over racism in the areas surrounding knoxville? (Cookeville, Sevierville: neighborhoods, university)

[Barking Spider]

Originally Posted by iskerbibel

Within the Knoxville city limits, a non-religious mixed-race person can do just fine. But step outside the metropolitan area, and you're in Deliverance Country. I grew up there, so I know what I'm talking about. I left immediately after high school, and I've lived in several states and cities since.

And in my experience, East Tennessee would be hard to top when it comes to overt racism and aggressive Christianity. Even East Texas was laid-back by comparison.

Maryville would probably be ok- though they'll have their share of ignorant hicks like any place in TN. I would not recommend Seveirville. And just don't go anywhere north of Knoxville. If you ain't a meth-addled Baptist, you won't fit in.

So, this opinion is from the perspective of a person just out of high school, and outdated at that. Got to love it!

[creeksitter]

East Knoxville has some great well integrated neighborhoods. Holston hills is refined and leafy and favored by academic types. Parkridge is bohemian and edgy with Victorian houses and craftsman cottages.

[hiknapster]

The entire city is integrated. Mindful of this post, I counted seven mixed relationships at West Town Mall this past weekend. That's an awful lot for someone that wasn't going out of their way looking for them.
Holston Hills and Parkridge are surrounded by some of the worst areas in the city but you certainly don't need to be banished to there in order to be accepted. However, I'm shaking my darn head at these bold-faced myths that seem to be turning up on this forum, lately. Cross burnings, OP? If that were still happening, wouldn't you think it would be making national news? I'm becoming suspicious of a lot of these questions.

[creeksitter]

Excuse me. I think someone would chose those neighborhoods because of their positive attributes. Many people do. Some of my friends chose Holston Hills becasue they wanted their kids to grow up in a well integrated neighborhood. That seems to be troubling to you.

I find it very offensive that you would use the word banish.

And spreading misinformation to boot. Please look up the word "surrounded".

[hiknapster]

You think that having a multi-racial neighborhood is troubling to me? If you only knew me you'd realize how silly that notion is but it is also extremely offensive. You have no idea what constitutes my family, my children, for starters. Do you know that my first born, a young man that was born in 1978, is half-black?

My point is that people of any ethnicity, race, religion are more than welcome in any neighborhood in this city and they don't need to move to an area where there are high-crime areas. Parkridge is surrounded by bad areas. In fact, an argument can be made that IT is a bad area. Holston Hills is at least bordered by the river but it is also just off of Magnolia and not far from there is an area that has issues. In fact, I posted an article about that nearby area not that long ago.

The notion that this family would be more comfortable in either neighborhood makes my blood boil. Perhaps you are steering them to that area because you have investment property there?

[creeksitter]

Road pig brought up East Knoxville. That is why I commented on those neighborhoods.

I have no financial interest in Holston Hills. I just happen to think it is a beautiful neighborhood. I do have rental property in Parkridge but not a size suitable for families.

I am boggled that you think the entire city of Knoxville has the exact same racial composition anywhere. You don't seem to comprehend that some people will seek out a good neighborhood with racial diversity. ISTR you used to live in one. I hope you have PMed the posters who are looking for that.

Yes, opinions will vary on Parkridge. But I suspect you are the only person here who has driven through Holston Hills and still think it is not a "good" neighborhood.

[hiknapster]

A) The OP never asked about racially diverse neighborhoods. In fact, she lamented that some people are racially segregated. She only wants to know if she will be treated differently. The answer is NO without having to shepherd into some sort of "acceptable" neighborhood of your liking.

B) Parkridge is not even close to being gentrified. Cherry Street, known for prostitution, is a city-wide joke. Trying to get anyone to move in there, especially based on race makes me ill.

C) You never answered Road Pig's question.

D) I never said that Holston Hill's wasn't good. I said it bordered a bad neighborhood. You know that I know it well, that I use to work near there.

E) I would NOT recommend my former neighborhood and do NOT tell me what I should or shouldn't message to people. While we are on the subject, quit sending me messages about what I should or shouldn't say in my posts. Why don't you tell them about your dump of a neighborhood or do you not have any rentals available? Or are you uncomfortable with them being your neighbors? Hmmmm?

[creeksitter]

I have nothing available in my neighborhood at this time. I did show an apartment recently in South Knox county to a young AA lady. Please quit accusing me of steering. That couldn't be farther from the truth.

My neighborhood is not a dump. I do have a few AA neighbors (not many) and I get along with the one who is a homeowner just fine. I do not know the others.

[iskerbibel]

Originally Posted by Barking Spider

So, this opinion is from the perspective of a person just out of high school, and outdated at that. Got to love it!

I left immediately after high school. Moved back a couple years later and stayed for 3 years. Left again and it's been 13 years since I've been back for more than a visit. No plans to return, though I do keep up with family there.

Do you reckon I'm more credible now that I've bored you with some unnecessary details?

Here's an unnecessary detail: When I was a kid in the mid-80's, we lived about 30 miles outside of Knoxville. I only ever went to school with ONE black kid- and only for one year. There was a Mexican kid one time too- they didn't stick around long though. My barber was a Klansman- AND a county commissioner.

Now things have changed, and it's not as bad these days as it used to be. My brother says that you see a black guy in town once in a while these days- that was unheard of when I was a kid. But don't tell that to the Southern Sons who meet just down the road from my parents' house. And it's not like they're hiding either- they have SIGNS posted so their white-power buddies know where to meet.

Look, these folks can move wherever they want- I'm not trying to talk them out of it. They'll be fine in Knoxville. I'm just saying that things are different out in the sticks.

[Wordy]

well then. What were we talking about again