A somewhat controversial question about the culture of Atlanta (interracial couples) (Forsyth: neighborhood, living in)

[theformermariner]

I am originally from Seattle, WA and will be moving to Atlanta in the summer. Now I work in a field that pays a good bit of money and find that Atlanta is going to be a lot more affordable for me than Seattle, job I get there will also pay more. Culturally, I am an American but ethnically I am of Indian heritage (Punjabi). My girlfriend (now fiance) looks a lot more different than I do, she is of Scandinavian heritage and is a tall blonde. It is not unheard of for Asian and Indian men in Seattle to date and marry white women, among the younger generations here it is actually becoming common.

I am used to a lot of my friends and coworkers constantly telling me that I have a good looking wife but they have also been telling me something about Atlanta that has me somewhat worried.

From what I have heard, people in Atlanta are more than okay with white women and black men couples since they are the norm but seeing a young interracial couple that involves white women with someone that looks more "different" (indian) is going to cause a lot of issues and will be subject to tons of racism. Even though Atlanta has a large indian and a large white population, interracial dating between the two races is practically unheard of unless it is a white guy dating an indian girl. The other way around never ever happens in the city at all, especially not among the younger crowd.

What I wanted to know is, are there any places in Atlanta where a couple like my girlfriend and I won't feel too out of place?

[AnsleyPark]

Originally Posted by theformermariner

I am originally from Seattle, WA and will be moving to Atlanta in the summer. Now I work in a field that pays a good bit of money and find that Atlanta is going to be a lot more affordable for me than Seattle, job I get there will also pay more. Culturally, I am an American but ethnically I am of Indian heritage (Punjabi). My girlfriend (now fiance) looks a lot more different than I do, she is of Scandinavian heritage and is a tall blonde. It is not unheard of for Asian and Indian men in Seattle to date and marry white women, among the younger generations here it is actually becoming common.

I am used to a lot of my friends and coworkers constantly telling me that I have a good looking wife but they have also been telling me something about Atlanta that has me somewhat worried.

From what I have heard, people in Atlanta are more than okay with white women and black men couples since they are the norm but seeing a young interracial couple that involves white women with someone that looks more "different" (indian) is going to cause a lot of issues and will be subject to tons of racism. Even though Atlanta has a large indian and a large white population, interracial dating between the two races is practically unheard of unless it is a white guy dating an indian girl. The other way around never ever happens in the city at all, especially not among the younger crowd.

What I wanted to know is, are there any places in Atlanta where a couple like my girlfriend and I won't feel too out of place?

I know of at least two couples in my neighborhood who are in your exact same position. In my experience, no one thinks a thing about it. I live in south Forsyth County. Used to live in the city, and have the same experience there as well.

[afdinatl]

You don't have anything to worry about. You plan on living in the city or in the suburbs?

[ATLTJL]

I can tell you that you're unlikely to experience any racism from the white side of the fence in Atlanta.

I couldn't imagine any from the Indian side, either, but someone in that community would be better equipped to answer that question than I am.

What I can say is that there are so many interracial couples of all kinds in this city that I'd be shocked if anybody even noticed. I could see a Hasidic Jew holding hands with a woman in a full burqua and probably wouldn't bat an eye.

I think what your friends are telling you is wrong. Have any of them actually lived in Atlanta?

The only thing I can think of is that there is a pretty large Indian community in Atlanta. Maybe some of them wouldn't be welcoming to a white woman?

[JohnD_fla]

Interracial couples in the South are FAR more common than many people realize. Don't worry about it. Live your life and be happy.

[ronyusa]

I am from the Indian subcontinent originally myself and I don't understand who spreads all these stereotypes about Atlanta like these. I hear everyone talking about how Seattle is very depressing and people are always jumping off roofs, bridges and what not but I always take that with a grain of salt and don't just assume everyone is unhappy there!! There is a bad rumor about every town in every country of the world, don't pay attention to those. You are just as likely or unlikely to face some looks and what not as much in Seattle as you would in Atlanta, and not just from the "big bad White folks" but just as likely, in fact more likely, from other Indians...

Best wishes with your move!

[ronyusa]

The only things you need to worry about are long commute times if you live outside the city and work in the city (just like any other major metropolitan area) and extremely high pollen levels in April, otherwise Atlanta is awesome in every aspect imaginable.

[joey86]

We're going to need a sticky that says interracial couples are okay here.

[Tryska]

You know as often as we get this question, I have to wonder...do people ask this so often because:

1. The South has a bad reputation on the race-mixing

or

2. This is an issue in many other places in the country?

[bu2]

Originally Posted by theformermariner

I am originally from Seattle, WA and will be moving to Atlanta in the summer. Now I work in a field that pays a good bit of money and find that Atlanta is going to be a lot more affordable for me than Seattle, job I get there will also pay more. Culturally, I am an American but ethnically I am of Indian heritage (Punjabi). My girlfriend (now fiance) looks a lot more different than I do, she is of Scandinavian heritage and is a tall blonde. It is not unheard of for Asian and Indian men in Seattle to date and marry white women, among the younger generations here it is actually becoming common.

I am used to a lot of my friends and coworkers constantly telling me that I have a good looking wife but they have also been telling me something about Atlanta that has me somewhat worried.

From what I have heard, people in Atlanta are more than okay with white women and black men couples since they are the norm but seeing a young interracial couple that involves white women with someone that looks more "different" (indian) is going to cause a lot of issues and will be subject to tons of racism. Even though Atlanta has a large indian and a large white population, interracial dating between the two races is practically unheard of unless it is a white guy dating an indian girl. The other way around never ever happens in the city at all, especially not among the younger crowd.

What I wanted to know is, are there any places in Atlanta where a couple like my girlfriend and I won't feel too out of place?

This is a reflection on ignorance and prejudice-in Seattle. Its nonsense.