White and Asian Family (Charlotte, Raleigh: high school, restaurants, shops)

[JimBrown1962]

I have a question about racially mixed families getting along in the Asheville and surrounding areas. I am white and my wife is Asian, we have been married over 23 years and have 2 great kids in middle and high school. Anyone have any opinions about how people in the area look at this? I noticed there aren't many asians in the area. Having been married this long, we have dealt with different levels of rudeness in different areas of the country and can tolerate a good amount. We are moving from Houston Texas and want a more moderate climate. Thanks in advance.

[mm34b]

In my opinion, not a problem in the Asheville Metro area for Asian-Americans.

[Waterboy526]

My wife is half Puerto Rican and in Maggie Valley she had people follow her around the store because they thought she was going to steal something. I could tell that she was being treated differently than I was (this was in several little shops). Maggie Valley is probably like 99% white.

That's 45 minutes from Asheville though and I'm sure Asheville is nothing like Maggie Valley, but I have no experience in being in Asheville.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by JimBrown1962

I have a question about racially mixed families getting along in the Asheville and surrounding areas. I am white and my wife is Asian, we have been married over 23 years and have 2 great kids in middle and high school. Anyone have any opinions about how people in the area look at this? I noticed there aren't many asians in the area. Having been married this long, we have dealt with different levels of rudeness in different areas of the country and can tolerate a good amount. We are moving from Houston Texas and want a more moderate climate. Thanks in advance.

The city of Asheville, itself, is very cosmopolitan - you will not have a problem. Can't speak for the outskirts, but generally speaking the further away from the town itself, the more conservative it becomes.

[JimBrown1962]

Thanks for your feedback. Looking forward to being there this weekend.

[Fitz]

I'm amazed at the number of these "will we be discriminated against?" posts.

There's an Asian-American reporter who is a regular on the local evening news in Asheville. He seems happy. Quite a few Asian restaurants too. Do you interracial couples expect special treatment? Otherwise you should consider that all people deal with discrimination of some form or another as well as rudeness from other people.

For me, Asheville's lack of "diversity" is a good thing. I've had enough of the racial melting pot/pressure cooker that you find in most other American cities. Unfortunately there is still a clash going on in the mountains, but it is mostly due to cultural differences and economic disparity between locals and newcomers. Anybody coming here will be in the middle of it to some extent.

[JimBrown1962]

Originally Posted by Fitz

I'm amazed at the number of these "will we be discriminated against?" posts. . . Do you interracial couples expect special treatment? . . .

Thanks for being honest Fitz, if you believe there have been too many questions about this subject than I respect that.

But, to anwer your question, of course we don't expect special treatment, I am just curious about the cultural climate of the area. It is an issue that is important to me and my family, thats what this forum is all about correct?

I also agree with you that lack of diversity can be a good thing, because that is another reason why we chose western NC over Charlotte or Raleigh.

Believe me Houston Texas is diverse and rudeness abounds for everyone. I guess everyone is discriminated against for one thing or another.

By the way Fitz, are you originally from the area?

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by JimBrown1962

Thanks for being honest Fitz, if you believe there have been too many questions about this subject than I respect that.

I don't understand the focus, that's all. If someone is rude to you, how do you know it's solely because your wife is Asian? And how can any answer given on this forum predict what your experience will be should you move? You are certainly within your rights to ask about discrimination, but nevertheless, there is still a bit of a sting in the question.

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by Fitz

I don't understand the focus, that's all. If someone is rude to you, how do you know it's solely because your wife is Asian? And how can any answer given on this forum predict what your experience will be should you move? You are certainly within your rights to ask about discrimination, but nevertheless, there is still a bit of a sting in the question.

And the sting is from the fact that many people coming from other parts of the country assume the people of the south are all racists. The fact is, we are no more racist here, and even less so in some cases, than many other places in the country.

You will be welcomed here if you too are very welcoming and respectful in how you treat people

[JimBrown1962]

Originally Posted by Fitz

I don't understand the focus, that's all. If someone is rude to you, how do you know it's solely because your wife is Asian?

Well you know what, the staring and rude attitudes are pretty much not worth even a second thought, because yeah you are right, you really don't know. But it's the words that people like to throw at my kids and my wife that are pretty obvious, like "slant eye, and ch**k." This makes it pretty certain, don't you think? All it takes is a couple of times and you start getting a dim view of people, and maybe a little paranoid.

But, when I asked the question I guess I didn't realize that people would think I am stereotyping, and I didn't think there would be people on the website that would be "stung" by the line of questioning. My sincere apologies, and it's the last thing I wanted to do is insult others.