Social Tension? (Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma: home, gated, living in)

[Roebuckm]

Hi,

I'm from super segregated Michigan, and plan on moving to Washington next year. I see that there are a lot of different races there, which I love. But, I was wondering how everyone gets along. I've learned the hard way that just because a place is diverse, it doesn't mean that it's friendly. Considering the fact that I'm a minority, I need to be extra careful where I decide to plop down. So any input?

[compltlyme]

I have to say... I don't see color here, just people. We have so many different races in my area and everyone seems to get along great. I am sure in every state there are areas that one might feel out of place. I just don't see that here in Western WA.

If you ask around I am sure you will hear that people are very friendly up here. I have been here less than a year and I now KNOW that is so very true!

[Roebuckm]

Thanks! That's really good to hear. Too bad I can't say the same thing for Michigan.

[teeandgee]

Its been 15 years since ive lived in the pugest sound area.... smaller town than Seattle though... and I have to say that where i was from it was uhhhhh... fairly segregated. They even called the town I lived in "Little Idaho" because there were pseudo white supremecist around. Even passing out terrible literature several times before I moved. I have to say though that people from that area seem pretty nice in general and fairly welcoming. I dont think you would have to worry too much about ending up in the "wrong area" and being a minority.. although there were areas of Tacoma that they likened to Oakland and South Central (been to both and I have to say they were mostly wrong!!!!!!). I guess you cant put too much weight in rumors and just have to visit there and see for yourself. Go hang out at a mall and take a look around. Watch how people react towards each other. You can also go to the census bureau website for hard data on the populous.
I am sure you will like it, as most people from there arent going to see color of any kind.

[Roebuckm]

Thanks for the advice. hopefully times have changed a little over the years, but we'll see.

[CP2N]

I live between two military bases, so I really don't feel that kind of tension. The military makes everybody get along - you'd be amazed how many ex-racist types I've met who have been through a sort of racial rehab being in the military. Of course, people tend to segregate themselves to be around people who are like them, whether in culture or interests, but it's not usually an 'issue'.

I sure wish there were more Greeks around for me to fish and herd goats with! lol

[Bradmph]

Race? lol there is no race problem here, lol, and probably because the white out number any other race around here by many. I being a non-discriminating white person, honky, cracker or whatever and living here have noticed that you better be prepared to wave at people driving the oposite direction. (friendly drivers). Also the folks here are so darn conservative it can be frustrating at times. Plus, if your moving close to an Indian Reservation, the experience we have had is very dissapointing in the Spokane area. Though it was very confusing for me when I moved here and I never could quite figured out why we pay for crap that our dumb forefathers did many years ago to people. But, many of the Spokane Tribe members are still living back in the days of Custard. I compare the treatment that I have witnesses as to being the only white person living in the lower side of Oakland, CA. This one instance actually makes me grin everytime I think about it. This one time I was called a white boy by some beefy spokane Indian member woman because I asked her to keep her dog out of our trash cans...many let them run freely forming wild packs. Anyways, it was funny because I was darker then her, but it took me back home to the Bay Area real fast. I am friendly towards everyone I meet, no matter what...but she brought out a little Custard in me for an instant that I never had before and for no reason caused by myself. Anyways, they are not all this way I grant you, but it can surprise the heck out of you if your not ready for it.

[TrishAustin]

Hi Roebuckm,

I find WA state to be a lovely place to live. Been here seven years, and never a problem. My neighbors are white, black, chinese. All great people. Lots to do here for families and singles. Expect the best, and you'll find it.

[Roebuckm]

Thank you everyone!

All of your replies really help to put me at ease a bit. I know I will still find some trouble wherever I go, but it's nice to know I'm not moving to the Klu Klux Klan center.

[jgw1283]

it depends on the area in WA you go. Seattle area is very diverse and you wont have any problems there. Most of WA is white, but most are cool about it. However, eastern WA is more racist. When in Spokane for a couple days, I saw one asian guy and thats it, Ewash isnt diverse at all, except for the Mexican farm workers. Stay away from Tacoma, its ghetto and the people are idiots. Seattles your place