Bi-racial acceptance in Western NC (Asheville, Graham: crimes, employment, live)

[wildfox]

Good evening everyone! I'd like some information on how bi-racial couples are accepted (or not) in various parts of Western NC, and I feel a fool for asking it. I'm white and my boyfriend is hispanic (quite dark, has been mistaken for black... And asian, somehow), and my parents insist that I couldn't take him up to the mountains because it wouldn't be safe, we'd be possibly violently discriminated against for being a bi-racial couple.

I was born in the mountains myself and spent the first few years of my life on our land in Graham County before moving to the coast. We've moved back and forth throughout my life, so I know and love the place myself. I don't know if we'd be looking to move there, possibly just week-long trips, but my parents want to say that even such a short stay is dangerous.

I think they're loopy and betraying their southern heritage by believing those old stereotypes so much. Sure I expect some people, no matter where we go, to stare or whisper, to flat out not like it. But I don't expect much harassment, much less violence. But maybe I'm just being too naive and hopeful? What do you all say? Thanks for your time!

[MovingOver2]

Hey Wildfox, I can't imagine a week-long trip to the mtns with your Hispanic bf being dangerous, as far as the locals getting violent. Seriously, that -does- sound loopy!! :-) You just don't hear of any lynchings these days, or even hate crimes due to race. You'll stand out for sure, but it sounds like that's something you're expecting.

If you move to WNC, I have no idea what that would be like. It wouldn't be a problem in Asheville anyways, especially West Asheville. Finding employment anywhere in the mountains would be the biggest hurdle, imo.

I hope you guys come for a visit & have a fantastic time!!!

[motordavid]

Not a Sociology major, but even here in Waynesville/Haywood County, vs Asheville, I doubt you would have any problem...very non-confrontational people(s), in western NC, in my experience. People that 'vary' may get a glance, but the possibility of someone getting in your faces is slim to none, imo.
GL, mD

[theoldnorthstate]

most people don't care. stinkers everywhere but most mountain folks live their own lives.

[Fogbubble]

I think you're probably safer here in the mountains, surrounded by tourists and granola types, than just about anywhere else.

[noctiluca]

It's generally true that this is a live-and-let-live area, but my neighbor's kids are of mixed race and her son got death threats from the father of a girl he started to date. There are yahoos everywhere.