. I think the area gets a bad rap, as do many more rural areas, because when an awkward situation does arise, minorities feel more isolated because of the demographics. In some of the Eastern Virginia cities I've lived in such as Norfolk, even Raleigh and Knoxville for a while, there's fewer of these people, but honestly IMO there tends to be many more racially motivated crimes, gangs, comments even by politicians of all races, and more racial tension. The difference is that larger cities tend to have a higher minority population, and nobody feels isolated.

Now the foreign accent may be another matter. SW Virginia, NE Tennessee, and NE North Carolina speak a very unique dialect of 'Southern' English. I personally get accused of having a Southern accent when I'm in the Northeast and having a midwest accent while I'm down in Georgia or South Carolina. In parts of Virginia they ask me if I'm from North Carolina and in Ohio they bet I'm from Tennessee. It may add another level of complexity to communication with others if you have a foreign accent because there will be people who you have a hard time understanding, while they also have a hard time understanding you. As with most dialects of English, and foreign language even, it takes a while to learn and understand.

Overall, I think you'd be missing out on a wonderful place if you ruled out the area and job just because you think there are a number of racists that live there. I also think you'd be ruling out the job on an idea that's just not true. Perhaps it would be a good idea to spend a few weeks in the area if you get the chance for a semi-vacation. Hit the hot spots, maybe look for a ball game or community festival, and judge the area for yourself if you would feel comfortable there and how you've been treated. In the end, no matter where you move to, you'll soon find yourself with a close circle of friends and thousands of people in the background that don't really matter to you.

[Clandazed2]

Hi
I am a Bristol resident, currently. Okay, maybe I can help you with this. You would be much better off to look for a home on the Virginia side of Bristol, than the Tennessee side, because you are working in Cedar Bluff. Also, one of the best elementary schools in the state is on the Virginia side. Valley Institute Elementary School is on Gate City Highway. It ranks third in Primary Schools in Virginia and has repeatedly earned the governors Award for excellence. There is a pretty community near there called Reedy Creek Road. There are many new homes being built in the area. I think you would like it because you can avoid city taxes but be within 4 miles of the mall and 2.5 miles of the hospital. Interstate 81 is close but not so close that the noise bothers you. Take exit 1B off I 81 and follow the road watch for signs that say Reedy Creek Road. I think you'll like it. It's a good palce to raise children but so is Cedar Bluff. The people there are kind and considerate of people that visit and migrate to the area. There is an old Colonial Fort Museum near there and a drag race track. They are not "stupid coal miners". Many of the coal miners have advanced college degrees but found they could get better pay and medical and dental care for their families by working in the mines. My husband retired from the mines and he had a masters degree in mining engineering. Stupidity has no profession.
Good Luck and welcome to the community

[fenobi]

Well, I have now lived in Bristol, VA since November 2009 and I really do love this town. People are quite friendly and easy going. The town is very peaceful with hardly any traffic. I tell my family and friends who tease me about living in a rural place that this is one of the best places I've lived in. My children (ages 12 and 13) are doing great in school and attending very cheap and affordable after school program that keeps them till 6pm. My 3 bedroom town home which I am renting is brand new and has all the latest upgrades. I never even imagined that I could afford such a place at this stage of my life.

I really do love rural America. It is a good place to bring up children. Single people will definitely be bored as there is little or nothing to do at night. But if you are a Christian, it is great! There are about 2 churches on almost every street, or so it seems, with different worship styles to suit any individual. I attend Highland Fellowship which has a contemporary style of worship. We all look forward to attending Highland Fellowship, even my catholic parents!

I've come to the conclusion that the most imp thing in life is to live in a place that suits you. A place where doing your activities of daily living is not stressful. My Husband who badly wanted us to move to Atlanta, GA has now changed his mind! I am certainly glad I moved to Bristol, VA. Thanks for all your advice and contribution.