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There is no absolute answer because certainly no one has counted all the Hispanic noses in WNC or assessed all of WNC residents' attitudes. Neither would be possible to do.
A relative answer is that we have nothing like the numbers of Hispanics here that we have in California or Florida or Texas. Just look at a map of the USA for the reason.
A logical answer is that Hispanics and racism both thrive across our great country, and WNC is no different, since it's comprised of natives as well as transplants from across our great country.
But however we look at it, we're still not seeing the whole elephant unless we add in a special (and possibly unique) characteristic that defines this region. In this "buckle of the Bible belt," we find sincere religious commitment and, with it, greater compassion for the poor, the homeless, the disadvantaged, and the (Biblical) "foreigner." Religious perspective transforms political and cultural relationships, like the yeast that changes what would otherwise be hard, unleavened bread.
As a result... I can't speak for other denominations, or even for all of WNC (though I think I'd be safe speaking for them)..... Among the five Catholic churches we have in Asheville/Hendersonville, I don't know of one that doesn't have a Spanish Mass every Sunday and Holy Day... I know of at least two that celebrate special Hispanic traditions like Posadas. These services are in Spanish, of course, with a Spanish-speaking priest or interpreter. And I know of at least two local Catholic churches that offer ongoing weekly lessons in English as a Second Language. Our Christmas Eve Spanish Mass and Posadas were so well-attended and joyful that I only wished I understood more Spanish than I do.
Hope that helps.
Jan
Last edited by the Parkies; 12-26-2009 at 08:30 PM..
I don't believe those numbers are accurate. There is, I believe, a fully-attended Spanish Mass every weekend at every Catholic church in this region. One out of four Masses at our church is in Spanish.
There are a fair amount of Hispanics in WNC, and yes, there is also a fair amount of racism, from both White, Black, and Hispanic. Is everyone racist, no.....are some, yes.
I don't have any stats, but Asheville (or at least West Asheville) seems to have a large number of hispanics. I'd say 1 out of 3 people at my gym is hispanic.
With regards to your title.....you realize the Spanish are from Europe and Hispanics can be from many places.
There are a lot of illegal Hispanics in NC compared with most states. A couple reasons.....
1)Lots of chicken farms. A low paying wage that most US citizens don't want to do.....but want to reap the benefits from.
2)Lots of large meat processing plants in NC...including the worlds largest. Again.....a low paying dirty job we US citizens want to reap the benefits from but don't want to do.
My problem with so many Mexicans in the WNC area.....
1)There still aren't what I would consider any good authentic Mexican restaurants in the area.
2)Working at a free clinic....I realized how lazy us white people are compared with the illegals in the area....it's embarrassing. The illegals that came in (and legals as well).....were generally very nice, grateful and very hard working. The white folk were un-kept, demanding, unappreciative, and lazy.
In general in WNC......the drug problems, crime, and dirtier area of town....are from the white and black US citizens........not hispanics. Most hispanics in the area, legal or not, are just hard working folks wanting to make a life for themselves.
These might be 'official' census numbers....but aren't representative of actual numbers....I would guess between 1 in 5-1 in 6 in Bumcombe county are hispanic
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