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(1) Because flags like most symbology are an expression of an idea, and as such, ideas are not, and can not, be confined to any given arbitrary geographical boundary.
(2) Because not everyone in NH is a "native." Some people port the flag from whence they came from, and considering (1), there is no reason they shouldn't do so if they feel so inclined. Their use or display of the flag isn't intended as an expression that NH was ever part of the Confederacy. It is an expression of larger conceptual ideas as a whole which knows no boundaries.
In any case, so long as we are on the overall subject I shall point out that one of my best friend is a Free State participant from the south. And with him, he chose to port up the Battle Flag which he flies from time to time, despite it seemingly being an oddity in that locale. This has led to a slight degree of friction on a few occasions from some uppity people who play their knee jerk racist game, but nonetheless, those who don't like it can suck it, as he'll continue to fly it anyway. Free country. His flying of the flag has no relation whatsoever to the state of NH or its status in the Union.
Good for your friend. I don't care what flag he (or anyone else for that matter) chooses to fly. I was responding to a post from a person who asked why people think that flag represents racism.
I grew up in New Hampshire. I know you're already expecting "culture shock", but other than that aspect, and the expectation of snow/more snow, you should be okay.
I am of the belief that racism exists everywhere to a certain extent; my friends had some issues in the smaller, and even well-to-do towns, but my other friends' and my own experiences in the "cities" were better, even though the cities were even less diverse then the limited diversity of recent times. However, New Hampshire is still more tolerant in this regard based on my experiences and others I know. In high school, a girl who moved from Nevada was shocked that black students spoke to white students and vice versa without a problem. People will help out when you needed and even joke around with you while shopping in the store.
I would expect that you may experience more naivety of black culture as opposed to racism. It might annoy or amuse you, depending on your attitude. In seventh grade the school nurse was concerned I had a back condition, because my back didn't sit straight against the wall. My pediatrician told me it was just my "protruding rear end" (I'm black--go figure ). On the plus side, kids were amazed (and even envious) that my hair could stick up without hair gel.
Just realize that apart from freedoms concerning marriage, religion, and gun laws, New Hampshire is still a fairly conservative state. People are more concerned about limiting taxes, keeping their small towns quaint and maintaining privacy on their spacious lots, (i.e. being more "town" or "country" oriented) than they are about race.
However, I think with your open-minded attitude, you'll do fine in New Hampshire. Most blacks from diverse areas are used to only associating with other blacks, and expect native blacks to act the same way; but native blacks are accustomed to the culture of associating with everyone.
Depending on the town you live in, I don't think you'll have a problem. Yes, NH is fairly racially monolithic in some regards, but most people are welcoming. I live between Manchester and Nashua and I love my neighborhood. I have great neighbors, we all know each other, and there's a strong sense of community here. As you move further from the population centers, you may get a few curious looks here and there just because you may have been the only black person they've seen in weeks, lol. I've never had an issue with anyone as the majority of people here are open minded. But most likely, you'll have to be the one to initiate conversation with others. That seems to be more of a New England thing in general.
I will say that if you're not in a relationship already, dating may be tricky. As mentioned, you'll have a much smaller pool of people to choose from if you're not open to dating other races. It took me a while to find a good barbershop, but I eventually found a Dominican shop that will do.
I moved here because it's much cheaper than living in Boston. I'm closer to all the recreational activities I enjoy like skiing, hiking, and water sports. And I'm only an hour away from Boston. Even my girlfriend who is a self identified city girl from Atlanta is liking it now.
Check it out - I think you might like it here. Just bring a coat. A big one, lol.
If you take care of your property, make an effort to work, and don't keep your neighbors up after 11 pm on a weeknight, you will have no issues. Period.
NH is one of the whitest states in the country. However I have not personally witnessed any bigotry or racism toward non whites in the 30 plus years I have lived here. I think you'll find most people here are pretty fair minded.
We need more libertarian, self dependent people in this state and less of these big government, nanny state, dumbass liberal moonbats that seem to be coming here.
So if you're going to come and here and not proceed to **** and moan to the rest of us that already live here about the need for more government services, then I say "welcome to NH."
Good for your friend. I don't care what flag he (or anyone else for that matter) chooses to fly. I was responding to a post from a person who asked why people think that flag represents racism.
Quote:"I don't care what flag he (or anyone else for that matter) chooses to fly."
Oh, great. So when your neighbor decides to fly a swastika on the flagpole in his front yard, and puts up a 20' cross he plans to burn, you don't care?
Personally, as a libertarian, I believe they can do what they want, as it is that person's right. I just think that it may not fly too well in the overall community, and it is a disgrace
to 'The Land of the Free'.
Last edited by SuperSparkle928; 12-21-2011 at 03:27 PM..
There's a guy not far from me who has a big swastika on his garage. The neighbor told me he's from Mass. and is always looking to sue someone. I haven't actually seen it. The only reason I know about it is because I inquired about a foreclosure place next door to him that might have made a good vacation rental. Probably not with the swastika.
ETA: I don't believe he's an actual Nazi type, from what the neighbor was saying. I think he's just trying to be such a PITA that no one will want to live next to him.
Kept me from buying the place, but only because it was listed on MERS website and I didn't want that hassle either. Two strikes there. If I really wanted it, I have no doubt I could crush his big Nazi-poser ego and make him afraid to so much as breathe too loudly. I have a big, strong husband and a big strong Redhawk, which I would wear on my hip and stare at him with my "crazy for real" look.
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His flying of the flag has no relation whatsoever to the state of NH or its status in the Union.
). On the plus side, kids were amazed (and even envious) that my hair could stick up without hair gel.
Welcome to NH
