Black Population In Seattle (Everett, Federal Way: dangerous, store, eat)

[alloriginals123]

Beautiful. When I am in Seattle, I don't really think about race. Normally people who think about race are those who feel uncomfortable around others of another race, or those who are mistreated continually by another race. In Seattle, it was like Fantasy Island among the races, really. I think people in Seattle are more focused on the environment than on social problems per say. You got to visit it to see what I am talking about.

[pwright1]

Originally Posted by The_Fairfaxian

From what I've read about Seattle, I'm once again convinced to start my life here once I graduate from college. I'm actually from the Washington DC area, and although it's not Atlanta, it's somewhat similar (in its militant, thuggish attitude), particularly its eastern parts and in Prince Georges County, MD, an eastern exurb where "wealthy" blacks tend to live. I personally tend to resemble the non-stereotypical black person (BTW, one of my role models is Jimi Hendrix), but I get s**t like no other not only from the lower income, but middle and upper-middle income blacks for not being "black enough." It's especially depressing w/ the young women seeing how they flock in droves to the gangster, thug, or even poser. I don't mind dating outside my race, but in the state where I'm attending college, UMD, blacks dating non-blacks is mostly seen as worse than taboo by the students despite being "colorblind". Sad thing about it is was that during my childhood, I lived in Northern Virginia (the western suburbs of D.C.), a place that's very integrated and racially harmonious similar to the extent of Seattle - and for the record, I want to relive those days myself and raise my children in that environment (from birth to college). It's gotten to the point that I am mentally fighting to not hate my own people, which leads me to ask the treatment I'll receive by blacks in Seattle. I realize that when I move there, many of my associates, friends, and dates/girlfriends will be non-black due to demographics (which I anticipate and welcome very much), but for the blacks I'll encounter, will they show me a side that embraces intellectual, productive black men who are respected by the fellow black dudes and appreciated by the young black women like the quote says, or will it be a BET wannabe rerun of the ATL and PG County? I wouldn't love anything more than to regain faith in my race and show my children positive role models who are black (among other races as well).

To make a blunt statement about hating your own (our) race is beyond me. Now I question your mental state. How on earth can you say such a thing? I lived in D.C. and Prince Georges County for many years. Both are over 60%black. I went to black schools from elementary through college. I've dated mostly within my race and occassionally outside my race. So what. Who cares. And all blacks guys in D.C. are not gangsta/militant/thugs. I've met some of the finest, coolest, most down to earth black women and men in D.C. who are lifelong friends. Get off of your high horse and stop acting like you are so different from everyone else. Seattle is cool, but change your attitude before you come out here or you will not be welcomed.

[Yoledyah Lloyd]

Hi I read your post, and would like some info. Seeing as how your a native of Seattle. Where are the nice areas? I don't want to be in the heart of a city more suburb. Clean & Safe Maybe 15-20 min. outside the city. I'm a nurse in Colorado with one child. So I'm looking in the price range of $750-$1,100 for rent. That could be an apartment, townhome, or a home for rent. I thank you so very much for your advice.

[imlosingit all]

Hi There,

I would suggest if you want to live some where and feel like a part of the community, Kent is the place. I am originally from Louisiana and Kent, Tacoma and Federal Way are the only cities that don't act like you are an alien coming to visit. Once you vere out of those territories you will began to notice that you may not be welcomed in the city. Of course my favorite is Kent, because it reminds me alot of Louisiana all kinds of people, working, living and enjoying life together.

[green_mariner]

Originally Posted by imlosingit all

Hi There,

I would suggest if you want to live some where and feel like a part of the community, Kent is the place. I am originally from Louisiana and Kent, Tacoma and Federal Way are the only cities that don't act like you are an alien coming to visit. Once you vere out of those territories you will began to notice that you may not be welcomed in the city. Of course my favorite is Kent, because it reminds me alot of Louisiana all kinds of people, working, living and enjoying life together.

I never lived in any of those locations and I never saw anyone stare at me like an alien(I lived in Everett).

[imlosingit all]

Regarding your post about living in Everett and that's where you lived all your life and do not feel that people treat you like aliens. Well you are not going to see it because you have been adapted to it. Anyone coming from the south would definitely go to Everett and see would understand exactly what I am saying. I have found that blacks who have been born and raised here are in serious denial and just want to believe they are accepted equally but they are not. The kind of behavior that happens here is very very subtle. You would never know it if you have not been exposed to it someone where else. But it's plain as day to those who are aware of it.

[wannabeaTexan]

Originally Posted by imlosingit all

Regarding your post about living in Everett and that's where you lived all your life and do not feel that people treat you like aliens. Well you are not going to see it because you have been adapted to it. Anyone coming from the south would definitely go to Everett and see would understand exactly what I am saying. I have found that blacks who have been born and raised here are in serious denial and just want to believe they are accepted equally but they are not. The kind of behavior that happens here is very very subtle. You would never know it if you have not been exposed to it someone where else. But it's plain as day to those who are aware of it.

I think some blacks who have not lived here all their lives, such as yourself, have had a hard time in other parts of the country and then come here and want to make something out of every sideways glance they get from a stranger. Everyone here is pretty much accepted equally, of course there are going to be some people who are not accepting anywhere you go, but that's just the way it is.

The statement of yours that I bolded is ignorant. If the behavior is subtle, then what is the big deal? How is it bothering me? I wouldn't consider someone looking at you like you're an alien subtle either. Any black person moving here would be doing themselves a disservice to rule out living in all the cities except for the ones you listed. I've spent time in Darrington and even BFE Sedrow Woolley...and there were no issues. And I'm not naive or overlooking anything.

[gammerus]

So how is the social diversity/acceptance?
I am a white chick from az and I am normally scared to go in all black neighborhoods for fear of racism. Is that a big deal in Seattle? I know in phoenix I cannot go to certain areas of town without a lot of hassle from the black community. I have no problem with black people or anything, and I don't want to sound racist, I just live in a bad-ish area and this is what I am used to.

How racist is the general area? I know some areas here are pretty bad on both ends.

[toughguy]

I am a white male and was dating a black girl some years back (she was actually half black/half white but with fairly dark skin), and we would hear comments from random black men while walking through the central district such as "you are a traitor to your race", and "that boy's skin is the wrong color". Just goes to show that ignorance doesn't care about the color of your skin.

[pwright1]

It's also ridiculous getting stopped by the police in white Medina Washington for no good reason (3 times), but its even more ridiculous getting stopped by the police in a Renton trailer park taking a friend of a friend's grandmother home because her car broke down. That is the only reason I was in the trailer park. Sometimes being black in Washington state is no different from other states.