Racism up North vs Racism down South, is it true what they say about them? (state, people)

[jgamibi]

I have heard that:

1. Down south people are more open about their racism and hatred for someone so you will know right off the bat if someone does not like you for who you are ethnically.

2. Up North people will put on an act and hide their feelings more in public about their racism but behind your back will say some of the most racist things, people tend to be the behind closed door type racist.

Is that true?

[j_cat]

I don't think Northerners try to hide anything, I think Northern feelings on the matter actually are more subtle and nuanced. Not that there aren't subtle and nuanced people in the South, just that there are also the louder types of racists in the South. It's more of a mix there. I think there are three separate regional problems with race (racism seems like too strong a word in most cases):

Western = Clueless; haven't met many black people so you're awkward about the whole thing (I have been guilty of this from time to time).

Northern = Territorial; your ancestors settled this land/built this neighborhood/what-have-you and anyone else has to prove they're worthy; blacks were "aliens" much like people throughout the country see Mexicans today.

Southern = Love-Hate Blood-Soaked Memories; Southern whites all know their ancestors did some bad sh*t, and so they feel guilty but still not always well-disposed toward those who are different from them; many poor whites might dream of the wealth that could have been, had the Civil War ended differently; whites and blacks have something of a common culture in the South, more so than elsewhere.

[grmasterb]

I'm a native Midwesterner who attended college in the south. One of my literature professors, I think, stated it correctly:

In the South, blacks can get close as long as they don't get uppity. In the North, blacks can get uppity as long as they don't get close.

[Johnbiggs]

Originally Posted by grmasterb

I'm a native Midwesterner who attended college in the south. One of my literature professors, I think, stated it correctly:

In the South, blacks can get close as long as they don't get uppity. In the North, blacks can get uppity as long as they don't get close.

I'll definitely remember this quote. In the north, you're not as likely to encounter as many racial overtones, but contrary to its historical image, I'd also say the north is more segregated.

[atlantagreg30127]

"Racism" has been discussed multiple times in the forum. Please do a search and join any of the active discussion and add your question/comments there rather than start a new one on the same subject matter.

Thank you.