Is Colorado Springs racist?

[otowi]

For what it is worth, even in all the Trump-wants-to-ban-Muslims stuff going on right now, I, a pretty obviously Muslim person, have gone about my business around town as usual without a single nasty look or comment. To the contrary, several people have taken the time to ask if I was okay and offer support. I know there are anti-Muslim people here - I hear them talk the talk on social media, etc. But I feel I'm as safe here as I could be anywhere in this climate. Bigotry exists everywhere - and, probably, to at least some extent - in nearly every single person. But I get the sense here that most people at least attempt to be civil and decent to fellow man most of the time, and most are willing to put their necks out a bit to do that.

[Kar54]

Is the Springs racist? Yes, some folks are.

Is NYC racist? Yes, some folks are.

Is Mexico racist? Yes, some folks are.

It exists and unfortunately probably always will. Is there "institutional" racism here like in the Jim Crow south? No.

My wife is Korean. She is a CPA, Realtor, and ACA/Medicare consultant. She speaks broken English, but most can understand her with no issue. She will occasionally bust her butt and write a policy for somebody who then just moves it to another agent out of the blue. Why? Probably because with her accent they MAY automatically assume she's inferior to an Anglo. What they don't know is she holds several degrees, is an IRS Enrolled Agent, and has 30 years experience in what she does. Is it "racist" for folks to move their policies to "someone who speaks English better"? Maybe. But she sees that as "life", and God bless her moves on. And she tells me, "They'd do the same to you in Pusan".

[smdensbcs]

Originally Posted by Kar54

Is the Springs racist? Yes, some folks are.

Is NYC racist? Yes, some folks are.

Is Mexico racist? Yes, some folks are.

It exists and unfortunately probably always will. Is there "institutional" racism here like in the Jim Crow south? No.

My wife is Korean. She is a CPA, Realtor, and ACA/Medicare consultant. She speaks broken English, but most can understand her with no issue. She will occasionally bust her butt and write a policy for somebody who then just moves it to another agent out of the blue. Why? Probably because with her accent they MAY automatically assume she's inferior to an Anglo. What they don't know is she holds several degrees, is an IRS Enrolled Agent, and has 30 years experience in what she does. Is it "racist" for folks to move their policies to "someone who speaks English better"? Maybe. But she sees that as "life", and God bless her moves on. And she tells me, "They'd do the same to you in Pusan".

That is an excellent perspective, especially the "keep moving forward" perspective of your wife. I'm about as male and WASPY as it gets (at least in appearance) and still I encounter a certain degree of people just being jerks and taking advantage of you (me) in my professional life. Thankfully, it's only one of every 15-20 people so it doesn't make or break anything, but it's always sort of amazing how willing some people are to take advantage of you. And yet, the best approach is that of your wife, to continue to be professionally courteous and work hard and efficiently for everybody and don't let a few bad apples spoil the entire bunch. It comes back around and really there's no other sensible approach.

As to whether the Springs has a higher percentage of bad apples (or racists or whatever) than anywhere else, my emphatic response would be "I seriously doubt it." People for the most part are pretty happy to be here and that (for the most part) translates into a generally friendly atmosphere, imho.

[vnodak]

Originally Posted by otowi

For what it is worth, even in all the Trump-wants-to-ban-Muslims stuff going on right now, I, a pretty obviously Muslim person, have gone about my business around town as usual without a single nasty look or comment. To the contrary, several people have taken the time to ask if I was okay and offer support. I know there are anti-Muslim people here - I hear them talk the talk on social media, etc. But I feel I'm as safe here as I could be anywhere in this climate. Bigotry exists everywhere - and, probably, to at least some extent - in nearly every single person. But I get the sense here that most people at least attempt to be civil and decent to fellow man most of the time, and most are willing to put their necks out a bit to do that.

Really nice to hear and I am very happy for you. I have heard so much hate lately on the media, that it warms my heart to hear good things and helps restore my faith in humanity.

[vnodak]

Originally Posted by smdensbcs

That is an excellent perspective, especially the "keep moving forward" perspective of your wife. I'm about as male and WASPY as it gets (at least in appearance) and still I encounter a certain degree of people just being jerks and taking advantage of you (me) in my professional life. Thankfully, it's only one of every 15-20 people so it doesn't make or break anything, but it's always sort of amazing how willing some people are to take advantage of you. And yet, the best approach is that of your wife, to continue to be professionally courteous and work hard and efficiently for everybody and don't let a few bad apples spoil the entire bunch. It comes back around and really there's no other sensible approach.

As to whether the Springs has a higher percentage of bad apples (or racists or whatever) than anywhere else, my emphatic response would be "I seriously doubt it." People for the most part are pretty happy to be here and that (for the most part) translates into a generally friendly atmosphere, imho.

I recently moved here and for the most part, people are happy, friendly, and helpful. My attitude is life is not fair so move forward. I love living here and I treat people how I like to be treated. I agree with you totally!!