Racism in Columbia area? (Center: job market, schools, college)

[superbity]

I'm sure there are PLENTY of nice Missouri people who are sick and tired of being accused of racism... I apologize to you guys haha. I'm going to college next fall, and Mizzou is one of my top choices because they have such a great journalism program... I'm Asian (hate to seem like I'm "hiding" behind my appearance, but I don't look full, I look half-Asian half-white) Anyways, I know there is some tension between whites and blacks in the area, but what about whites and asians? Black and asians? You will find ignorant people just about anywhere you go, I know. But I wouldn't want to go to college somewhere where I'm constantly being looked at differently.

[cyrano]

I don't think you have any worries about MU or Columbia WRT racism against Asians. There was one incident last year, a fraternity-type prank where a couple of guys thought it would be funny to scatter cotton balls in front of a black-related organization on campus, but that was met quickly with widespread condemnation and lots of community meetings and such...probably a little overkill, but most of us were vaguely appalled by it.

The Chinese are the most visible Asian community here, although to my Anglo taste, there's really only one good Chinese restaurant-- Mandarin House, well away from campus. Judging by the fact that there's almost always more Chinese than Anglos eating there, I think it's got a good reputation. There are two well-stocked Oriental grocery stores here, as well as a good Middle Eastern food store (inside the Islamic Center...that should tell you something). There's even semi-decent sushi, especially for the midwest.

Chinese, Indians, and Middle Easterners have big populations in the sciences and engineering schools, especially among grad students and faculty. There's often a student reporter on the MU-run NBC network affiliate, KOMU, which is where I'd look if I were seriously considering journalism-- it's the only real lab TV station in the US that is a network affiliate, which means that the experience is much closer to what you'd want if you want a career in TV. Mizzou grads have TV jobs all over the country-- there's several of them at ESPN.

[brushrunner]

I don't think Asian will have a problem.There is more focus on Illegal Mexicans in the area lately.There was consideral of KKK influence Southwest of Columbia but I haven't heard much on them lately.

brushrunner

[oslc]

No problem being Asian in Columbia or at MU.

[aragx6]

Lots of Asians in Columbia; I definitely wouldn't worry.

What I would worry about is majoring in journalism. Mizzou has a fantastic program, and it's VERY hard work (I speak from experience), but it's a pretty lousy job market. Only do it if you're sure you'll love it!

But that's why I like big schools like Mizzou. If you change your mind, you have a couple hundred other majors to choose from!